November 27 Sandhill Cranes

While walking the dogs at Sweet Woods we heard sandhill cranes flying overhead. It was the first time this fall that Christy or I had heard them. So we decided to drive down to Jasper Pulaski Fish & Wildlife Area near Medaryville, Indiana. This area is a stopover on their migration south. The cranes socialize in the Goose Pasture pictured above. They roost in the marshes at Jasper Pulaski and spend the daylight hours feeding in the surrounding farm fields. We arrived in late afternoon and witnessed thousands of sandhill cranes returning to the Goose Pasture at sunset. The count posted online this week is over 14,000 cranes. We probably saw several thousand return during the 2 hours we spent here. The public is limited to the viewing stand at the Goose Pasture. It gives you a great view and the sound of all those sandhill cranes socializing is incredible to hear.

These cranes walked across the field toward to marshes to our north. This group came the closest to us on the ground.

The greater sandhill cranes which I believe migrate here have a wingspan of 6-7 feet. They are amazing to watch. When they land they drop their landing gear (legs) and float to the ground. This usually happens in large groups and they prefer to land in the middle of the flock not on the outskirts where there is more room.

Several flew right over us, of course it is very risky looking up with several hundred huge birds flying overhead but what can I say I'm a risk taker. Whatever I must endure to get a good photo.

As the sun set, huge flocks began to land in front of us...

...and the horizon was filled with black dots that got larger as they approached.

These outcasts landed in the field to the south of us away from the main group.

The temperatures dropped with the sun but the sandhill cranes just kept landing as we walked back to the car to warm up. If you live in this area you really should see this at least once in your life. An incredible way to spend a chilly fall afternoon.