Lookin' Good at 40

The 40th Annual Midwest Crane Count is in the books, and what a beautiful count it was. Weather dry and above 50 degrees at start of count. (though wind did pick up considerably around 7:00 a.m.)

I used to think I'd never want to give up Site 51 at Retzer Nature Center. It was my first, and only, site for probably nine years. I knew it wasn't the most productive site, and there were years I neither saw nor heard any cranes, but for the most part the entire site was public land and I had permission to roam there.

I've had new sites every count since taking over the County Coordinator position three years ago. The first year I got skunked and will never count there again. Last year was much better, and I would love to return to the Scuppernong Springs area again with it's nature trails, springs and boardwalks.

This year was the first time I tried counting more than one site. The couple counting this area moved out of state last year, and actually covered three sites between them. I'll admit it was a challenge to cover these two large areas and I'll think twice about doing that again. By far the more productive and accessible site is #24, covering the north half of Golden Lake straight west of here just inside the county border. I've known about Golden Lake since I was a tike, but never drove around it or knew much about it. As it turns out only one side is developed, while the opposite shore is marshy swampland surrounded by cornfields. Perfect for cranes.

While I felt I had a fairly good vantage point, because cranes can be heard for great distances on calm days it was easy for me to lose count on the ones I didn't see. A second set of ears would be helpful in the future, but this year I just guess-timated.

I didn't get a lot of video footage, but enough to assemble a two-minute video. You'll briefly hear a loon, as well as some cranes, but not the peacock I wish I would've recorded. Pretty sure I heard one at a neighboring farm, but it was after 7:30 so I couldn't count it.






 
                                                                                                                                                                  I'd also like to share some lovely photos taken by Kathy, our counter for Site #1.

We had nine counters gather at Deb's Diner after the count. It wasn't a huge gathering, but sharing stories among those with a common interest is always fun, especially after a long winter. One of those stories came from a counter who had counted on the wrong weekend, suffering through bitter cold, but doing better as far as the number of species.

The Waukesha County Crane Count was blessed to welcome several new counters this year - at least one of whom attempted more than one site on their first time out. As Coordinator I receive a lot of email and just wanted to share some of what's been shared with me:

Thank you for this opportunity-I had such a wonderful time-I will do this again. Yes, I did fall for the area-I met wonderful people-and will be dropping off a small token of appreciation to help keep the door open for the future.
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 I will send the data sheet but I just wanted to say how much fun I had. I was close at 7:28 but am pretty sure the bird was a heron with the s curve in the neck. I hope to be a more experienced  watcher next year.
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Thanks for organizing this... Since I last visited this area, much of it has gone from a sod farm to a wetland. It is most excellent and I recommend for anyone to visit at sunrise in the spring.
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The photo with the pair in the golden reeds were the most amazing to watch (above photo)--he had just thrown some grass into the air. It was nice to see you at breakfast and I thank you again for coordinating Waukesha County--you do a great job! Have a great summer!  
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 I will be returning to my site (#5?) in Vernon Marsh on the 18th. I so love watching the wetland wake up!
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Happy Spring, (sort of – it is 15 here in Eagle this morning)  We have site 13 and always want to keep this site....  lots of cranes are flying in...  
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I'm very excited about tomorrow.  Got permission from a private party that owns 80 acres most of it marsh to be on property. I can't make breakfast.  :(            Happy birding. 
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And finally, this isn't an email I received, but just wanted to mention how fortunate I am to know and volunteer with such a great, dedicated group of citizens. Happy Earth Day!