Migration Of Birds and Wildlife

[AliceWitt]

The International Crane Foundation (ICF) is located in Baraboo, WI.
http://www.savingcranes.org/whats-new/category/whooping-crane-updates/

They have a number of interesting events coming up.
http://www.savingcranes.org/index.php?option=com_jcalpro&extmode=month&Itemid=240

I never knew there were 15 kinds of cranes! However, only two kinds found in the US

The International Crane Foundation's work in North America focuses on both cranes and the land they share with people. Only two species of crane are found in North America—the Sandhill Crane, the most abundant crane species in the world—and the Whooping Crane, the rarest of the 15 species of crane.
Near the headquarters in central Wisconsin, they are studying wild Sandhill Cranes to learn more about the habitats the cranes use, how the population develops, and interactions between cranes and people. Further afield, ICF is a key partner in current efforts to return the Whooping Crane to the eastern United States. They support this work through captive breeding, monitoring, ecosystem research and education. They are also working to protect and restore water supplies and habitat for Whooping Cranes in other regions, including the wintering area for the last naturally occurring population along the Gulf Coast of Texas.

Cranes must love this area of WI, because at this time of year hundreds of them can be seen in the area on private property, parking lots, as well as in the protected lands needs the center.

[squeeaglee]

I posted the below somewhere some time ago. I was so disappointed to learn from Ming that the area was no longer as I remembered.  Evidently there were devastating fires in the area, and few birds remain.  I hope you all can visualize how wonderful this experience was once in Bosque Del Apache.   

We visited in late March, one year.  There was snow on the ground and we heard the Whooping Cranes may have returned.  We birded around the lake all day observing not only Eagles, but Egrets,Great Blue Heron, Green Backed Heron and Tri-colored Heron, every imaginable duck common to the area, etc.  It was getting toward Dusk, very peaceful, listening to sounds, when all of a sudden we heard massively loud bird calls, heading towards the lake.  Leading the crowd was a beautiful Eagle whom appeared to land in the tree, welcoming the others.  The sky was covered with Sandhill Cranes, Snow birds, all taking a place in the lake and foliage around it. 

It literally took our breath away.  Although we were too early for the Whooping Cranes, (I do think I spotted one)  the nice part was, we were also too early in the season for other birdwatchers.  We returned early the next morning just to see the massive take offs to feed in the fields in the area.

Squee

[duphoff]

Yes I am reading-working today and will look closer tonight.  I have been following the crane site for a while.  They are still at their first stop.  Only 4 of the 10 flew to the first stop.  The others had to be crated-this is not unusual.  They like their home base and aren't very good at flying to that first stop.  After that they will be better.  Today's weather was not good for flying-hope to fly to second stop tomorrow.

Also this fall while out in the country in Central Illinois, I looked up in the blue sky and saw what I thought might be a gull type bird-way up in the sky.  The closer I looked, the more white spots I saw-thousands of them.  We are on the central flyway so my guess is that it was a large group coming down from Canada/Artic.  I have never seen that before-really cool.

[sharonann]

the gull-like birds were probably snow geese. tons of them winter at Bosque del Apache about 90 miles south of Albq every year. it is one of my favorite places to bird in the winter- eagles, hawks, owls, cranes and lots of song birds.  Feel a road trip coming up later in  the  year.  Was there one year with family and one sister (a non-birder) saw what she thought was a "bee hive" in a tree.  It was a great horned owl.  The bald eagle we had been watching flew across the lake  right at the GHO and flashed its talons at the owl.  A wonderful memory for all of us.

[Keystone]

This video from PBS on Crows talks a bit about migration of Crows.  It is very informative. 

http://video.pbs.org/video/1621910826

[duphoff]

Just wanted to give everyone an update on the Whooping Cranes and Sandhill Cranes in the midwest.
1.  The operation migration whooping cranes from Wisconsin have now entered Illinois as of yesterday.  This was the first time all 9 cranes flew the entire time with the ultralight to their next stop.  Also good news.  #2 female crane who was lost in one of the earlier flights about a week ago was found hanging out with sandhill cranes near the summering site at White Marsh in Wisconsin.  A decision has not yet been made as to what they will do with her.  To keep posted on the daily activities of the Whooping Cranes go to the following site and read the in the field journal.  The site has all the journal notes since they have been doing operation migration.

