Member Day

We joined the flock of members at the International Crane Foundation (ICF) this year and were able to attend Member Appreciation Day over the weekend.

There was a photo opportunity with Hope, the official mascot of the center (created by the Henson Creature Shop), and a great day for special member only tours with additional guides on hand to answer questions about any of the world's 15 Crane species who call Baraboo home.

The Black Crowned Crane is native to Africa, but three of them on public display seemed to be enjoy the Wisconsin autumn day.

It's the preeminent facility in the world for protecting these beautiful birds, many of which are endangered.

Two students at Cornell University in New York envisioned a place like this, and one of them was from the area.  His parents rented their horse farm to the partners in 1973 for $1 a year.

Which is how this amazing place helping birds of the world came to roost in America's Dairyland.

Only Sandhill and Whooping Cranes are native to the United States.

About a hundred years ago, they were nearly gone.

Sandhill Cranes are a fairly common sight now, and Whooping Cranes, while still requiring protection, are making slow progress.

There are an estimated 600 Whooping Cranes in the wild and in captivity.  Considering there were only 15 in the 1940s, that's good progress.

The tallest North American birds are incredibly beautiful.

The bleach white feathers, distinctive black mask, and red head patch create quite a presence.

Each time I've been to the ICF, I've noticed the hush among visitors to the grounds as we walk around the pens looking eye to eye with these magnificent creatures.

Membership helps support ICF, and as a craniac, you get admission to see these birds and free or reduced admission at 150 zoos and aquariums; it's worth it!