Good evening Tweets,

I lingered with the Common Crane and 4 Canada Geese until dusk. The moon is beautiful over the fields and mist ! At about 8:40 PM, all 5 birds lifted off with a cacophony of honks (the crane was silent) and flew west-northwest. This flight path strongly indicates that the birds are roosting on the mudflats or in the marshes between Samish Island and Edison.

It was remarkable how similar the crane's silhouette was in flight to the geese, from behind and in fading light; I could tell that the wings were a bit longer and the wingbeat was just a bit stronger. The four geese flanked the crane, which was given the front position in their small V.

I believe that there's a decent chance that the birds will be in the same area of fields tomorrow, seeing as it was reported here from days prior as I recall, so I would definitely begin the search here tomorrow. Best of luck to those heading here with the break of dawn!

The homeowner north of today's field is very kind and has been a longtime resident. I assured her that she would bear witness to many happy and respectful birders! What a yard bird... and what a bird in general.

Good birding, Joshua Glant
Back on the birding grind in Mercer Island, WA