The DAR (Direct Autumn Release) Whooping Cranes that were released on the Necedah National Wildlife Refuge on Saturday, 10/24 were released in four separate groups—three groups of 2 birds and one group of 3 birds.  The birds soon found one another on the refuge and joined together in two separate groups of 4 and 5 birds.  Recently, two of the DAR cranes have been observed together outside of the refuge with a group of older Whooping and Sandhill Cranes.  The other seven DAR cranes have since joined together into one group.  The seven birds have been hanging out “at home” at their training site (Site 3) and at another wetland on the refuge.  Older Whooping Crane pair #11-02 and #17-02 have been observed with the DAR chicks at Site 3. 

Update by Joan Garland, ICF Outreach Coordinator/WCEP Communications & Outreach Co-chair.