JASPER-PULASKI SANDHILL CRANES MIGRATION
Registration with the leader is required. Limit 12 participants. Registration for nonmembers opens on November 1.
The Jasper-Pulaski Fish & Wildlife Area is known for its large Sandhill Crane population during fall migration, with peak counts reaching between 15,000-30,000. 
We'll meet at 11:45 am, in the Villa Park free public parking lot on Villa Ave just south of Wildwood Ave to carpool. Please let me know if you're available to drive and/or ride in another's car. 
First stop will be a short out and back trail on Nature Conservancy land. Sightings here can be surprising, so we will see what shows up. We will not be walking around Jasper-Pulaski itself, as it is open for hunting season. There is also a nearby shooting range, so expect to hear gunfire. After that, we'll drive around looking for cranes in nearby farm fields. We'll head to the observation tower one hour before sunset to watch flocks of Sandhill Cranes kite into the refuge from all directions. They gab and socialize before returning to roosting marshes at dusk. International Crane Foundation (ICF) staff will be at the tower to answer your crane questions. Dress for the weather and bring a scope if you have one.
Carpool Meeting Place:  https://maps.app.goo.gl/R7v4veCehsWtmviK8
Leader: Elena Nelson, ladylena76@gmail.com