One our first sightings of the trip were Snow Geese. The ones we spotted were Blue Phase (their coloring). First time I had seen these beauties. The next day we would see some in White Phase.
This hawk perched long enough for us to get a good look at him. Possibly a Red tailed Hawk.
It was a surprise to see the following and I was thrilled to witness it. Sandhill Cranes were migrating in by the dozens. I had never seen this bird before. After this trip I can happily say I say hundreds if not thousands of them.
A very pretty bird. Mostly grayish with a red patch on it's head. At night they rest in the water but during the day we saw them feeding and flirting in the fields. You will notice the one bird towards the left is hunched down a bit - he was "dancing" to impress a potential mate. This was fascinating to watch.
The weekend we were there two of the volunteers for the area were there counting birds - tracking the species migrating through. They recorded 7,200 Sandhill Cranes on one day. 
Another species they were counting were the geese. Below a group of mixed geese were spotted. I forget how many hundred are in this picture.
It is mix of Snow Geese, White Fronted Geese, and Canada Geese.
This beautiful pair of Mute Swan flew in while we were watching some ducks and geese.
Across the lake is a Bald Eagle perched in it's nest. This picture is not very good - but for the distance it turned out decent. With the eagle's head being white it's hard to see - but you can barely make out the 'shoulders' and head.
In a different area there is an abandoned Bald Eagle nest.
This nest was built and used 3 years ago. It has been abandoned since. It's somewhat close to the road and attracted too much attention. Spooked the pair from returning the following year.
We came along a resting deer. I wish this had turned out clearer - it's definitely a Kodak moment. We saw many deer during our trip.
During our two day trip at Goose Pond and the Forest we saw approximately 50 species of birds. Between our drive there, two days there, one day around Indianapolis for our drive back, and our drive home we saw 64 species. Many of which were new to me. It was a fascinating and refreshing weekend.
The end
Someones quick eye noticed something rustling in the ditch along one of the drives. We paused and witnessed 8 Bobwhite crossing in front of us. I was only quick enough to catch one of them.
This hawk perched long enough for us to get a good look at him. Possibly a Red tailed Hawk.
It was a surprise to see the following and I was thrilled to witness it. Sandhill Cranes were migrating in by the dozens. I had never seen this bird before. After this trip I can happily say I say hundreds if not thousands of them.
A very pretty bird. Mostly grayish with a red patch on it's head. At night they rest in the water but during the day we saw them feeding and flirting in the fields. You will notice the one bird towards the left is hunched down a bit - he was "dancing" to impress a potential mate. This was fascinating to watch.
The weekend we were there two of the volunteers for the area were there counting birds - tracking the species migrating through. They recorded 7,200 Sandhill Cranes on one day. 
Another species they were counting were the geese. Below a group of mixed geese were spotted. I forget how many hundred are in this picture.
It is mix of Snow Geese, White Fronted Geese, and Canada Geese.
This beautiful pair of Mute Swan flew in while we were watching some ducks and geese.
Across the lake is a Bald Eagle perched in it's nest. This picture is not very good - but for the distance it turned out decent. With the eagle's head being white it's hard to see - but you can barely make out the 'shoulders' and head.
In a different area there is an abandoned Bald Eagle nest.
This nest was built and used 3 years ago. It has been abandoned since. It's somewhat close to the road and attracted too much attention. Spooked the pair from returning the following year.
We came along a resting deer. I wish this had turned out clearer - it's definitely a Kodak moment. We saw many deer during our trip.
During our two day trip at Goose Pond and the Forest we saw approximately 50 species of birds. Between our drive there, two days there, one day around Indianapolis for our drive back, and our drive home we saw 64 species. Many of which were new to me. It was a fascinating and refreshing weekend.
The end
Otherwise known as the 
Very startled to discover a female Golden Orb Weaver had taken up residence over the night - it took a moment to register and then I was off to get my camera. My motion detector and awning over the door makes for the perfect home for spiders. But, generally much smaller ones.
I made a phone call and put in a request for her to be moved to a nicer more suitable home before I returned from my trip. So, the next day Ms. Orb Weaver was relocated to a flowerbed portion of my yard. Someplace she could still dine on the insects of my yard but not pose the opportunity to fall on me as I come and go. 
This location is smack dab in the middle of farm country. Some digging to sell dirt, some broken tile, and nature creates a pond where a farmable field once was. The saying "build it and they will come" is very fitting here. The birds didn't miss a chance to take over the property. I have witnessed many common birds here as well as some new ones for me. The most fantastic has been a Bald Eagle. But, he's a story I should have told a month ago (I'll catch up sometime and post the pics.)
I take pictures of different birds, enjoy the peace of this area. My sister is checking things out. This goes on for about 45 minutes. We spot some new shorebirds (neither of us thought to bring our books - so couldn't identify them there - still working on that). 
Just when I thought things couldn't get more beautiful... a flock of birds comes over the far trees and towards the pond. They fly beneath the arch of the rainbow, towards us, and then to the far end of the pond. 
Great blue herons - I counted 46!!! I was amazed. A few landed but most flew on. A few minutes pass and 5 more heron arrive followed a few minutes later by a final straggler. WOW!!
Each of these black specks is a heron. Absolutely fascinating. So wonderful to see and hear; as they were a vocal bunch.
