Back blip - Sandhills cranes

We departed Lino Lakes, MN and headed to the Crex Meadows Wildlife area in Grantsburg, WI. This is not the prime season for bird sitings in the sanctuary but we were treated to over 20 sandhill cranes, several trumpeter swans, herons, hawks, a few different song birds, ducks, beavers, squirrels, and a ferocious Blandings turtle. I could hear familiar song bird and grouse calls but they were well hidden. The actual sanctuary is off limits to human traffic; hence my long distance photo. There was also a great variety of colorful mushrooms along the forest walking paths. But the largest population of animals in the park, by far, was the mosquito. We used citronella essential oils, which protected our arms and legs, but our face and hands were constantly attacked by swarming mosquitos. Stopping to take photos was hazardous for sure.