Haehnle Sanctuary Crane Count 10/23/2023
by Don Henise

Sandhill Cranes came into Mud Lake Marsh at Haehnle Sanctuary tonight but in slightly smaller numbers than last week. A count of 77 cranes came in for the night.

(Don Henise)

The trees surrounding the marsh were showing nice color which was especially striking as the sun lowered behind us. A total of 44 bird species were recorded during our count. While scoping the marsh for waterfowl, Ross had a Northern Shrike fly through his view. It landed at the top of the tall maples to the right of the overlook giving us all a nice scope view before it flew off again.  A Red-shouldered Hawk, 2 Adult Bale Eagles, several Northern Harriers and a Merlin were the raptor highlights of the evening. A variety of waterfowl continue to be observed out in Mud Lake.

White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys) (Don Henise)

Complete eBird checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S152941567

Total Cranes Roosting: 77
Counters: Robyn Henise, Gary Siegrist, Ross Green
Compiled by: Don Henise