Mocking birds were singing in some small willows near a creek, and Horned Larks were beginning to peep. Soon Meadowlarks and Linets joined in and then barn swallows which were building under the bridge over the stream. As it grew lighter we could see the Hills (Bausche Pass) to the west, and hills to the east. To the north bare a line of willows and as we listened to the north we could hear a very distant trumpeting call, repeated over and over. It was too cold to stand still. Mrs Stout went off up the creek to hunt birds nests. Mrs Kline stayed under the robe in the car and I walked east on the highway. The brightness increased in the east and lovely colors appeared over the valley and hills. Then the sun arose and within a few minutes a dark line appeared over the southern horizon. It grew rapidly longer and more distinct - a line of about 300 birds, single file, rising and falling as if they were fastened together and following a track. They swerved also to east and west, and at times dropped so low that it seemed as if they might alight. Each bird flew with neck outstretched and legs out behind so that wings were in center. They disappeared over the willows and the northern horizon. The men came back and we ate a little breakfast then walked up the creek bed toward the willows where the men had found large flocks of cranes - the ones we had heard calling. As we drew nearer (still a mile from the willows) a few scout cranes came out to investigate, calling and circling cranes above us. A band of cattle frightened up others that were feeding between us and the willows so we could watch the flight of individuals & also the feeding. When feeding they suggested sheep with their grey backs and heads held low. Mr Chirpy's plan was that we should walk on to the willows but Mrs Stout felt