We visited the Guilford Lake Area about 6PM today. Our purpose was to check on a Sandhill Crane nest we had found this past Saturday. On Saturday afternoon on our way home from seeing the Bullock's Oriole in Monroe County, we decided to check on the local pair of Sandhill Cranes. We located them on private property, and unbelievably, we could see them with the scope, building a nest in the marsh. One crane was standing in the middle of the partially constructed nest, while the other crane was shuttling sticks and vegetative material to the other. We returned on Sunday to find one of the ferrous stained birds sitting on the nest, and the second standing nearby. Unfortunately today on our return, we found the nest location almost underwater, and the two builders closeby. The water level was super high for this location. While watching the probable disappointed pair, three other cranes flew overhead calling, and landed in a nearby corn stubble field. This is the first time we have ever had five Sandhill Cranes in Columbiana County at one time at the same location. These three were all gray and had no ferrous stain. Shortly after the three arrived, the two local cranes flew over and landed by the visitors. Hopefully the local pair will have the opportunity to continue nesting; where we can see and be able to monitor the nest! Another first for Guilford Lake today, was two pair of Osprey. One of the Osprey was dedicating all its time, to harrassing one of the resident adult Bald Eagles, who was at its usual perch tree. Three Common Terns were our first of the year. Swallows by the hundreds were flying over the lake. Tree and Barn were in staggering numbers, with a few Bank, Rough-winged, and Cliff also present, with some Purple Martins. At least 84 Double-crested Cormorants were roosting in the pine trees on the island by Campground Bay. Three Common Loons remain, and the only waterfowl was a raft of 30+ Ruddy Ducks.
 
Bob and Denise Lane / Mahoning~Columbiana County                                          
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