I heard the Sandhill, but did not photograph. But they were 2,000 feet above me. Got the camera, but they were pushed by the wind so fast. I estimate 80+ mph. Now I stand in the lane, sun setting, I hear, but do not see.
Jack Matthews
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Sage to Meadow ~ Jack Matthews · An encounter with nature and people living with the land in the American Southwest through the writings of Jack Matthews.
Sage to Meadow ~ Jack Matthews 
Yes, it’s that time of year. They have started their northward migration here in California’s central valley too. We hear them overhead but are not always able to see them. I love the sound they make.
Annie: They all pickup and go. They were going extremely fast because of the wind. It was a huge flock.
But there is the photograph still in the mind. I also have many of those. Just as good; many, better.
Montucky: You have so many beautiful photos on your blog. Yes, a photograph in the mind. The “album” is always there. Thanks for the good words.
I love the cranes, I hope I’ll see some of “our cranes” this year in my holidays.
It’s a special event when you can hear them – and maybe you’ll “catch” them another day, Jack. Those magic, beautiful birds.
Grethe
They are beautiful, magic birds and I will have other opportunities, I know. I hope you can see your cranes, too.
Wow! It is March, isn’t it. Three years ago I visited the cranes along the Platte River in Nebraska during the northward migration in March. A remarkable experience made all the more stunning by the thousand upon thousands of snow geese among the tall elegant, dancing, kettling Sandhills. I can hear the raucus, haunting call you must have heard so high in the air.
I like the description you give. “Kettling.” Not seen that. I would like to see the Platte River with all the waterfowl.
Kettling is what they call the spiral flight pattern as the cranes fly up in flock to find the winds. They will do this frequently as they begin to sense the winds are right for the northward migration. When they catch the stream they will be gone.
Wendy: Thanks so much for this field data. It explains several things to me, but especially why I see them circling above the ranch. I thought they were looking for a place to feed, but now I know better.
I got to photograph the Sandhills in Corrales, NM, in a cornfield where there were hundreds flying in and out. Among them were other birds: mallards and Canadian geese. I could photograph them closer rather than going down to Bosque de Apache where it is harder to get a close picture of them.
You have so many refuges over there in NM for the wild creatures. Truly an amazing sight. I’ve not seen them on the ground.
It is amazing how fast the seasons come and go. I am glad to have found your blog.
http://timkeen40.wordpress.com
Timkeen40: I’m glad you found the blog too. The seasons do come and go quite fast. Right now it’s a see-saw. Hope to see you again.