You are invited to volunteer to participate in the Midwest Crane Count, which will take place this Saturday morning, April 9. This is the annual survey of Sandhill Cranes across 120 counties in 7 states of the upper Midwest, including Wisconsin and some counties in Minnesota, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, Iowa, and Indiana. Whooping Cranes will also be monitored, mostly in reintroduction areas in Wisconsin. Each year more than 1,600 volunteers visit local wetlands and meadows to participate in the Crane Count, which will indicate where pairs of cranes may nest in coming days and weeks.
Organized by the International Crane Foundation and supported by state wildlife agencies and birding groups, participants in the Midwest Crane Count will be committed to scout an assigned area, complete virtual training, and conduct the Saturday morning count. Anyone who can identify a Sandhill Crane by sight and calls is welcome; teams of 2 people are preferred, and a vehicle is required to reach count sites.
