Definitely starting to see some birds moving through the area. Last week, for instance, on Thanksgiving day, impressive numbers of Sandhill Cranes moved over the Chicago area suburbs, moving south. As usual, I heard them long before I saw them, but I did stop pedaling my bike long enough to admire them through my
Zeiss Victory 8x20 binocular. Sandhill Cranes are special to me, since I spent so many years in central Nebraska, where they are a spring phenomenon. There, in March and April, you can see them by the many thousands, standing in fields along highways and roads. No need for a
binocular or
spotting scope to enjoy them, either, though a good binocular adds to the fun. Believe me, it is well worth a trip to central Nebraska in the spring to see these birds. This trip should be on every birder's list.