Sandhill Cranes return to Madison

Sandhill Crane at the Class of 1918 Marsh. Photo Jeff Steele, iNaturalist #182258499

On March 8, Jeff Steele, on his daily exploration of the Madison area looking to photograph birds, insects, plants and more, also stopped briefly at the Lakeshore Nature Preserve, the Class of 1918 Marsh. Undoubtedly, he hoped to observe a Sandhill Crane at this location. Several of them had been reported in the Madison area this past week. We are rewarded with this photo posted on iNaturalist.

Jeff also spotted numerous water fowl that day on the open waters of Lake Monona and the Yahara River, including a Peregrine falcon, Red-winged blackbird, Gadwall, Common goldeneye, Canvasback, Ring-necked duck, Redhead and Lesser scaup. Thank you Jeff.