Whooping Cranes in Flight
Cranes were on the brink of extinction in the early 1940’s with only 15 remaining in the population that migrates from their nesting grounds in Canada to the coast of Texas. Today, after many years of help, this population has reached a record number of almost 300 with a number living and migrating to Florida as well.
In order to safeguard this species, biologists are using an innovative method to imprint captive reared Whooping cranes and teach them to migrate behind ultralight aircraft. In this way, Whooping cranes have been restored to the Eastern flyway and a separate wild migrating population has been established. As more and more people have the privilege of seeing these birds, Whooping cranes have become ambassadors for our wetlands and for all species in need of our assistance. Support our wildlife.
Since fall of 1980, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has been involved in a large-scale project to restore the whooping crane to the southeastern United States. This year was successful as 7 young whooping cranes completing their first migration, from Wisconsin to Florida, in January 2009, following an ultralight aircraft. This procedure was carried out by Operation Migration.
I am a new fan of these awesome birds! Watching the new babies migrate now down here to FL is just awe inspiring! I LOVE this photo and whom would I contact to see about getting a copy, I would love to have a painting of it! Can someone let me know please?