The Big Event: CraneFest 2011 celebrates migration

Two balmy Indian Summer days are in the forecast -- ideal for crane watching at the 17th annual CraneFest.

Sandhill Cranes are believed to be the oldest living bird species, having existed for more than 9 million years. They are Michigan’s largest bird, measuring up to five-feet-tall with wings spans up to seven feet.

To celebrate the big birds' annual autumn migration, Michigan Audubon Society will host the festival at noon Saturday, Oct. 8 and Sunday, Oct. 9. Each year CraneFest attracts thousands of nature-lovers and birders from around Michigan, the United States, and the world. More than 6,000 cranes are expected to fly in for the more than 5,000 CraneFest visitors this year.

The cranes roost each night on Big Marsh Lake in Michigan Audubon's Bernard W. Baker Sanctuary, a 900-acre refuge where the birds flock each fall before they migrate to Florida. 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.

The best time to see the cranes is when they are arriving at the sanctuary, just before dusk. The fly-in typically begins around 4 p.m. with the largest number of birds arriving between 5 p.m. and dusk.

Visitors are encouraged to bring a blanket, lawn chairs, and binoculars. Just before dusk there will be presentations on the natural history of sandhill cranes.

Besides watching for the birds with the unmistakable cry, the festival will feature hikes of the Kiwanis property led by naturalist, origami paper crane folding classes, bird crafts, hay rides, and educational talks led by local nature experts. There also will be a birds of prey exhibits by the Michigan Hawking Club.

Artwork by 30 different artists will be shown. Watercolors, oils, photography, wood, stone, clay, and pressed flower works all will be exhibited.

During CraneFest, admission is free and parking is $3.

Writer: Kathy Jennings, Second Wave
Source: Michigan Audubon