Saturday, the 41st annual Midwest Crane Count happens in Wisconsin and five other states, sponsored by the International Crane Foundation . Volunteers gather from 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. in typical crane habitat to count the birds. Local coordinators are Bob and Jan Dall from Rhinelander. We talked with Bob last week about the count when snow was flying...
"....I know it isn't looking like spring, but it really is out there. The cranes are back. We have some cranes beginning to build nests, so believe it or not..(laugh).... "
He says one of the success stories is the Sandhill crane, which has come from near extinction to 80,000 birds. Dall says one endangered crane has been seen in the Northwoods...
"....we also have the most endangered crane in the state, the Whooping crane. We actually have counted a 'Whooper' once or twice on our count in recent years. They're struggling to make a comeback with a lot of conservation help....."
Dall says of the 15 species of cranes in the world, the Sandhill Crane is the only one whose population has rebounded.
He says volunteers are needed as there are a number of areas where people can go to observe. Dall says you can contact him at 715-401-3214, or email janbobdall@gmail.com or go online at cranecount. org
