Participants in the 2006 Nature Coast Birding and Wildlife Experience heard the most up-to-date information on the recovery program for Whooping Cranes from the event's keynote speaker the evening of November 3. Jim Kraus, Manager of the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge explained the breeding and training program that has resulted in his refuge providing safe wintering for each year's flock of Whooping Crane chicks. In 1970 Whooping Cranes were given endangered species status. Shrinkage of suitable habitat, hurricanes and mentally incompetent hunters all have contributed to the decline of Whooping Crane populations. A 33 year program, based on captivity breeding, has built the population to nearly 500 birds from a low of 15 birds in 1940. Nine public and private organizations cooperate to add about 18 young each year to what is now a flock of 61 adults that summer in Wisconsin and winter at the Chassahowitzka refuge. Some of the older birs are now raising young that contribute to the growth of the flock. The Chassahowitzka refuge was chosen from 22 possible areas as the best place to establish a wintering site. Marsh land with lots of blue crabs and few humans were important factors in the choice. In 2001 just seven chicks were trained to follow an ultralight aircraft as a surrogate migration leader. The sixth group, 18 chicks, the Class of '06 is now on its way to Florida. (See www.operationmigration.org for daily progress reports.) An additional 7 chick may be added to the flock without having been trained to migrate south, in the hopes that they will join the birds going north in the spring. Refuge Manager Kraus added that people will be able to see the 2006 birds as they are led past the Dunnellon Airport on the last leg of their trip to the refuge. First the birds must fly over the hills of Tennessee and cruise across Georgia. Once they are in Florida the "fly-over" date will be announce on a recording at 352-563-2088. | 