Cranefest

At Big Marsh Lake from the Kiwanis Youth Conservation Area, near Bellevue, on 10/22/2005. Hundreds of cranes have already landed in the marsh; some can be seen in this photo (though not well; they're mostly along those broken trees). Michigan Audubon's Cranefest occurs at Big Marsh early every October, but Audubon and Kiwanis open the viewing area on weekends throughout the month.

10/9/2010, during Cranefest at Big Marsh Lake.

One last shot of the cranes, for now, with a reminder that Michigan Audubon's Cranefest occurs on the second weekend in October, at Big Marsh Lake near Bellevue, Michigan. Put it on you calendar; it's wonderful.

Kiwanis Youth Conservation Area, near Bellevue, Michigan.

Please pardon the amateurish (18 second) video. Thanks. Some clues, here, about why we find our way to Michigan Audubon's CraneFest most autumns. All those large birds. All that noise.

Near Bellevue, Michigan.

Some of 'em flew right over our heads.

The viewing area at Kiwanis Youth Conservation Area, looking towards Big Marsh Lake. The Sandhills gather at Big Marsh every evening in the fall, gathering before migrating south. Audubon does a headcount at the lake every November; in 2014 that count was about 9,400 birds . The late October and early November weekend viewings are jointly sponsored by Battle Creek Kiwanis and Michigan Audubon. The viewings are related to, but not a part of, Michigan Audubon's CraneFest, which occurs at the same location in mid-October.

This is what we came to see. As evening falls we watch cranes flying in from all directions. After a few circles around Big Marsh Lake, each flight lands. And another flight joins the fun, circling the lake in its turn.

Overhead. Directly overhead.

Part of Michigan Audubon's Baker Sanctuary, from the Kiwanis Youth Conservation Area. Sandhill Cranes live here; in the autumn there are thousands of 'em. Taken during CraneFest about a decade ago.