April 30, 2017
While travelling to Johnson City yesterday (April 29), I saw a Sandhill Crane
circling at the intersection of Highway 11-E and Washington College Station
Road. The sighting occurred at around noon and lasted about a minute or so. I
was able to view the bird well from below and briefly from above as it banked
in flight. When I last saw it, it appeared to be headed southward, possibly
toward Limestone or the Nolichucky River.
I have a few personal records for Sandhill Crane in spring but none for late
April. Notable late records for Sandhill Crane for the region include reports
by Leslie Gibbens and Michael Sledjeski for a bird at Rankin Bottoms on May 4
and 7, 2009.
Don Miller
Greeneville, Greene Co., TN
