Hi everyone,

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Thanks to Pete Fahey for reporting the Sandhill Crane in North Bend.? Since 2006 in Snoqualmie, the only previous Sandhill Crane sighting I've had was a small flock flyover a number of years back.?

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When I got to the gate mentioned in Pete's report at 11:10 this morning, the crane (and seven Killdeer) were feeding within 30 yards of the gate so I got good pix of the bird.? It seemed to be covering a lot of ground while foraging, so it would be a good idea to check other parts of the course or surroundings fields if it's not immediately apparent near the gate.? The fields look like plausible areas for the crane to feed as well.? I got there yesterday afternoon around 3:10 and the bird was not to be found, so presumably it is roosting somewhere nearby and then returning to the course.?



The fields across the road from the driving range are part of Meadowbrook Farm and the locally famous herd of elk (several hundred, per surveys) are frequently seen in those fields in late afternoon or just before dusk - there is one dominant bull in the herd right now?who is quite impressive if he's out and about.? Sometimes the elk are on the Hwy 202 side of Meadowbrook Farm, other days ?they are on the Centennial Fields/Three Forks side of the acreage - and of course to keep matters interesting, there are some days they don't show at all.? But they are generally pretty reliable.?



Thanks again Pete for the find and the report!



John Tubbs

Snoqualmie, WA

johntubbs at comcast.net