Haehnle Sanctuary Crane Count 10/09/2023 by Don Henise

There was quite a contrast in the weather from last week to this one. No one was in shorts or shirt sleeves tonight. A brisk wind blowing with temps in the low 50s at the start and dropping into the 40s by sunset.  Of course, there were no mosquitoes to contend with either.

(Steve Jerant)

Tonight's highlights were raptors. A pair of adult Bald Eagles were harassing the waterfowl out in Mud Lake. A stunning silver male Northern Harrier appeared late in the evening adding to the couple of immature harriers that had been working the marsh all afternoon. Several Sharp-shinned Hawks flew over the lookout throughout the count.

Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus) (Don Henise)

Ducks flushed by the eagles included Blue-winged Teal, American Wigeon and several American Black Ducks. Earlier in the afternoon an Eastern Meadowlark sat atop one of the apple trees near the lower benches for a while and a lone Purple Finch made a brief appearance. Sandhill Crane numbers continued to be lackluster with only 10 remaining in the marsh at sunset.

Eastern Meadowlark (Sturnella magna) (Don Henise)

Counters: Steve Jerant, Gary Siegrist, Robyn Henise, Ross Green

Compiler: Don Henise

eBird Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S151840723

Total Cranes Roosting - 10