Incoming, Outgoing, Staying

Tis the time of year to enjoy the multitude of migratory species passing through the area. Most of the migrants (birds) are incoming, but some will soon be outgoing.

For incoming birds today I watched the most sandhill cranes I have seen so far this year. People wanting to see and hear sandhill cranes should walk around Marten’s Lake, or at least walk around the south end of Sweet Marsh which will take you past where the cranes have been congregating. Watch for tall birds - some may be gray, some may already be stained tan/orange brown. All will have red heads. Listen too for their distinct call. In flight they will have their necks and feet extended.

For outgoing birds today I photographed a lone horned lark. Normally I do not like to record them on gravel, but since this was likely my last horned lark picture for the year, I had to take what I was presented with.

For resident birds I found this mature bald eagle monitoring the Wapsipinicon River east of Tripoli.