Sunday morning we heard the elusive call of 8 Cranes outside of the acclimation pen. A great way to start the day.
We were leisurely watching for an Eaglet head to pop up at the G15 nest, when we got a call about an injured Crane. Lauren, Hefan, and I, got the Crane in a crate and brought him to HQ. Scott and Hefan took him to Audubon for veterinary care. It sure did break all our hearts.
We went back to the South Gautier Unit to check on the Eagle nest. When we entered the unit, 4 Immature Eagles and 5 Cranes were at the Firetower Pond. The Cranes were watching the Eagles as they flew above the pond calling. They looked like they enjoyed the show as much as we did.
One of the Eagles did a somersault with a stick. We are not sure if it just got his talon caught while flying or if it was intentional. Either way, it was very amusing to watch.
When we got to the nest, an Immature Eagle landed in a nearby tree in the savanna. The parent Eagle was not happy, calling and watching it.
We on the other hand, were very happy when we saw not one, but two Eaglet heads.
We watched the Eagle feeding herself and her youngsters until Daddy came in with a fish. Mom was off in a flash, leaving him to the nesting duties.
The excitement continued at the North Gautier Unit. There were over 20 Cranes flying, landing, and calling. The Circus of Cranes continues.
On a very sad note, Truffle, the injured Crane, was unable to succumb from his injuries. He leaves behind his mate Milhouse, his 2021 twins, numerous other fledglings from years past, and a bunch of sad humans. R.I.P. Truffle.
Lauren went chasing the sunrise while I slept in on this beautiful Monday morning.
We got a lot of walking in today. We walked the Dees Trail and Crane Lane. The walking continued at Camp Crane, pushing the Billy Goat blowing off the leaves.
We heard a commotion going on this afternoon, and found Quick Sand on top of the acclimation pen. His 4 cohorts were watching him. He had both legs through the net and was sprawled out on top of the net. He managed to get his legs out and bounced around on top of the net for a bit then flew off of it. The Crazy Crane week continues.
As we were sitting around our campfire, we heard another Crane commotion going on. The HQ 5 flew right over the camper then circled back to the savanna. Tsunami decided to join RH20 at the feeder while the guys stayed in the savanna. It never gets boring around here.
Tuesday was a laid back kind of day. We went shopping this morning, then did a few chores at the VC this afternoon. The HQ 5 delayed our plans for finishing the blind and replacing their water in the trough. They finally decided to leave and we got our work done. We never dreamed when we started volunteering here, that we would be working around the Crane's schedule. The sightings of Cranes at HQ were very rare.
We got our fill of the howling wind at Camp Crane, enjoying a few birds, especially the Pileated Woodpecker that was in the top of the dead tree.
Wednesday we inventoried the Jr. Duck Stamp then headed to Crossroads on this rainy day. What we thought we were getting in the mail was not there. It arrived by Fed-ex about the time we returned to Camp Crane. Oh well, we will have another road trip tomorrow.
Thursday morning, we were homeward bound hoping to avoid the rain. When we got home, the bottom fell out. We tried to wait for the rain bands to go on, but finally decided it was not going to happen. A few miles of driving east and we were out of the downpours.
When we returned, a Gray Ghost was hunting in the back yard of HQ. He was successful, flying off with his catch in his talons.
Ferny Kat was ready for some outdoor time. After she went inside, we walked around a bit. The HQ 5 and the Blue Crew were feasting at the HQ feeder.
Ferny Kat stayed outside for hours after we returned to Camp Crane. While we were all enjoying the no rain scenario, we saw a lot of birds at the feeder and in the trees. A couple of Robins perched in the dead tree. They are making frequent appearances.
An almost mature Eagle flew around the bayou several times today. It sure is nice to hear the Eagle chirps from the comfort of our Camp Crane chairs.
Friday was a rainy, dreary, cold day. The HQ 5 were on an adventure today. Madison got a video of them walking single file on the Dees Trail. We saw them at the cut through near the Bunkhouse. Then we heard them call as they flew from Camp Crane. We wished we would have been home for that.
We labeled a few 0f the drawers and cabinets at the VC and prepped the employee restrooms for a paint job. The HQ 5 made their appearance at the feeder while we were getting our work done.
We don't move fast early in the morning without a purpose, especially when it is a windy morning with the temps in the 30's. Saturday we had a purpose. We layered up and went to Grand Bay NERR for a sparrow sweep. It was definitely worth getting up and moving early.
As we were leaving Camp Crane, the HQ 5 were foraging at the backyard feeder. They decided to take flight as we were admiring their beauty.
The ride across the Pascagoula River was not disappointing. We saw lots of White & Brown Pelicans, several different species of Egrets, Sea Gulls, White Ibis, and a few Roseate Spoonbills. A spectacular ride on I10, just not a great place for photography.
Dr. Mark Woodrey and the staff of NERR were awesome. We got to see 4 Gorgeous Henslow's Sparrows and one pretty Sedge Wren. Another awesome experience.
While we were walking in the savanna, we watched a Bald Eagle resting in one of the Osprey nest.
We got a quick bite to eat then headed for an Eaglet fix. Both parents made an appearance at the nest, along with one of the Eaglets, and a couple of Immature that the White Head was chasing off.
We made a quick check on the Crane Circus at the North Gautier Unit, seeing over 20 Cranes, and our favs, Nana and Coco with Valentine pond in the background.
The HQ 5 were back at HQ when we returned. We have had our Henslow's, Eagle, and Crane fix for the day!
