Haehnle Sanctuary Crane Count 11/18/2024

By Don Henise

The number of Sandhill Cranes using Haehnle Sanctuary’s Mud Lake Marsh bounced back this week. A total of 1,292 cranes were counted landing in the marsh Monday evening to spend the night. Numerous waterfowl continue to use the marsh. See the link to the eBird list below for the full list of waterfowl. At dusk, as Robyn was counting the last few cranes coming into the marsh, she spotted a lone Snow Goose flying in from the northwest. The Snow Goose circled around the marsh for nearly 10 minutes before it finally landed, affording all the observers on the hill a chance to view it in the failing light.

The weather for the afternoon and evening count was again unseasonably warm with temps in the 50s. The sky was overcast, the wind was light, and we did experience some light rain towards the end of the count. Fifty-two bird species were observed including several American Tree Sparrows in the prairie giving their tinkling calls all evening, and a large flock of Cedar Waxwings in the trees to the right of the lookout. Near dusk, a Merlin again made an appearance, chasing the tree sparrows in the prairie.

CarolinaWren(Thryothorus ludovicianus)(Don Henise)

Other than the Merlin, raptor sightings were not remarkable, with only 2 distant Bald Eagle sightings, 2 Northern Harriers working the marsh, and only one Red-tailed Hawk observed. However, Gary reported seeing a light morph Rough-legged Hawk Sunday evening, while greeting at the Sanctuary.

Total Cranes Roosting: 1,292

Counters: Ross Green, Robyn Henise, Gary Siegrist, Don Henise

Compiled by: Don Henise

Complete eBird checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S202956484