I was on the golf course when the previously-mentioned flocks of Sandhill
Cranes started streaming over at around noon. All were clearly visible,
some were quite low, and, of course, there was no missing that gorgeous
sound. At one point a group of around fifty "stalled" quite low almost
directly over my foursome and starting circling as they caught a thermal.
Since being anywhere near Sandhills is one of my favorite birding
experiences, I had a huge silly grin plastered on my face the entire time.
But even better was the fact that the others in my group couldn't help but
be mesmerized, too, and they were all very excited and interested. They
wanted to know where the cranes came from and where they were going, why
some got all confused and started flying in circles, and why they fly in V
formations. It was gratifying to see women who are generally not at all
interested in things in nature react with awe and curiosity.
Kay Carter
Canby
