Researchers report several whooping crane families are initiating their spring migration nearly a month earlier than usual, with some birds having already reached South Dakota.
Texans are asked to report sightings of these large white birds as they progress along their migration route northward from the coast through Central Texas and the Wichita Falls area.
After a winter distribution that surprised biologists and kept birders enchanted with unprecedented sighting opportunities for one of North America’s most ancient bird species, the unusually early start of the migration to nesting grounds in Canada does not surprise Texas Parks and Wildlife Department biologist Lee Ann Linam.
“This winter seemed to produce a ‘perfect storm’ of mild winter weather, reduced food sources on the Texas coast, and crowding in an expanding whooping crane population, which led whooping cranes to explore new wintering areas,” Linam said. “Those same conditions have likely provided the impetus for an early start of their 1500-mile spring migration.”
Linam notes, “these cranes seem to be showing adaptability as the increasing population may be causing crowding in traditional habitats and drought may be producing less than ideal habitat conditions. I think it’s a good sign that whooping cranes are exploring and thriving in new wintering areas.”
Anyone sighting a whooping crane can help by reporting it to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department at 1-800-792-1112 x4644 or 1-512-656-1222. Sightings can also be reported via e-mail atwhoopingcranes@tpwd.state.tx.us. Observers are asked especially to note whether the cranes have colored leg bands on their legs.
Additional identification aids can be found online at http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild/wild/species/?o=whooper andhttp://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/CurrentBirdIssues/SandhillCranes/SandhillCraneHunters.htm
