Saw three large groups of sandhill cranes going south today I thought they had already started their flight back in Oct or Nov.
Is this normal for them to be moving this time of year?

Delayed harvest because of the wet fall up north here; some of the corn has just been done , and they do love corn

well that explained the late flights. Never saw any this time of year.

Some cranes were still here till the 3 week Nov.
and are they really nice for eating with all that fat from the corn.

A field full of them next to you while you're Bear hunting ...Trying to listen while they all carry on ....Super Annoying!

Do you just cook the breast? Are they like geese?

Here in Nebraska people get all giddy and flock to the middle of the state to "watch" the sandhill cranes. Then I see in other states they just blast them down like hot air balloons..

They are still flying south. I see them flying south every morning.

Charles I've yet to have any but hear they are the best bird to eat. I know a few guys who slay them every year.

they hold down the phrase; rib-eye of the sky;;;;; no comparision between the two if you know how to cook them.

Why do you think the settlers hunting them to near extinction in the lower states, only the artic birds survived and it has taken 50 years for them to come back below the 49th.
Was involved in some of the early work when they were looking for locations to release whoopers cranes eggs.

Well now they're Everywhere

Just like marten and fisher in Minn......especially with your seasons.

Seen probably 5 thousand last Fri. Several flocks on Monday and one lone bird yesterday. mike

Live In Nebraska. about 2 hours from Kearney, NE. It is the sandhill crane capital of the world. People drive long distances to see the migration back north in the Spring. They LOAD UP on the Platte River.

Remember when was kid it was rare to see sandhill here in WI. Now they are thick as fleas and see them in flock of 100s. Kinda same with swans, cormorants, pelicans even bald eagles. Don't think was hunting reduced numbers on some them birds. But there are a lot of them now could probably use some reducing again..

Mac

Have been seeing them a lot more here where we live. I am a mile from rock river and it is not uncommon to see them anywhere along the bottoms. Love the sound they make. What I have also seen more of recently around here is whistling swans. Not the same bunch either, some hang around but most are migrating.

I wish marten would move into mid State -habitat isnt right for them.
..

We are covered up with them down here! See them everyday, and I love them!
Fall in SE NM is the smell of roasting green chile and pinon smoke and the sounds of sandhills in the air!

And yes, they are absolutley DELICIOUS!

I have been trying for years.

Do you have to use non lead shot when hunting them?

Non lead shot Is required.