Sunday, November 27, 2005

En Route

Most of the sandhill cranes in easern North America pass through the Jasper-Pulaski Wildlife Refuge in northern Indiana on their fall and spring journeys. There are probably 10-12,000 cranes in northern Indiana right now, although to see them en masse you have to be at the right place (J-P) at the right time (sunrise and sunset), which we weren't. Nevertheless, we saw several hundred in mid-afternoon yesterday. And we were treated to a view of a large herd of deer, a flock of wild turkeys, and four coyotes, all mingling in the fields far beyond the cranes. 

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PS: Don't these birds just look like they're searching for a convenient ATM?

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

A Citizens or BoA ATM, perhaps?  

Anonymous said...

What a great picture.  

Anonymous said...

Fantastic picture.

Jackie

Anonymous said...

It is bird season here in Florida too.  I've never considered myself one of the dedicated "birdwatchers", but they sure were fun to watch this weekend.

Jessica
http://jessicawaters.com/QuickSilverDreams/?p=8

Anonymous said...

I know the commercial doesn't use a crane, but I have the sudden urge to yell "Aflack!"

Hehehe

Ari

Anonymous said...

We had a "crane experience" yesterday,too.  Many of the birds winter on Sauvie Island and surrounding areas.  Had several fly low over our heads yesterday as we walked along the dike next to Multnomah Channel, doing their little "tootling" call...  Also watched a Northern Harrier hunting in a field, saw several cormorants sunning on old pilings, and saw what we think was an immature bald eagle fly over...huge bird, flat wingspan, but no white head or tail.  It was a lovely walk!  Lisa  :-]  

Anonymous said...

holy toledo....... they sure do!!!! And maybe some quiznos and a good date with another bird:):):)
judi

Anonymous said...

Am I crazy or are the banners gone?