See sandhill cranes at Western Kentucky's Barren River Lake State Park

Whether you are a novice birdwatcher or have a life list of several hundred species, seeing hundreds of sandhill cranes lift off in a cacophony of noisy croaks or settle back into their sleeping grounds after a day of feeding in nearby fields, it is an exciting event.

Mark the weekends of January 20 - 21 and February 17 - 18 on your calendar to visit Barren River Lake State Resort Park in Western Kentucky. This is when a wildlife biologist from the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife comes to talk about the thousands of sandhill cranes that visit the park at this time each year.

Registration is $30 and includes an educational session, box meal, T-shirt, and tour--either at sunrise or sunset--to see hundreds of these giant, noisy birds as they lift off or settle back into their overnight sleeping grounds. Even if you are not a birdwatcher, it is a sight to see. Call Jamie Avery at 1-800-325-0057 or email jamie.avery@ky.gov for information and to register.

The park is located at 1149 State Park Road in Lucas.