10,000 Sandhill Cranes!

Jasper-Pulaski State Fish and Wildlife Area in Indiana is the temporary home for 1000's of Sandhill Cranes during migration. I try to visit once a year, and this past Saturday didn't disappoint. There were an estimated 10,000 cranes and I believe it. It is quite a spectacle to see and worth every gallon of gas to visit. The cranes feed all around the areas mass agricultural fields during the day, so touring the countryside is a can't miss locating these birds roadside. At sunset, is when the show really begins. Flocks big and small fly in to the expansive park area to rest overnight. The sky erupts with birds flying in from every direction. The sounds are constant, as their raspy calls fill the air.



A cornfield with 100's of Sandhill Cranes feeding.



An overhead flyover



Cranes coming in for a landing at dusk.



Landing gear down




Flight formation



Touchdown at dusk



A sampling of the sky when they are at their peak time flying in for the night



The colorful sky