Mississippi sandhill cranes get first taste of freedom

Twenty-two young sandhill cranes have been freed into the wild by their caretakers at the Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge near Gautier. By the Associated Press.

http://www.sunherald.com/2013/12/11/5185341/miss-sandhill-cranes-get-first.html

Photo gallery:
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/12/11/5185445/mississippi-sandhill-cranes-get.html

Guardian of the cranes at Poyang Lake

One winter morning, a short-haired girl is busy feeding the cranes at the Poyang Lake Wetland Park on Baishazhou Island on Poyang Lake, the largest freshwater lake in China. Zou Jinlian, a twenty-something girl, is known around the wetland park as 'guardian of the cranes'. By Liu Zhankun (Women of China).

http://www.womenofchina.cn/html/womenofchina/report/168089-1.htm

Black-necked cranes in Tibet

A flock of black-necked cranes are photographed at Hutoushan Reservoir in Lhasa, Tibet, on Dec. 10, 2013. (China News).

http://www.china.org.cn/environment/2013-12/12/content_30876182.htm

Fall in endangered-crane numbers reported at Vietnam park

Conservationists have expressed concern over the decreasing number of Sarus cranes – an endangered species – in the Tram Chim National Park in the Mekong Delta province of Dong Thap. (Thanh Nien News).

http://www.thanhniennews.com/index/pages/20131205-reduced-number-of-endangered-cranes-reported-in-vietnam-park.aspx

Eurasian crane recovers from cataract surgery

Life had become a blur for the crane whose fuzzy vision had kept him in captivity. Experts were baffled by the Eurasian crane’s unusual behaviour which saw him spend a lot time on his own and lose weight. By Kate Scotter (EDP 24).

http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/environment/video_pensthorpe_crane_recovers_from_pioneering_eye_surgery_1_3031678

Visit Kheechan in Western Rajasthan to witness the demoiselle cranes

Kheechan is a quaint little village in Western Rajasthan that sleeps for five months. Then suddenly, it wakes up on a September morning when the first lot of about 20 migratory birds rent the air with a deafening 'kraaw-kraaw'. These birds, known as demoiselle cranes or kurja in Rajasthani, come all the way from Mongolia. By Gangadharan Menon (Mid-day Infomedia).

http://www.mid-day.com/lifestyle/2013/dec/011213-lifestyle-travel-kheechan-western-rajasthan-demoiselle-cranes-migrated-from-mongolia-kurja.htm

World’s Last Flock of Wild Whooping Cranes Returns to Texas

The world’s last flock of wild whooping cranes is now arriving in Texas, as the endangered birds make their annual winter migration to the coast from northern Canada. (The Anuhuac Progress)

http://www.thevindicator.com/anahuac_progress/article_0fc185b8-5d36-11e3-bca3-0019bb2963f4.html

Refuge gets biggest delivery of Mississippi Sandhill cranes in nearly a decade

Jackson County took delivery of a fresh crop of endangered cranes last week, the largest group in nearly a decade. - By Lauren Walck, Sun Herald

Read more here: http://www.sunherald.com/2013/11/19/5130335/refuge-gets-biggest-delivery-of.html#storylink=cpy

http://www.sunherald.com/2013/11/19/5130335/refuge-gets-biggest-delivery-of.html

Sandhill cranes thrive in the San Joaquin Valley wetlands Read more here: http://www.modbee.com/2013/11/23/3050266/sandhill-cranes-thrive-in-the.html#storylink=cpy

Six sandhill cranes landed gracefully and strolled two-by-two with their mates into an autumn scene worthy of a Norman Rockwell painting.

http://www.modbee.com/2013/11/23/3050266/sandhill-cranes-thrive-in-the.html

Read more here: http://www.modbee.com/2013/11/23/3050266/sandhill-cranes-thrive-in-the.html#storylink=cpy

Endangered whooping cranes coming to Vermilion

A new group of 11 young whooping cranes is scheduled to arrive in Vermilion Parish next month in an ongoing project to re-establish the endangered birds in the south Louisiana marshes where they once thrived.
http://www.seattlepi.com/news/science/article/Endangered-whooping-cranes-coming-to-Vermilion-4990591.php

Endangered birds pass through Oklahoma

For the first time since records have been kept, whooping cranes were confirmed in Oklahoma City last fall. A single bird stopped at Lake Overholser in mid-October; and then, just before Thanksgiving, a pair stopped overnight at Lake Hefner. The Wildlife Department asks citizens to report any whooping crane sightings again this year.

http://bit.ly/183ckXz

Audubon transfers 22 endangered cranes from New Orleans rearing facility to Mississippi refuge

Crane breeding center crowded as birds age

The Okayama Prefectural Nature Conservation Center in the town of Wake, known for having the nation’s largest population of Japanese cranes, has been wrestling with overcrowded breeding facilities as the birds age.

http://bit.ly/1ea0UjT

Whooping Crane warning for Kansas Bird watchers

Bird enthusiasts are being urged to keep their distance from whooping cranes that pass through Quivira National Wildlife Refuge in central Kansas at this time each year.

http://bit.ly/1d5eaJx

Migration by Any Means Necessary

The airplane passenger of the month for October was an unusual breed of traveler, one who gratefully received first-class airfare even though the ticket sent him more than 2,000 km out of his way. He was trying to head south for the winter, got lost along the way , and has ended up with winter accommodations near Moscow—not quite the ideal warm-weather destination. By Dan Klotz (National Geographic Water Currents).

