I volunteer at several different National Wildlife Refuges. One is dedicated to the preservation of the Missisippi Sandhill Crane, a critically endangered subspecies of sandhill crane.
Use this pattern to create a 4 inch tall sandhill crane display piece. It is constructed in 6 pieces and sewed together, thus not very suitable for young children or for rough play.
The body of the crane is formed around a ping pong ball, but you could use stuffing for a softer piece.

Materials and supplies:
Worsted weight yarn (scraps of each - less than 25 yards):
Gray (body, wings and tail)
Red (head)
White (cheeks)
Black (beak and legs)

• Ping pong ball or stuffing (poly, cotton, scraps, etc.) to make a ball
• Black pipe cleaner to stiffen neck and beak (optional)
• A tiny bit of stuffing (use polyester stuffing, cotton or yarn scraps)
• Size US 2 – 2.5 (or size needed to make gauge) – 4 DPNs or one circular for Magic Loop, or knit on two circulars
• Tapestry needle