Haehnle Sanctuary Crane Count 11/10/2025 By Don Henise

Winter made its first venture into southern Michigan over the weekend. For the Monday evening crane count, temps were in the upper 20s and winds were blowing from the northwest making for a cold brisk count.

(Steve Jerant)

Though the counters had frozen toes and fingers by the time the count ended, the weather didn’t deter the cranes with 1,482 counted flying into the sanctuary to roost for the night. However, except for ducks and blackbirds, which were both abundant in the marsh, there were relatively few other birds seen during the count.

Dabbling duck species observed were Gadwall, American Wigeon, Mallards, American Black Ducks, Green-winged Teal and our season first Northern Pintails and Northern Shovelers.

The full eBird checklist is linked below.

Total Cranes Roosting: 1,482

Counters: Ross Green, Steve Jerant, Don Henise

Compiled by: Don Henise

Complete eBird checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S283937986