So what does one do when they find their target bird in Des Moines, Iowa with time to spare? Drive six hours west to Kearney, Nebraska….the Sandhill Crane capital – one of the oldest and largest migrations in the world. More than 600,000 of these majestic birds, 80% of the world’s crane population, congregate along an 80 mile stretch of the Platte River in March, to fatten up on waste grain in the empty cornfields in preparation for the journey to their Arctic breeding grounds. What are the chances I was going to find the ONE Common Crane (code 4), a Eurasian species, which was reported here two days ago?
The below video taken this morning gives you an idea of the masses of Sandhills frequenting the area, as well as the minuscule chances I had of locating the wayward Common Crane. My message at the end of the video is for my granddaughter, nicknamed “Schmooookie”:)
But with the assistance of my new birding friend Dave Cunningham whom I met earlier today, my chances were greatly improved. Dave was connected to a couple of hot-shot Nebraskan birders (Doug and Bonnie). Despite the odds, Doug was able to locate the bird in a farmer’s field this afternoon amongst thousands of similarly-sized Sandhills. Doug alerted Dave who called me.
Upon arriving at THE spot, the others let me have scope views. I could identify the bird, barely. But what about a photo for this blog? My digiscoping skills are marginal. Non-existent actually. I have been in this position before. I suggested that they keep an eye on the bird while I try to meet the landowner and garner permission to walk in his fields for a better view and photograph.
Wyatt turned out to be a lovely fellow. I called Dave and five minutes later the gang descended on Wyatt’s property. Wyatt’s eight year old son Lucas led the way on his ATV to a much closer viewing spot.
The black face and neck are the Common Crane’s distinguishing field marks. Lifer #790! THANK YOU to my new Nebraskan birding buddies. I think I’ll have a beer.
birdtalesblog 
A well earned beer, George! Code 4! Huge congrats…..
Thanks Joe!
The video is fantastic —
Crazy scene, glad I thought to video it
I think you’re good for at least two beers. I’ll buy. I just heard about the Common Crane sightings on the ABA podcast this afternoon. So cool! Congrats!!
I need to listen to podcast. Thanks Joe
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2 lifers in less than 24 hours when you already have 788, quite an impressive achievement! Congratulations George!
Thanks Chris. Exactly! Pinching myself:)
Congratulations George! What a spectacular couple of days you’ve had. Loved the video.
Thanks Jess. Very satisfying. Happy spring migration!
George… I’m impressed with Your tenacity, joy in birding, and ingenuity. TY for sharing
Thanks Norm! So fun…appreciate you checking in.
George
Thx for sharing. It’s a cool site and sound. I witnessed a smaller version near Beaver Oklahoma awhile back. One might wonder what took me there-quail shtg by horseback! Boles
Boles! Great to read you. Didn’t know you read blog. Thks for responding. Changing topics…PT is now my neighbor. Stay well! G
Can’t believe you (or Doug) found that bird in the crowd!
Doug is a (birding) stud:)
Thanks, as ever, so much for sharing George. Brought back great memories when the Wilson society had its annual meeting in Kearney, now more than a few years ago. What I recall vividly was a sign as you exited the I-80 that read something like Kearney, Nebraska 1167 miles from New York to Kearney and 1167 miles from Kearney to San Francisco; talk about being in the midwest and exactly in the middle of the country. The society met about this time of the year when you visited, and the cranes were spectacular, as were the Snow Geese, but as a special sighting for me I remember the terrific look I enjoyed of a Harlan’s Red-tail. Always enjoy your posts, and recall you, also, as a new friend when we met at a modest gathering in a Philadelphia suburb. My continued best to you, your family, and all those you all care about, Dan (D. Klem, Jr., the bird-window guy)
Dan! Of course I remember you. Flattered you read and commented. Way way back we did a Xmas bird count with my great friend Jay Pitocchelli. More recently, Mandy Slattery gathered us in Ardmore, Pa. Your work is soooo important and thankfully gathering more momentum every day. THANK YOU! Stay well. GCW
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Some of the birds were in H 75. I read about them.
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HI DREW, OFF TO KW TOMORROW. A RARE BIRD IN TROPICAL GARDEN. YOU DOWN THERE? BEST FROM OMAHA. GCW’75
Congratulations on #790. Great to have such an upbeat message ! Looking forward to hearing about your next 10.
THANKS SCOTT! HOPE YOU’RE DOING WELL. GCW’75
George,
Your adventures always bring a big smile to my face. Thank you so much for sharing these tales with us!!!
Rock
Thank YOU Captain! Hope you’re well. G