ML647088479

Observation details

Ou final count was approximately 17,000 cranes – this was probably an underestimate as birds were initially counted in 10s then 100s, but as multiple vees and swirling groups passed over it became more difficult to count them all. Many groups were also heard calling but not seen so these weren't included in the final count. Sandhills began going over at 10:50 a.m. and were last heard at 12:15 p.m. All were flying SSE and passed west and east of the house as well as directly overhead. The high-pitched chirping calls of young birds could be heard intermixed with the constant calling of adults. The majority of groups were flying extremely high and hard to see against the blue sky, although visible as they banked to kettle. Two Ring-billed Gulls and a Common Loon were also observed flying above the Sandhills.