Crane City USA

So my first week of work at the International Crane Foundation is done, and man was it busy.

The International Crane Foundation (ICF)'s mission is to "conserve cranes and the ecosystems, watersheds, and flyways on which they depend. ICF provides  knowledge, leadership, and inspiration to engage people in resolving threats to cranes and their diverse landscapes." It does this through educational programs and captive breeding, in addition to working with conservation initiatives worldwide aimed at protecting the world's cranes. The facility houses over 100 individual cranes representing all of the world's 15 species of cranes, of which 7 are classified as Vulnerable (by IUCN standards), 3 are Endangered, and 1, the Siberian Crane, is Critically Endangered.

While most of the cranes are out back in a complex called 'Crane City' by aviculture staff, representatives of all 15 species are on exhibit. The Whooping Cranes, the focus of much of the ICF's North American operations, get their own exhibit. The African cranes, Grey-Crowned, Black-Crowned, and Wattled, have their own enclosures and service areas as well. The rest are located in a round (roughly) exhibit area known as 'the Pod.' While the facility seems small compared to some others, they have a hand in conservation projects on nearly every continent.

The facility also sports nature trails covering a variety of habitat, from prairie-like areas and marshes to mixed woods. The ICF is a great place for birders and bird enthusiasts alike; wild Sandhill Cranes are drawn to the area by the presence of their relatives, while the various habitats attract Mallards and as well as black birds, sparrows, and other songbirds. Woodcock court in wetlands by Crane City, and shrikes and hawks take advantage of the abundance of prey, including ground squirrels. It's not even unheard of to see a wild Whooping Crane give the ICF a fly-by.

Currently, breeding season is in full swing, and the first eggs of the season have appeared. In my first week, I've already been involved in a few egg-grabs, some incubator maintenance, and artificial insemination. It's been pretty crazy, but I'm loving it!

Have some crane pictures.

Black-Necked Cranes

Black-Crowned Crane

Wattled Crane

Whooping Crane

Siberian Crane

Blue Crane

Demoiselle Cranes

Sarus Crane

Grey-Crowned Crane

To round things off, here's a cute (albeit sort of sad) video from the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, narrated by the magnificent Stephen Fry. Enjoy, and see you next time!