Haehnle Sanctuary Crane Count 10/13/2025 By Don Henise

(Steve Jerant)

The number of Sandhill Cranes roosting in Mud Lake Marsh at Haehnle Sanctuary more than doubled over last week, with 104 cranes counted on Monday evening.

Sandhill Crane (Antigone canadensis(Don Henise)

One highlight of the evening was the sight of a Sharp-shinned Hawk being chased by one of the regular immature Northern Harriers.

Northern Harrier (Circus hudsonius)(Don Henise)

Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus)(Don Henise)

A Yellow-bellied Sapsucker made a brief visit to the tree right above the kiosk at the overlook. Earlier in the evening, two adult Bald Eagles made a low pass over the lookout hill. Waterfowl variety is increasing out in the marsh as the fall progresses. Most are distant and need a scope to ID. See the eBird checklist linked below for the complete list. Once again a group of Great Egrets, 18 this week, dropped into the marsh at dusk.

 

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius)(Don Henise)

Total Cranes Roosting: 104

Counters: Ross Green, Steve Jerant, Gary Siegrist, Robyn Henise, Don Henise

Compiled by: Don Henise

Complete eBird checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S279254499

Autumn Meadowhawk (Sympetrum vicinum)(Don Henise)