DAR #42-09 at 11 days old

Below are descriptions of three more 2009 DAR chicks:

DAR #40-09 hatched on June 18th and is a mild mannered and very independent little crane.  She has always been happy to forage for herself, eating any purple flowers she can find and walking the banks of the ponds in the chick yards.  She also is an avid eater whose legs were unfortunately growing inward to help support her heavy weight.  Even though she was exercised and limit fed daily she still gained more than 15% of her body weight a day.  #40-09 has been on a swimming routine for the last 1.5 weeks.   #40-09 has a pink band on her right leg.

DAR #41-09 hatched on June 21st and is like a little brother, tagging along and doing what the older kids (DAR #’s 39 & 40-09) do.  #’s 40 & 41-09 got along well fairly early in life, mainly because #40-09 was so independent.  #41-09 would stay with the costume while #40-09 followed at a distance.  The dynamics changed when #39-09 was socialized with these two.  #’s 39 & 41-09 started hanging out together more with #41-09 tagging along.  #’s 41 & 39-09 still get into small squabbles but #41-09 is smart enough to call “uncle” early so no one gets hurt.  #41-09 has a yellow band on his right leg.

DAR #42-09 was the last chick to hatch on July 3rd.  She seemed to be the fastest learner eating, finding the water bowl, and following the costume quickly.  All the staff working with #42-09 think she is adorable because she is so small compared to the rest and is intent on following the costume closely.  #42-09 explores everything, picking up leaves, twigs, rocks – anything and everything goes in her bill at least for a short time.  At Necedah she is very observant of her surroundings and has taken to eating the blueberries as long as the older whooping cranes are not nearby.  #42-09 has a blue band on her right leg. 

Sadly, DAR #33-09 was recently killed by a predator.  The remaining 10 DAR birds are all doing well—stay tuned for further DAR updates.

Update and photo by Marianne Wellington, ICF Aviculturist/WCEP DAR Co-chair.