Visit us now through October 12 to see the Hooping Crane (plate 226) on display in the Audubon case in our Main Library reading room. This crane is the tallest bird in North America - which is illustrated in this print! The birds portrayed in the double-elephant folio are drawn to life-size, so the crane is illustrated as bent over in order to fit on the page. And if you look closely, you can see that its tail feathers extend beyond the margins.
Audubon described the crane as, "Proud of its beautiful form, and prouder still of its power of flight, it stalks over the withering grasses with all the majesty of a gallant chief. With long and measured steps he moves along, his head erect, his eye glistening with delight." You can read his full account here.
