FreeLists / bristol-birds / [Bristol-Birds] Sandhill Cranes

[RonEHarrin@xxxxxxx]

Hi Bristol Birders:
Joan and I made our first trip to the Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge on Friday, 
January 30.
Arriving about an hour before dusk, we were treated to a grand show, only 
rivaled in my experience by a large kettle of Broad-winged hawks on Clinch 
Mountain in September. The sky was literally filled with cranes, and all of 
them 
seemed to be calling at once--a rattling GAR-OO-OO, which, as it reverberated 
across the surrounding water and fields, added a special, somewhat haunting, 
dimension to the experience. Awesome!

The next morning we arrived around 10:00 a.m., and there were even more 
cranes than before, most standing around in the shallow water or surrounding 
fields. It was a bitter cold morning, which may have delayed their departure 
for 
their feeding grounds. 
According to the TWRA, approximately 10,000 birds winter there, but the 
numbers may be as high as 25,000 to 30,000 during migration. I certainly 
couldn't 
argue with these numbers. The best times of day to see the birds are at dawn 
and dusk. Bring along warm clothing and hot drinks, it can get mighty cold at 
the viewing area.

We didn't see Whooping Cranes, but did spot a mature American Bald Eagle. 
There were lots of ducks, Great-blue Herons; and thousands of crows, the latter 
apparently lured by corn planted in the nearby fields for the cranes.

If you haven't taken in this birding experience, please take the time to do 
so at least once in your lifetime. The viewing area is easy to find. Take Exit 
27, I-75 S (Cleveland, TN). Turn right and following the four lane road until 
it intersects with TN Rte 60. Turn right on 60 and follow until you come to 
Birchwood School. After the school, stay on 60 just a mile or so more until you 
see a sign on the right for the Hiwassee Refuge. Follow the signs to the 
viewing area. For more information, call the Meigs County Tourism office at 
423-334-5850, or visit www.southeasttennessee.com.

May all your birds be wild ones.

Ron Harrington
Bristol, VA


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Bird Club, Bristol Bird Club, Clinch Valley Bird Club
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