Sandhill Cranes Born At Fermilab In Batavia

BATAVIA, IL — Baby sandhill cranes have been born at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory in Batavia.

Fermilab staff shared photos of the orange birds Saturday evening on Facebook, announcing they've made their appearance on the grounds of the particle physics and accelerator laboratory in Batavia.

Known as colts, the baby birds have strong legs and begin running shortly after they hatch. They also make purring noises to communicate with their parents, according to Fermilab staff.

Unfortunately, visitors likely won't spot the sandhill cranes since they're in an area not accessible to the public, staff said.

In addition to its science work, Fermilab is also known as the home of a herd of bison, with new calves being born each spring. The lab welcomed its newest calf on April 21.

Visitors can walk the property's several miles of trails through prairie and woodlands in hopes of spotting the animals. The lab also operates a virtual bison cam.

Fermilab is open daily from dusk to dawn.