Local

Sandhill crane in Melbourne dies

MELBOURNE, Fla. — An injured sandhill crane that Florida Fish and Wildlife officials tried to rehabilitate following a leg injury, has died.

A pair of the birds had built a nest near the corner of NASA Boulevard and Evans Road, and even though the nest was moved, the cranes wouldn’t leave the area.

They could be spotted pecking on cars while trying to cross the street.

Drivers said they would try to avoid the cranes or shoo them away.

The female crane had an injured leg, and when Florida Fish and Wildlife officials tried to catch the bird Saturday morning, it flew off and eventually fell, possibly hitting a power line.

Previous Story: Cranes disrupt traffic, peck at cars in Melbourne