In his most recent report, (February 7th), US Whooping Crane Recovery Coordinator Wade Harrell said, “The data on the winter whooping crane population estimate is being processed. We are applying sound science to calculate this estimate and will share it with the public as soon as the estimate is complete.”
Click here to read his full report.
MORTALITY
This news came Friday from Nancy Brown, USFWS Public Outreach Specialist for Oklahoma-Texas. “On the morning of Feb. 7, Aransas Refuge staff retrieved the remains of an adult whooping crane on Matagorda Island. The remains will be sent to a lab for analysis and those results will be shared with the public as soon as they are available.”
Am I the only craniac who fears that the folks in charge of “applying sound science to calculate this (whooping crane winter population) estimate” have something to hide? If the number of whooping cranes is lower this winter everyone needs to know it now so decisions for changing the management can be made and implemented. This impacts the whole world!
Thanks again, Liz, for the update info. on Wood Buffalo-Aransas. Are you familiar with the two videos “The Whoop” and “The Whoop & 1st Line Dance” published in June 2012 by GulfMexicoFoundation? It’s a kick! Great for the younger generation and education on Whooping Cranes in that Flock!
Sad… another mortality. Soar the skies with other gone before you… <3