#63274: Sandhill Cranes and Canada Geese

Sandhill Cranes, Canada Geese and other waterfowl migrate through the Coulee Corridor each Spring and Fall. Many of these birds congregate at the Columbia National Wildlife Refuge at the south end of the Byway creating a spectacle of sight and sounds! Refuge managers maintain corn fields, leaving some of the grain in the fields over the winter in anticipation of the birds' arrival. Following the birds, bird watchers arrive with scopes, binoculars and camera gear to take in the wondrous sight of thousands of each species arriving, feeding and returning to roost each evening. Each species has its own distinct voice and calls among the flocks create a sound landscape perhaps as impressive as the visual landscape.