Day 348
While busy dealing with chickens every day, we haven’t forgotten about our other feathered friends. We’re not named Craneview on Plainview for nothing. We are all bird loving craniacs who enjoy learning about and observing these amazing birds. In fact one of our favorite destinations is the International Crane Foundation in Baraboo. However, when we aren't making our way to that wonderful place, we are looking for cranes wherever we go.
We usually don’t have to look far.
Seeing the first cranes migrating back from their winter grounds is a wonderful way to prepare for spring. Cranes are especially fond of wetlands. With the restoration work we have already done, our wetland is slowly becoming what it is supposed to be, full of native plants and occasionally full of water. Sandhill cranes are the more common local crane. In fact, some have found them such a nuisance that there is a movement to create a sandhill rams hunting season. I am not an expert, but I think one reason these attempts have failed thus far is because of the other crane that calls Wisconsin home. The endangered whooping crane is often migrating with the sandhills and a hunting season might negatively impact this beautiful bird's historic comeback.
Even though we don't usually have to go too far to see sandhill cranes, we enjoy finding cranes everywhere we go.
On the way to the grocery story. Crane watch.
On road trips. Crane watch.
Driving to and from Kwik Trip.
Coming back from a hike or playground.
Practically every time we are in the car. Crane watch.
I’m even fortunate to have a front row seat when I see them walking behind my school.
Our kids are becoming craniacs right with us. Their excitement at seeing cranes in a field never gets old. They can sometimes get overly competitive in their crane counting, but I am ok with it. If we’re out and about, we will be looking for cranes. Speaking of crane counting, we've even been able to participate in the Great Midwest Crane Count right from our farm the last few years.
We’ll be crane watching for many, many years. Feel free to join us.
