After the Count

Saturday's weather was just gorgeous for the count. Temps around 44 for the start and skies clear. There was a nice sunrise followed later by clouds. Many counters met again for breakfast at Deb's in Dousman and by the time the last one left a light rain was falling.

Counts seemed to be down from last year, which could be due to any number of things, but at least I saw and heard more than last year, so I'm happy.

I counted site 143 which conveniently happened to be a state park with trails running through it. That site has everything: low, marshy expanse; hilly, sandy, wooded area; springs; ruins of an old marl plant. (I still have to look up what marl is)  The low, wet area is perfect crane habitat and I did see and hear a few, along with much other wildlife.

I was too far away from my cranes for good photos, but Francie said I could again share hers. She not only has great luck seeing cranes and photographing them, but she and a friend covered three sites! We're sure going to miss her when she moves to South Carolina, but do wish her the best of luck.

12 days and "counting"

The next Midwest Crane Count is but 12 days away, this year Saturday, April 12th. It's been a too long, too cold winter, so this will be an excellent chance to say goodbye and good riddance to it. We've had a couple days approaching 60 degrees, and the 12th is sure to be cold, but I'm ready. I'm so ready for winter to be over and spring to get here.

I've heard migrating cranes overhead for a week or two now. Even though there's residual snow yet on the ground this is a good start to thoughts of warmth to come.

Many of last year's counters are returning for another year, for which I'm extremely appreciative. Last year's Waukesha County results were released this month. Happy to report 334 cranes were counted at 29 sites! A proud accomplishment in my first year as coordinator, and huge improvement over 2012! Thank you very much to everyone who volunteered.

If you are interested in seeing what the count is all about or in helping shoot me an email at: howlinblog@yahoo.com, or visit the International Crane Foundation's crane count page: http://www.savingcranes.org/annual-midwest-crane-count.html