Thursday Birdblogging

For those of you who noticed this went up for awhile on Wednesday, this is now The Early Bird. But seriously...

Sandhill cranes are usually seen in huge flocks in the middle of the country, although there are Florida populations also. They are not as endangered as the Whooping Cranes that they often group with in migration, but they are in some trouble and the International Crane Foundation has 'taken them under its wing' as well.

The positive relationship between crane and farmer is precarious and currently is threatened by growing amounts of crop damage caused by cranes. To help re-establish a more positive relationship between cranes and the landowners who provide habitat, ICF is helping to develop a new technique to treat corn seeds with a deterrent before the seeds are planted. In response, foraging Sandhills avoid treated seed but remain in the field to feed non-destructively on other foods. ICF is currently collaborating with partners to make this technique available to farmers throughout the Midwest.

Of equal importance is our ability to monitor crane populations for new problems that may arise. To this end, ICF sponsors the Annual Midwest Crane Count through which thousands of volunteers count cranes each April.

The picture is from our Cornell Birdguide friends, at http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Sandhill_Crane.html

You can also choose to hear their squawk at that BirdGuide site.