Nebraska Ornithologists' Union
Date of this Version
6-1998
Citation
“Cooperative Whooping Crane Tracking Project (February 1998-May 1998),” from Nebraska Bird Review (June 1998) 66(2).
Abstract
Whooping crane spring and fall migrations are monitored each year. Sighting reports are forwarded to the Ecological Services Field Office of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife service, Grand Island, Nebraska, by private organizations, State and Federal conservation agencies, and the Canadian Wildlife Service. Cooperation throughout the whooping crane flyway continues to be excellent. Special thanks go out to each participant.
Between 1977 and 1988, 132 juvenile whooping cranes were color marked on the breeding grounds; of these 40 were accounted for during the winter of 1997–98. One color-marked crane was observed during the spring migration. All sightings of color-marked whooping cranes during migration are maintained at the Grand Island office. We cannot over-emphasize the importance of observers looking closely for the colored leg bands.
Repeat sightings of the same birds at the same location during a stopover period are not included when known to be repeats. Only sightings classified as confirmed, based on whooping crane recovery plan criteria, are shown in the report. Probable and unconfirmed sightings are not shown. All whooping crane reports received from the United States are on record in the Grand Island Ecological Services Field Office and are available upon request.