Whooping Crane, Alger Co., 4/20/09

[scott hickman]

A banded Whooping Crane (red over white on right leg, green over white
on left leg) has evidently been present for two days in a corn field
north of Traunik.  It was originally thought to be an "albino
sandhill', but Bob Bartol of AuTrain felt that it was actually a
Whooping Crane, and took the time to get word of the bird through to
me.  Mark and Joanie Hubinger and I drove down this evening and
verified his identification at about 5:30 p.m.  

To reach this
bird - drive about 1 and 1/2 miles north of Traunik on the Eben Trenary
Road where you will cross Johnson Creek.  Continue north and you will
see a small field of standing corn on the east side of the road. 
Immediately north of this field will be a dirt road, Hager Blvd., going
off to the east.  It is marked with a green road sign.  Park nearby. 
The bird has been associating with Sandhill Cranes  on the south side
of this road about 100 yards down this road to the east.  

This is a federally endangered species, so extreme care should be taken to keep from disturbing this individual.  The International Crane Foundation recommends remaining at least 600 feet from this species.  We followed their guidelines, and instead of walking down the Hager Blvd., walked within the woods lining the north side of the road.  Neither the Sandhill Cranes present or the Whooping Crane seemed disturbed by our presence.  Please observe similar caution if you decide to try to see this bird.  Thanks, and thank you for
getting the word out Bob!!!   Scott
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