ML645824193

Observation details

Arrived at stakeout location about 13:30. No other parties present and no obvious cranes near the road so stepped out of vehicle only with bins and began to scan harvested corn field east of the county road. Initially no cranes were present but at ~13:40 SACR calls were heard and then a small flock of 6 cranes flying low at ~0.25 miles over the feed lot were observed flying N to S. They passed the feedlot barns and then turned back to the north, passing at about 250 yards. Flying in line formation the fifth bird was very distinct, white/black wing contrast, especially on the upper panel, much more pronounced than on the accompanying SACR with more black on wing tips and distinctly black trailing edge. (Note to self, do not leave car without camera.) Wing stroke was also different although difficult to describe, maybe not quite as deep? They eventually landed at ~200 yards and slowly worked their way toward the observation point until a large, noisy cement truck drove by and they reversed course back toward the feedlot. Many pics on the ground. a few included here.