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Whooping Crane Ecology 101
ICF is studying the reintroduced eastern migratory Whooping Crane population to learn how the cranes choose roosting, foraging, and, as the birds mature, nesting areas. Through this research we hope to better predict and proactively deal with management issues as they arise, such as abandoned nests. Our research is focused on how the birds move about the landscape (to learn more, for example, about the size of their home territories or where the cranes go after returning to Wisconsin from their wintering areas). We have learned that most of the reintroduced birds have chosen the core reintroduction area in central Wisconsin for breeding; however, many other birds (mostly young birds) have moved to other areas of Wisconsin (and even surrounding states). Our research methods include monitoring the birds on their summering/breeding areas, as well as along the migration corridor. This research varies from day-to-day observations of the birds on their nests or breeding territories, to observations of the cranes as they migrate.
Guadalupe River Basin
The western migratory Whooping Crane population and their main food source, blue crabs, depends on fresh water from the Guadalupe River basin in western Texas. ICF works with diverse partners in Texas, including coastal municipalities, businesses, and community groups, to protect the fragile gulf ecosystem, its precious wildlife, and the vital coastal economy. Our research includes new studies of Whooping Cranes and the ecology of blue crabs to improve our management of cranes and their habitats during crisis periods.
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An abandoned Whooping Crane nest in western Wisconsin. ICF researchers are studying how the cranes use the wetland landscape to help answer why some pairs may abandon their nests before their eggs hatch. |
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