Michigan’s congregation of the state’s tallest bird celebration begins

Each fall the Sandhill Cranes migrate south and Southwest Michigan birdlovers migrate to the grounds where the birds stop over before their long flight.

To celebrate the big birds’ annual autumn migration, Michigan Audubon Society will host the 16th annual CraneFest at noon Saturday, Oct. 9 and Sunday, Oct. 10.

The birds roost each night on Big Marsh Lake in Michigan Audubon’s Bernard W. Baker Sanctuary. CraneFest takes place at the Battle Creek Kiwanis Youth Area, which adjoins the Baker Sanctuary and is the place from which the roosting birds can be seen.

Birds begin their fly-in at about 4 p.m. The best viewing of large numbers of the cranes is between 5 p.m. and dusk. In 2009, close to 10,000 birds — a record number — were counted on Big Marsh Lake during the annual Michigan Fall Sandhill Crane Survey.

During CraneFest this year, 12 nonprofit organization will be on hand, including representatives from the Michigan Hawking Club, MSU Kellogg Bird Sanctuary, Binder Park Zoo and the Michigan Loon Preservation Association.

Approximately 25 artists will exhibit and sell wildlife artwork during the event. Watercolors, oils, photography, wood, stone, clay, and pressed flower works all will be exhibited. A display of life size cranes painted by local artist Joanna Learner represents all 15 crane species of the world also can be seen.

Guided nature walks, educational presentations, and hands-on activities provided by local environmental groups are all part of the event. Binoculars are recommended.

The free event is hosted by Michigan Audubon in cooperation with the Kiwanis Club of Battle Creek. A  $3 parking fee supports Kiwanis Club’s service projects.

For those who can’t make it to the weekend event, the public is invited to view the cranes on weekends throughout the month of October. The Kiwanis Youth Area is open 4-7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through the end of the month.

Writer: Kathy Jennings
Source: Michigan Audubon Society