Sandhill Cranes Arrive at Phyllis Haehnle Sanctuary in Grass Lake

GRASS LAKE — The Phyllis Haehnle Sanctuary is about to get a lot bigger with the arrival of 5,000 Sandhill Cranes.

The cranes arrive every evening, two hours prior to sunset, typically during the end of October and the beginning of November. Last year there were only 1,000 Sandhill Cranes.

“The Haehnle Sanctuary contains the largest fall night roosting area for Sandhill Cranes in the area. Several thousand cranes are already flying into the sanctuary each evening and by late October through mid-November we expect 5,000 to 6,000 birds each evening," Tom Hodgson, publicity chairman for the sanctuary said. "This is a truly spectacular sight."

The crane map is updated each week during migration, and is located at www.haenhlesanctuary.org.

Jackson Audubon Members will greet visitors on the weekends at 4 p.m. until dusk in order to answer questions and will provide binoculars and spotting scopes for use. The sanctuary has a raised viewing area that overlooks a glacier-formed wetland area where the Sandhill Cranes gather. The wetland area is where the cranes stop to rest and replenish energy reserves before continuing on their migration.

For more information or to plan a trip to The Phyllis Haehnle Memorial Sanctuary, contact the Michigan Audubon Society, PO Box 15249, Lansing, MI., or call 517-641-4277.

Crane location maps are available at Chelsea businesses. Participating restaurants have coloring sheets of a crane and colts created by Chelsea resident Susan Falcone. A driving map and event list is on the back.