I heard them before I saw them

A couple of weeks ago, while decorating trees outside.

I walked out the door with a string of lights,

and I heard them.

I've only heard them once before in my life. On the golf course at Harrison. They were low (about 1000' and circled in a thermal until they were much higher).

They were at least 3000' high, and there were about 100 of them.

Sandhill cranes. All hooting at each other.

You really have to strain your eyes to see them.

I called Marilyn out and we watched them for about a minute, heading South to warmer climes.

Really cool.