There are now 45 whooping cranes confirmed back in Wisconsin – 35 on or just off the Necedah National Wildlife Refuge and 10 at other locations in the state.  Of those 45 cranes, seven breeding pairs are back on their territories.  However, no nesting activity has been observed yet.

Further exciting news is the arrival of #27-07 to Wisconsin--this crane did not return to Wisconsin last year.  She spent much of the spring/summer in Illinois and Indiana.  This year, however, she has found her way home and is currently in Winnebago County with sandhill cranes.  Number 27-07’s identity was confirmed on March 28, thanks to a public sighting report and photograph.  Welcome back, #27!

Photo of #27-07 taken with a spotting scope, courtesy of Ursula Petersen.

Update by Joan Garland, ICF Education Outreach Coordinator. Report provided by Sara Zimorski, ICF Aviculturist.