Va Birders,
I decided to make a mad dash for the Sandhill Crane yesterday (Weds)
evening. I arrived at the spot (after getting lost for 20 minutes or
so!) around 8:10. I scanned the area with my scope and saw no wading
birds at all. Not even any Great Blues. I scanned the surrounding
fields for about 10 minutes and still didn't see the crane. When I
looked back at the green grassy area surrounding the pond though, I saw
a Great Blue Heron. Encouraged, I scoped it to make sure and it was
indeed a Great Blue and then I started scanning the grassy area again.
There was the crane looking a bit bedraggled. I watched it in my scope
for only a few minutes before it walked behind a big hill covered with
vegetation and I did not see it again. Short look but very satisfying.
I guess the Great Blue and the crane flew in while my attention was
diverted scanning the fields.
As for getting lost. I mis-interpreted Allen's directions a bit and got
confused but finally figured it out. While I was in my confused state I
accidentally discovered a shorter route to the bird if you don't mind
taking a gravel road for part of the way. You can turn right onto Rt.
707 directly off of Rt. 708. 707 is gravel here. Follow it until you
come to a black top. Turn left at the black top and follow it until you
see a sign for a right turn back onto Rt. 707. Take that right and then
you will come to the intersection of 707 and 705 shortly. Turn right
there and proceed to the white house at the top of the hill. The pond
is on the right. This will take 5-10 minutes off the drive which might
be important if you are racing daylight as I was!
Good luck to all who go in search of this bird and enjoy the countryside
while you are down there. It's quite beautiful with the green hills and
sheep everywhere.
Sue
--
Susan Heath
Fairfax County
Centreville, VA
sheath@xxxxxxxxx
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