Suddenly-pooled playas mean wintering habitat; Take drakes, spare hens
ENDURING FALL HERALDS--Sandhill cranes have been harbingers of fall for thousands of years. Their bugling calls sound over great distances and announce the spiraling flights of migrating cranes arriving in the Panhandle usually starting in October. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Waterfowl Program Leader Kevin Kraai of Canyon says the long-time wintering pattern of sandhill cranes in the Panhandle appears to be changing due to unrelenting heavy hunting pressure created by hunting outfitters.
Finally, Fall! After the ruthless dry roasting of summer suddenly come late September cooler mornings and the welcome crisp afternoons of October.
Almost keeping calendar dates at the urging of seasons and day length, an ancient exodus arrives in the Southern High Plains.
September sees fencepost and power pole-sitting Swainson’s hawks and fast-flying teal.
