Researchers have learned that cranes that become overly tolerant of human presence are at greater risk to numerous hazards that could endanger their well-being.
The WCEP asks anyone who encounters a whooping crane in the wild to please view from a distance so they so they can survive and thrive:
Their guidance includes:
-Do not approach birds on foot within 200 yards;
-Try to remain in your vehicle
-Use of binoculars or spotting scopes is recommended for viewing
-Do not approach in a vehicle within 100 yards.
-Please remain concealed and do not speak loudly enough that the birds can hear you.
-Please do not trespass on private property in an attempt to view whooping cranes."
Again thanks so much for your report!
............................................
Lisa Gelvin-Innvaer
Reg. Nongame Wildlife Specialist
MN DNR Southern Region
Div. of Ecological Resources
Nongame Wildlife Program
261 Hwy 15 South
New Ulm, MN 56073
phone: ( 507) 359-6033
fax: (507) 359-6018
e-mail: [log in to unmask]
Web: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/eco/nongame/index.html
>>> Howard Towle <[log in to unmask]> 5/5/2009 10:29 PM >>>
The two Whooping Cranes reported this morning from just south of
Owatonna were still present this evening at 6:30 PM in the same field.
Does anyone know the origin of these birds? Are they part of the
Wisconsin flock that overshot their mark?
Thanks Ken!
Howard Towle
Golden Valley, MN
> Two Whooping Cranes were first spotted by Emily Hutchins Monday
> night around 7:30. They were flying over the intersection of Hwys.
> 218 and 14 on the south side of Owatonna. They landed in a green
> meadow on the south side of 18th Street on the eastern edge of
> Owatonna. They were still present at 7:30 Tuesday AM.
>
> Ken Vail
> Blooming Prairie