Back From The Brink

[fotografr]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

In 1982 Sandhill Crane numbers were down and going lower. A count that year turned up just 2000 cranes. Recovery efforts over the next four decades have brought their numbers up to 12,000 in this state. There are so many that farmers are upset about crop damage and there are proposals to open a hunting season for them, which I hope doesn't happen. They have become a very common sight, however, and today when I was biking through a park I saw this pair very close to the bike path. I stopped and was able to walk very slowly to within just a few feet without getting them agitated. The one closest to me stands about five feet tall.

D-Lux 8

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

[stuny]

Beautiful.  I'd love to see them in the wild.

[fotografr]

9 hours ago, stuny said:

Beautiful.  I'd love to see them in the wild.

Their migration flyway is just a 40 minute drive from my home. They come through by the thousands and rest on sandbar Islands in the Wisconsin River where they are safe from predators. It's quite a sight to see them all packed together along the shores.