Sandhill Crane- Hope Airport

[tmanson]

Hi all: Got a call from Jack Delair today, saying he had a Sandhill Crane on his farm by the airport. This gave me an excuse to get out on this lovely moisture replenishment day!!



Also, on his property, were about 10 juvenile White-crowned Sparrows, some Dark-eyed Juncos, and a very beleagered Barn Swallow, which was interesting, considering the article on the front page of the Sun today, on declining B.C. bird populations, according to Rob Butler, including Barn Swallows, which are down, population-wise, by 80 per cent.

Cheers, Thor

Thor Manson
Hope, B.C.

[Gord]

Great sighting for Jack. Good for him.

Poor Barn Swallow! Im sure he was not impressed with the rain either. I also read that article. Not encouraging in the least.

[murraybrown]

Thor, when we discovered that the crane was missing from Limbert Rd. this morning I was about to acuse you of stealing "our" crane but when I compared the photos I realized that these are two completely different birds. It's interesting to me just how different they look. Both the facial pattern and body plumage are unmistakable.
Murray

[tmanson]

Murray: Glad to hear there are enough Sandhill Cranes to go around.
Just got back from a run at the airport, and the crane seems to be gone, although it did stay through yesterday. Last night, with the clear sky, and full moon, was probably a good flight night.
Pretty quiet at the airport today. Lots of ravens, and crows around, and saw a Sharp-shinned Hawk, and Northern Harrier in flight.
At the " sweetwater wetlands " of Hope; a.k.a., the sewage treatment plant, there were a pair of Northern Shovelers, and a Common Goldeneye.
Going to hike to the Hope Lookoff this p.m., and will report anything intersting there. Cheers, Thor

Thor Manson
Hope, B.C.