Bob, as usual, gives some great pointers.  I add that the "old-timers'" 
name for Snow Geese is Wavies--after their flight formation.

I do have to take exception, though, to Bob's onomatopaeic rendition of 
the Sandhills' calls.  Kruck? Bob, cock that ear a little more.  The 
Sandhills say Grrrrruuuuuuu, Gruuuuuuuu (rolling the r).  It is thought 
that the Latin for the genus: Grus, is onomatopaeic
It is one of the most exhilarating sounds in birddom!  (Just got a fix 
of hearing more than 10,000 down in Oklahoma.
  yesterday).

Edge Wade
Columbia, MO
[log in to unmask]


   On Friday, November 1, 2002, at 10:07 AM, Robert Fisher wrote:

> Cathy asks, Can you ID flocks of migrating birds flying high overhead?
>  
> Yes and no. You can often narrow down the possibilities and/or make a 
> pretty good guess. For example, White Pelicans soar in revolving 
> kettles. If you see a kettle of large white birds, you can be pretty 
> sure they are pelicans. Canada Geese migrate in tight, orderly V's, 
> rarely including more than 40-50 birds in a V. Snowgeese travel in 
> long, wavy lines, which sometimes take the shape of a V, sometimes 
> appear just to be a line. If you see a long, wavy line of sizeable 
> white birds, they're probably Snow Geese. They often have many more 
> birds in them the skeins of Canadas do. Sandhill Cranes almost always 
> call when they migrate. Their deep "Kruck" call can be heard great 
> distances. Sometimes you hear the call, look up and see nothing. You 
> keep looking and finally find a skein of Sandhill Cranes incredibly 
> high up.
>  
>  
> Bob Fisher
> Independence, Missouri
> [log in to unmask]
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Jack & Cathie
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Sent: Friday, November 01, 2002 9:28 AM
> Subject: overhead
>
> Today must be the day to look up: we continue to see large flocks of 
> migratory birds overhead. They are a good distance up and 
> unidentifiable to me. However, do others of you have experience in 
> being able to ID birds when in this situation - or is it a time to just 
> be in awe  of the event? The flocks vary in their coloring, flight 
> habits, etc but didn't know if ID was suppose to be possible. Thanks!
>  
> Cathie Foster
> Flemington, MO
> Polk County
> [log in to unmask]
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