I took advantage of a mild weather forecast to escape to the Vancouver Lake Lowlands, where we have encountered Sandhill Cranes for the past three years. The Columbia Land Trust created an over-wintering habitat in this area, and combined with the other nearby habitats (Sauvie Island, Ridgefield NWR), it seems the cranes are feeling welcome. There are even some staying and nesting in this area; most migrate to southern sites.

This is the earliest we’ve seen groups of Sandhill Cranes, with all of our prior visits happening in January or February. (Turns out it’s much more fun with the temperature in the mid-50s and sunny than with temperatures in the 30s and raining.) There were probably 100 at a time in the grazing area, with a lot of coming and going. They are beautiful creatures, with angular bodies, alternating between graceful and very much not, and making a collective sound that is unforgettable.

Links to other blogs about visits to the Vancouver Lake Lowlands can be found on the Locations page.