Last Updated: Friday, June 22, 2007 1:40 PM CDT
Whooping Crane project Operation Migration continues
The first group of whooping cranes to be trained this year by Operation Migration to follow ultralight aircraft arrived June 19, when a group of eight birds from Patuxent Wildlife Research Center in Laurel, Md., arrived at the Necedah Airport. Two additional groups of birds will come to the Necedah Refuge from Patuxent in July.
Refuge Manager Larry Wargowsky stated there will also be birds arriving from the International Crane Foundation near Baraboo for the Direct Autumn Release program. Birds for both projects will be in pens on the Necedah Refuge in four separate locations until next fall.
There currently are 58 older birds in the Eastern U.S. migratory population from the previous years of this project. At least 33 of the birds are on the Necedah Refuge this week.
Opportunities to observe whooping cranes being trained to follow ultralight aircraft as well as guided tours of the Necedah Refuge are available by calling 608-565-2551.
What if I see the whooping cranes?
With the arrival of whooping cranes back in Wisconsin, it is imperative should anyone be fortunate enough to encounter these birds, that they use extreme caution in observing the cranes and do not attempt to approach them.
Joe Duff, the project's lead ultralight pilot, said it best during a recent interview: "Although we took special precautions to ensure these birds were reared in isolation from human contact they are still far from wild. That return to nature will take place over the next few months but could be destroyed by one curious onlooker. Despite good intentions the best thing an observer could do for these birds and this project is to observe from a distance and report their location to wildlife officials. The worst thing you could do is attempt to feed them."
Each exposure lessens the whooping cranes' natural fear of humans, which is an important survival mechanism. Feeding the whooping cranes can result in the birds becoming dependent on humans as a source of food. Both would negate the many long hours biologists, veterinarians, pilots and volunteers endured hot costumes and silence while raising and caring for these whooping cranes over the past year.
You should contact your local Department of Natural Resources office to report your sighting.
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