All the Cranes on Earth

Black Crowned Cranes caught in small talk.
6/5/2018       dwm photo

It's been a couple years since my last visit to the International Crane Foundation.

Going with a group this time, I had the benefit of a tour guide and seeing the official Crane Foundation movie.

Cranes were nesting during our visit and not appreciating the visitors.  The guide warned us to stay away from the fence.  Inside the fence, precautions were taken so they couldn't get hurt.

The fifteen crane species are represented in the public display by "ambassador" birds while dozens more are in the off-limits Crane City where birds not imprinted on humans are born, raised, and released into restored habitat around the world.

Sandhill calling.
6/5/18  (dwm)

The birds on display live in one of three exhibits.  The Spirit of Africa hosts the Grey and Black Crowned, Blue, and Wattled Cranes near the visitor's center.  The Johnson Pod hosts 10 other species  in a circular home with small apartments and large yards.

The Whooping Cranes have their own space.  There is an amphitheater where large groups observe the endangered birds and hear their dramatic story of near extinction and flight to recovery.

In 1941, there were 21 wild and 2 captive Whooping Cranes in the world.

In 2015 the birds are moving the right direction with just over 600 birds including 161 captive, many in places like the International Crane Foundation where breeding programs are working to continue progress.

In their exhibit, one Whooper (r)
sits on the eggs while the other
stands in the marsh. (dwm)

One issue affecting the Whooping Crane and the other white cranes is the color.  White doesn't blend into the landscape which make them an easy mark for predators and hunters.

There are a couple fledgling Whooping Crane flocks migrating across North America, but they are not out of the woods.

A guide demonstrates how baby birds
are fed in Crane City. (dwm)

It can be difficult to find the right habitat for North America's biggest bird, which
needs wetlands and space.

The Whooping Cranes don't adapt as well to new habitat like Sandhill cranes which are now sometimes living in suburban land around North America.

The mission of the International Crane Foundation is saving cranes.

The Grey Crowned Crane strikes a pose.  6/5/18 (dwm)

It seeks to accomplish its mission through education, saving wetlands, and re-introducing these graceful creatures back to their homes.

Film and photos don't convey their beauty effectively; when you can stand near them and look them in the eye - nearly every visitor adopts that mission as their own.

Other Crane blogs:  May 12, 2016       October 13, 2016 and  October 24, 2014