Observation

Twenty five cranes entered the back of marsh between 5:15 and 5:19. This year, the water was shallow with some muddy portions visible. I did not notice any cranes rise out of the marsh or fly back and forth to resettle themselves, but it was very quiet, unlike cranes who remain. The only consistent sounds I heard were wood ducks calling repeatedly, also unusual. Did not see any hunters or hear gunshots. However, watched 7 flyovers at 5:00 pm and 33 flyovers after 5:20. All were headed due NW from marsh, some coming from further south, possibly from another roost off Sharon Hollow Rd. I briefly checked that same spot earlier near 4 PM and heard two cranes call, but did not see them. That area had numerous waterfowl, but no standing cranes out in open where they have stood in past years. The water may have been deeper this year. Temp: 53 degrees dropping to 49 degrees by 5:50 pm when I left; partially cloudy; calm at 4:11PM but windy after 5:30PM.