Haehnle Sanctuary Crane Count 09/29/2025

By Don Henise

(Don Henise)

After a slight drop in Sandhill Crane numbers last week, we had a small increase for the 3rd week, counting 31 cranes roosting in Mud Lake Marsh for the night. Overall birding was a little slow, but we did have a few highlights before the night was over. One Wilson's Snipe made a pass high over the marsh. A total of 8 Bald Eagles were perched on the trees far to the north, two adults together and 6 immature and sub-adults all in another tree. After skipping last week, two immature Northern Harriers hunted over the marsh and a female American Kestrel made an appearance.

Northern House Wren (Troglodytes aedon) (Don Henise)

A Northern House Wren was hanging around at the apple trees near the lower benches. Late in the evening sparrows became active in the brush to the east of the overlook hill. Field Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, 3 Lincoln's Sparrows, and the season's first White-crowned Sparrow were either seen or heard toward dusk. A link to the full eBird checklist is below.

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

Total Cranes Roosting: 31

Counters: Ross Green, Don Henise

Compiled by: Don Henise

Complete eBird checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S276400661