#whoopingcranes

Whoop!

Reduction of 2018 budget for the U.S. Geological Survey has resulted in closure of the Whooping Crane captive breeding program at Patuxent Research Refuge (Laurel, MD). We’re saddened by the news and hoping for no long-term adverse effects on this endangered species. Here’s a statement from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/lawhoopingcranes/posts/1202614459844665

My Christmas present to myself. Took a charter boat tour of Aransas National Wildlife Refuge to get a close up view of my favorite endangered species. 

Whooping Cranes - Aransas National Wildlife Refuge - Texas

The Sandhill Migration - 2025

After moving to Missouri a few months ago, I’ve found myself thinking about the crane migration alot. I grew up watching it every spring and It’s one of those things you don’t realize how special it is until you’re away from it.

Nebraska is uniquely positioned along their route, acting like a funnel for the migration each year from February through April, with March being the peak. Nearly a million sandhill cranes pass through the Kearney area and surrounding towns. Their beautiful calls fill the air as they settle along the Platte River at sunset, then lift off again at sunrise. It’s impossible not to stop and watch and listen.

March of this year, I was able to share the experience with my best friend, which made it even more meaningful. It’s the kind of magic that’s better when it’s shared and something I love talking to people about.

Now that I’m settled in southern Missouri, I find myself missing the birds. I’m hoping to make a trip back this spring to see them again.

They are the focus of alot of my artwork, I really recommend experiencing the migration once in your life if you can.

If you are lucky you may spot the rare and endangered Whooping Crane. About 8 were spotted near Holdrege, Nebraska this year. There are about 800 of them in the world currently and wish the help of conservationists their numbers slowly are growing.

A few places I recommend to view the cranes that are very educational:

1. Crane Trust Nature & Visitor Center - Wood River, Ne

2. Rowe Sanctuary - Gibbon, Ne

3. Funk Lagoon WPA - Funk, Ne

I have a few paintings of sandhill cranes and other Nebraska wildlife available to view at the Michael Forsberg Funk WPA Gallery. It is a temporary gallery open on Sundays from 1-3pm.

You're right, I was just hoping I'd end up with a 24", 1,000-gram monster dragon like his great-grandfather. XD At least he's healthy and doing well, that's what really matters.