Post by Decatur on Oct 24, 2006 14:13:53 GMT -5
Jasper-Pulaski FWA sandhill spectacle nears peak
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Jasper-Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Area reports nearly 10,000 sandhill crane are
now roosting on the property in northwest Indiana.
The Jasper-Pulaski marshes are the largest resting place in the nation for these
huge, noisy birds during their fall migration from the upper Midwest and
southern Canada to Georgia and Florida.
Large flocks of sandhills can be seen at Jasper-Pulaski FWA beginning in
October. The J-P crane population peaks at around 15,000 to 20,000 birds in
mid-November and the sandhills normally resume their journey south in December.
Sandhill cranes also are often spotted during the fall months flying south over
Indiana in high-flying V's or circles.
The best place and times to view the cranes at Jasper-Pulaski FWA is from a
handicapped-accessible observation tower next to an area known as Goose Pasture
around sunrise and before sunset.
At sunrise, the cranes leave resting marshes in gigantic, noisy flocks and
gather in Goose Pasture to mingle and gab loudly for awhile before ascending on
7-foot wingspans for short flights to feeding areas.
During the day, cranes can be seen in nearby harvested farm fields and marshes.
The cranes return to Goose Pasture about one-half hour before sunset to
socialize before flying to roosting marshes.
J-P FWA crane weekly migration count updates, crane photos and video, J-P FWA
maps, sandhill photography tips, and sound recordings of sandhill cranes:
www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/publications/scranes.htm
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Jasper-Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Area reports nearly 10,000 sandhill crane are
now roosting on the property in northwest Indiana.
The Jasper-Pulaski marshes are the largest resting place in the nation for these
huge, noisy birds during their fall migration from the upper Midwest and
southern Canada to Georgia and Florida.
Large flocks of sandhills can be seen at Jasper-Pulaski FWA beginning in
October. The J-P crane population peaks at around 15,000 to 20,000 birds in
mid-November and the sandhills normally resume their journey south in December.
Sandhill cranes also are often spotted during the fall months flying south over
Indiana in high-flying V's or circles.
The best place and times to view the cranes at Jasper-Pulaski FWA is from a
handicapped-accessible observation tower next to an area known as Goose Pasture
around sunrise and before sunset.
At sunrise, the cranes leave resting marshes in gigantic, noisy flocks and
gather in Goose Pasture to mingle and gab loudly for awhile before ascending on
7-foot wingspans for short flights to feeding areas.
During the day, cranes can be seen in nearby harvested farm fields and marshes.
The cranes return to Goose Pasture about one-half hour before sunset to
socialize before flying to roosting marshes.
J-P FWA crane weekly migration count updates, crane photos and video, J-P FWA
maps, sandhill photography tips, and sound recordings of sandhill cranes:
www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/publications/scranes.htm