Monday 18 January 2016Randolph County, Illinois and Ste. Genevieve County, Missouri4 immature Whooping CraneDrove down to Kaskaskia Island early this morning with Dorothy. We drove to the 3/4 milespot and saw David Beecher with his scope. As we drove up to Dave's car the cranes took offfrom far out in the corn field flying west over us and the dike at 7:20 AM. They were close enoughto us that we were able to identify them. My first for Illinois. We walked up on the dike but wereunable to see them due to the many trees. David left headed south. We then headed further north to thefirst gravel road going to the top of the dike. The road continued on down the other side into a corn field.As everything was very frozen I walked out into the corn field on the farm road to the top of a rise.From there I was able to scope the cranes at 9:00 AM. They were now in Missouri very close toHighway 61 standing in a corn field. My first for Missouri. Only other thing of note before we leftwere two Trumpeter Swans near a farm house on the island seen from the road on the way off theisland . No neck bands that I could see.225 miles round trip but it was worth it. Thanks Pat for letting the birding world know.Dick and Dorothy Palmer340 America StForistell, MO 63348-1163
The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
Archives / Subscription options / ASM Website / Email the list ownersASM Spring Meeting: April 29 - May 1, 2016 at Bunker Hill Retreat near Mountain View, MO Details and Online Registration