Joel Dinda's photos with the keyword: #4273

Big Marsh Lake, near Bellevue, Michigan.

This is what we came to see. As evening falls we watch cranes flying in from all directions. After a few circles around Big Marsh Lake, each flight lands. And another flight joins the fun, circling the lake in its turn.

The viewing area at Kiwanis Youth Conservation Area, looking towards Big Marsh Lake. The Sandhills gather at Big Marsh every evening in the fall, gathering before migrating south. Audubon does a headcount at the lake every November; in 2014 that count was about 9,400 birds . The late October and early November weekend viewings are jointly sponsored by Battle Creek Kiwanis and Michigan Audubon. The viewings are related to, but not a part of, Michigan Audubon's CraneFest, which occurs at the same location in mid-October.

Some of 'em flew right over our heads.

Near Bellevue, Michigan.