On Saturday, November 14, 6 birders participated in the ABAS field trip to Jasper-Pulaski FWA to view Sandhill Cranes. Jasper Pulaski hosts the largest concentration east of the Mississippi River. The temperature was cool and the skies were overcast but the rain held off. We heard the loud, trumpeting sound of thousands of cranes as they flew into the field to socialize before roosting for the night. Also in view were several Wild Turkeys and at least two dozen White-tailed Deer. The highlight for the outing came when a hunter in the far woods shot his gun and all the cranes took to the air in mass hysteria. They settled back down in the field after several minutes. As sunset came the group called it an end to an enjoyable afternoon afield.
Photo courtesy of Chuck Anderson.