www.operationmigration.org

2.  Yesterday my hubby and 4 year old grandson went to Jasper Pulaski state wildlife refuge in northwest Indiana to view Sandhill Cranes.  This is a location where thousands of sandhills travel to a rest during their migration to Georgia and Florida each year.  It was a beautiful fall day and we saw thousands of cranes in the fields and flying.  They have a wonderful lookout tower for viewing.  There were also lots of deer in the fields to see.  One of the photographers there said that last March there were a few Whooping cranes in among the Sandhills.  That was my hope for yesterday, but no Whoopers there.  I tried taking pictures, but don't have a great camera.  If I have some that are good, I will try to post them later.  Here is the JP site:

http://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/3091.htm

[FinnBMD]

duphoff:  thank you putting the Whooping Crane update up for all interested folks to see.  The dedication of the pilots, ground crew, mods and chatters at Operation Migration is very inspiring. Last week when I saw one of the crane chicks flying next to the ultra-lite plane in the "sweet spot" just a little to the rear of one of the plane's wings was a day I'll never forget.  It is truly an amazing and stirring sight.  And for dear little #2--that is such good news. Maybe she'll go south with her sandhill cousins?  

Also, I was driving near the Wisconsin River on Thursday and saw 3 whooping cranes flying overhead--heading straight south.  I slammed on the brakes and pulled over to grab my binoculars, which--as luck would have it--were back at the house.  Oh well... but in flight the adults are magnificent to see.  I choked up thinking about the 10 WC chicks that are just learning the mechanics of flight with their human mentors.  Quite a story and I'll continue to watch as they all make their way to Florida.

[cosbyboy1]

how interesting Finn!   got to get hold of that book and check out the link.   meanwhile Winged Migration is really wonderful and I am glad cococat found that out.   a gorgeous film.

[duphoff]

Finn and all are you aware there is a facebook site for both operation migration and operation migration chat.  On the site there are pictures from yesterday's flight. 
Finn how wonderful that you were able to see the Whoopers fly in the wild.  The only time I have seen them in the wild was about 10 years ago at Neceedah when they were just establishing the flock.  They are such beautiful birds.
Another wonderful place to visit is the International Crane Foundation in Baraboo Wisconsin where you can see all the crane species.  Such beautiful birds.

[duphoff]

Today I had the wonderful experience of seeing the Whooping Cranes from Operation Migration land at their location in Piatt County with the ultralight.  It was thrilling and of course I cried as I watched and attempted to take some photos.  I am going to try to attach my first photo today of one of the ultralights with 5 birds at the wing.  There was actually 6, but one not in the photo.  The other trike had 1 bird at the wing and 2 birds did not fly so they were crated which is not unusual as they are first learning to fly and migrate with the ultralight trikes.

[FinnBMD]

duphoff:  what an incredible thrill!  I am green with envy.  I have been checking in day after day as the grounding due to weather conditions continued.  The whole adventure is fascinating to me--the dedication of the crew, the excitement of the cranes as they get ready to take off with the plane and the beauty of the birds as they soar freely next to the pilot and ultralite.  Thanks for posting the picture of the "family" on their continued travels southward.

[doberman]

Duphoff: That's just too cool!

[shuff1]

Yes, Finn we are the same color.  Green looks good on us and frogs.  Dupoff thank you so very much for all the information on the cranes.  And I am beyond happy that you were able to see it in person.  That must rank right up there in the top ten things in life.  Finn I'm glad you weren't hurt when you slammed the brakes on!  It's dangerous wildlife and bird watching while driving.  This spring I saw three trumpeter swans on a small farm pond.  First time I have ever seen them in the wild.  I was cruising at 70 and almost ended up in the pond!  Lol.

[duphoff]

Yes Shuff,
I should have a bumper sticker that says, "Caution birdwatcher driving and may make frequent and sudden stop."  LOL
If I get some more pics of the cranes I will send them.  The Operation Migration site has all their flights archived.  When you go to the field journal, to the left is a cranecam link.  Select it and go to archives and select the date and you can watch the flights of the birds.

[AliceWitt]

What a great experience. Go looking some more and please send us more great pictures.