Haehnle Sanctuary Crane Count 10/06/2025 By Don Henise

(Steve Jerant)

Monday, October 6th, brought another day of unseasonably warm weather to Haehnle Sanctuary. Afternoon temps were in the mid 80s. Sandhill Crane numbers increased a bit with 46 cranes coming in to roost in Mud Lake Marsh. With this warm early fall weather, the majority Sandhill Cranes from Ontario and northern Michigan have most likely not made a push south yet.

Northern Harrier (Circus hudsonius) (DonHenise)

Some birding highlights included a small group of somewhat late Chimney Swifts that passed overhead, a Pileated Woodpecker that flew across in front of the overlook hill, our first Rusty Blackbird of the season which was heard calling in one of the many Red-winged Blackbird flocks and a group of 11 Great Egrets that flew in to join the cranes in the marsh at dusk.

Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) (DonHenise)

After the sunset, we were treated to the beautiful sight of the rising Harvest Supermoon and the sound of an Eastern Screech-Owl calling from the woods near the parking area.

Supermoon (DonHenise)

Total Cranes Roosting: 46

Counters: Ross Green, Steve Jerant, Don Henise

Compiled by: Don Henise

Complete eBird checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S277741147

Orange Sulphur (Colias eurytheme) (DonHenise)