Episode 52: Sandhill Cranes over the Tupelo Swamp

Recorded on January 17, 2025, in the Tennessee River Watershed at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, this is the sound of thousands of Greater Sandhill Cranes as they move into morning feeding sites. Set in the oxbow wetlands carved by the Tennessee River along Flint Creek, between Crabtree and Dinsmore Sloughs, the recording features the Cranes' chortling and bugling as they lift off and fly over a tupelo swamp on their way to feed in nearby farm fields. From the swamp's edge are the sounds of the Canada Goose, Carolina Chickadee, Eastern Phoebe, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Tufted Titmouse, Common Grackle, Northern Cardinal, Blue Jay and American Crow. In the background is the distant hum of traffic from Point Mallard Parkway and the faint, mournful wail of a passing train whistle.