Whooping Cranes

Whooping Cranes are a federally endangered species that had dwindled to a mere 15 birds by 1941 due to hunting and habitat loss. Conservation efforts have helped to bring back two migrating flocks of around 500 birds and as of January 2025 there are an estimated 70 birds in the Eastern Migratory flock. Many of these birds learned to migrate following the ultralight aircraft flown by Operation Migration from Wisconsin to Florida as they would lead a new cohort of juvenile birds south each fall from 2001 through 2015. When I lived in Northern Illinois I learned to follow their journey and was sometimes fortunate enough to see and photograph them. Now that I have moved one state to the east I find that some Whooping Cranes migrate though Indiana as well. Since these birds are endangered and always at risk, the International Crane Foundation relies on individuals in the field for reports on the whereabouts and safety of the birds. When I find time I like to try to be one of those individuals.