Participate in the Midwest Crane Count Saturday

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.

To join the action, contact the County Coordinator for the county you wish to participate in at Click here to view the listing of county coordinators. For more information about the Midwest Crane Count and the International Crane Foundation, see Annual Midwest Crane Count – International Crane Foundation (savingcranes.org)