Date:         Thu, 29 Dec 2011 01:15:53 +0000
Reply-To:     annhstewart@COMCAST.NET
Sender:       Georgia Birders Online <GABO-L@LISTSERV.UGA.EDU>
From:         Ann Stewart <annhstewart@COMCAST.NET>
Subject:      Hiwassee NWR- Cranes
Comments: cc: "Stephen Stewart(home)" <stewarts94@comcast.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8

WONDERFUL DAY! 



My husband and I arrived at the visitors center at 9AM. Weather was beautiful - not very windy-sun shining brightly on the birds. The Hooded crane was on our side of the water below the observation area but was close to the bank when we arrived and couldn't be seen. In about 15 minutes he walked out closer to the edge of the water in full view and we watched it for the next hour and half. He took a long nap in the sun at one period of time with his head tucked into his feathers(bet that sun sure felt good after the cold windy day yesterday). One juvenile Whooping Crane was spotted (by scope) on opposite side of lake at right end next to trees but short time later disappeared into the corn, etc. The sandhills were grazing(?) away-flying in and out in the sunny skies. We observed 4 bald eagle- 2 juveniles. Two of the eagles were sitting in a  tree directly across the lake toward the large white house on the side of the hill - one eagle appeared to be sitting in what looked like a small nest of some type - possibly a heron nest or other bird nest  with the other eagle perched close to it on a limb. Maybe it was a female trying on the nest for "size" (it didn't fit!). 

At one point we saw 2 WHITE PELICANS in the far far pond going to the left and soon disappearing out of site - that was a real surprised! 



1- Hooded Crane 
1- Whooping Crane (juvenile) 

lots- Sandhill Cranes 

4 Bald Eagles 

2 White Pelicans 

2 Great Blue Herons 

5 Hooded Mergansers 

? Ring neck Ducks 

1 Kingfisher 

2- Gulls ??? 



Thanks to each of you who answered my email and passed on information to me. 



Good Luck to all who also make the trip. 



Ann Stewart 

Rome 

Floyd Co 

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