In Search of Sandhill Cranes

Well we went searching for Sandhill Cranes, as we have every year at this time, but we didn't find a single one!  We drove past a dozen spots where we've seen them in recent years, but nada, nothing - just a few beef cattle and lots of rural farms northwest of Owen Sound.   

In past years the cranes have gathered in huge flocks in the last week of October or the first of November.  I've posted pictures for several years now.  Have they left early, or is their migration late this year?

We were driving down a sideroad where we've seen the cranes off in the distance, but the only thing we saw was this herd of cattle just beyond the fence.

Cattle are always curious in my experience, and they turned our way or lumbered to their feet.  It reminded me of taking university students out to visit a farm, some of whom had never seen live cattle before.

Mrs. F.G. took all these photos from the car.  It made me want to get out and position myself to get the photos, but of course no such luck.

Across the road was a smaller herd of Holstein steers - but no Sandhill Cranes!  Thanks to Mrs. F.G. for the great photos!