A trip for the birds

Hi everyone. Thanks to Cindy for sharing this information. On Oct. 23 and 30 (both Sundays) there will be a bus trip to Jasper Pulaski Wildlife area to view the Sandhill Cranes. The fee for this is 7.00 per person, and the deadline to register is Oct. 17th. The bus will leave Bendix Woods at 3 pm and return home about 8:30, so people can view the evening influx of birds as they prepare to roost for the night. If my memory is correct, the autumn migration is larger than the spring one. JP has a very large viewing platform and informational stations that describe the birds' behaviour and natural history.
Sandhill Cranes were once nearly extinct, and their resurgence is one of the success stories of modern conservation. In our civilized lives we don't often get to witness mass migration. This is one of the few chances to actually view a large population of animals engaging in this most ancient of rituals. Other parts of the country have bison, salmon and elk populations that move in large groups over land or water, but here in the midwest our migratory species often go unnoticed. Seeing these majestic birds swinging across the darkening sky as they come in to their staging area for the night is an unforgettable sight.
The weather at that time will most likely be cold and may be less than fabulous, so dress appropriately. The parking lot is paved and easily accessible to the platform, so you most likely won't need boots, but you will be up fairly high in the air, so dress for the wind if its breezy. Since we will be out at dinnertime, bring a sack meal with you.
Dewayne, Cindy, Rob and I and maybe a few other folks are going to go--when I know which date I will post it here. If you want to register, call 574-654-3155.