Wednesday I spent the day in the Cecilia area. During the day there were
Sandhill Cranes located at the far side of Dranes Lake on Long Grove
Rd/1764. There were small groups of birds near the Cecilia Volunteer Fire
Station on Hardinsburg Rd/86 and scattered in near-by fields.
From 4 pm - 5 pm thousands of Sandhills flew in from all directions and
gathered in the fields surrounding the Fire Station. About 5:15 many took
flight and dispersed in all directions. I estimate 4000-5000 Sandhill
Cranes were in the area. It is a not-to-be-missed sight and sound
experience!
Last year I did see many very close to the roads or Fire Station parking
lot however this year most were located a short distance away. Binoculars
and spotting scopes are highly recommended. If you are very lucky you might
see a bird leaping and dancing as it tosses a clod of dirt or corn cob in
the air.
The 2 Bald Eagles were at Greer Lake on the right side of Long Grove just
before Dranes Lake.
The Red-tailed Hawk (Krider's or similar form) was at the intersection of
Nacke Pike and Crossroads/1764 in Stephensburg near the Methodist Church,
Railroad tracks and ponds.
If you can't make the trip or want to have a better idea what you might see
here are photos from Wednesday's trip.
http://tinanauman.zenfolio.com/p407927841
And here is another teaser, with closer photos of the Sandhills, from last
year.
http://tinanauman.zenfolio.com/p471239896
Tina Nauman
Lexington, KY
