While hunting (unsuccessfully) for woodcock for OBBA II this morning, I discovered a pair of sandhill cranes in southern Knox County.  A couple years ago, I heard a rumor that someone had seen a sandhill crane colt in the area.  I have since talked to the farmer on whose land the colt was reportedly seen.  The observer was a retired ODNR guy, who should have been reliable.  However, he did not report the observation to OBBA II and I have not talked to him.

After completing my Licking Co. blocks last summer, I signed up for the block where the sandhills were reported.  The landowner where I was observing this morning reported having seen sandhill cranes off and on for the past two or three years.  It will be interesting to see whether these or others "stick around" for the summer.

I did see a great horned owl this morning, carrying what looked like either a small rabbit or a rat, so the morning was not a complete bust as far as OBBA II is concerned.  (Sandhill crane "safe date" is a long way off.)

On a "spring" note, I heard at least three kinds of frogs/peepers this morning, for the first time.  I've been "woodcock hunting" for five mornings this month so far.  Despite the occasional drizzle and overcast skies (or maybe because of?), spring is coming!

Margaret Bowman
Licking Co. - now observing in southern Knox Co.

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