http://newswatch.nationalgeographic.com/2013/11/05/migration-by-any-means-necessary/

If whooping crane is sighted, it’s time for a coffee break

As workers dig trenches for a new North Dakota oil pipeline named after a bird called the sandpiper, they’ll need to look out for another avian visitor — the whooping crane. If they see any, workers must take a break until the endangered cranes fly out of sight. By David Shaffer (Star Tribune).

http://www.startribune.com/business/230224621.html

UFC student gets crowds help studying cranes

Marisa Zimmerman rode in a golf cart in circles throughout UCF for more than a year looking for Florida sandhill cranes. But the environmental-studies major wasn't spotting enough of the long-legged gray birds for her research project. Her professor suggested using crowdsourcing, and within weeks, 60 people sent Zimmerman nearly 300 images of sandhill cranes, providing about three-quarters of her data. By Leslie Portal (Orlando Sentinel).

http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2013-11-06/features/os-ucf-crane-student-study-20131106_1_cranes-ucf-arboretum-mentoring-program

Farming for Cranes: can agriculture save an ancient migration?

Half an hour before sunrise, we turn into the South Unit of the Woodbridge Ecological Reserve, windows shut against the late October chill. We’re just five miles west of Lodi, but as soon as we open our car doors, all thoughts of civilization fade away as a noisy chorus of otherworldly calls rises from the marsh before us. By Liza Gross (KQED).

http://blogs.kqed.org/science/2013/10/30/farming-for-cranes-can-agriculture-save-an-ancient-migration/

Last flight of the Anatolian cranes?

It is not an exaggeration to say that the crane is one of the most prominent symbols of Anatolian culture. If we look only at music, we see the crane appearing in Musa Eroğlu's folk song "Telli turnam selam götür sevgilimin diyarına…" (Oh my crane, carry my love to the lands of my lover…), or even in the group Yeni Türkü's folk song “Telli Turna” (Demoiselle Crane). By Gurhan Savgi (Today’s Zaman).

http://www.todayszaman.com/news-329730-last-flight-of-the-anatolian-cranes.html

8,000-year old bone flutes unearthed in Henan

Archaeologists have unearthed three flutes made from the bones of red-crowned cranes in Henan province that date back 8,000 years. By Huang Zhiling (China Daily).

http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2013-11/01/content_17075367.htm

Sarus cranes start arriving in Pakistan

With the advent of the winter season, Sarus cranes (migratory birds) from Europe, Central Asian states and India have started arriving in the country and as the mercury decreases, they will be dispersed throughout the country, from the high Himalayas to coastal mangroves and mud flats in the Indus delta.

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2013\11\01\story_1-11-2013_pg11_6

Cranes Delta habitat in peril?

California’s proposed water diversion tunnels would pass beneath the island here sandhill cranes winter, raising questions about how they will coexist with a multiyear industrial project of that magnitude. By Alex Breitler (The Record).

http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20131101/A_NEWS/311010322/0/A_NEWS

Whooping crane migration underway

Nine whooping crane chicks will soon take to the skies and migrate to the southeastern states at the end of October as efforts continue to restore the endangered species to the eastern United States. By Wisconsin DNR (Sheboygan Press)

http://www.sheboyganpress.com/viewart/20131018/WOF08/131018003/DNR-Whooping-crane-migration-underway

Putin crane to be x-rayed for gunshot wounds

An endangered siberian crane that once took migration lessons from the Russian president will be examined for gunshot injuries that could have prevented it from going south this fall. (RIA Novosti)

http://en.ria.ru/russia/20131021/184277252/Putin-Crane-to-Be-X-Rayed-for-Gunshot-Wounds.html

Comeback of sandhill cranes

October is a great time to observe the amazing comeback of sandhill cranes, as they gather in large numbers before their migration South. By Lisa Meyers Mcclintick (Star Tribune).

http://www.startribune.com/sports/outdoors/228222131.html?page=all&prepage=1&c=y

Unraveling the mysteries of white-naped crane migration

An international team of conservationists and scientists from Mongolia, China, and the United States are tracking White-naped Cranes in East Asia to identify and protect the threatened cranes’ key breeding, migratory, and wintering habitat. By Claire Mirande (International Crane Foundation).

http://www.savingcranes.org/whats-new/2013/10/unraveling-the-mysteries-of-white-naped-crane-migration/

Japanese cranes in extraordinary truce with predators

Japanese cranes surrounded by various predators including white-tailed eagles, a Steller's eagle and a fox. By John Downer Productions (BBC Earthflight)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8woaWeFjdp4

Common cranes fly over Venice

Common cranes have been hand-reared to fly alongside a microlight to capture these images. By John Downer Productions (BBC Earthflight)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHuH7KaPbLc

Dwindling crested crane, shoebill numbers worry tourism ministry

Uganda without the crested crane is almost impossible to imagine but according to the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, this symbol of identity and heritage together with the shoebill could soon be no more if encroachment on its habitat continues. By Flavia Lanyero (Daily Monitor)

http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/Dwindling-crested-crane--shoebill-numbers-worry-tourism-ministry/-/688334/2023028/-/k0lqfw/-/index.html

Sandhill cranes’ call is the song of autumn

The sound arrives before they do. It is a sound without equal. By Kevin Cook (The Coloradoan).

http://www.coloradoan.com/article/20131006/COLUMNISTS31/310060015/Pathfinder-Sandhill-cranes-call-song-autumn

Florida Sandhill Cranes being hit by cars, speeding blamed

At least 8 sandhill cranes have been hit by cars in the last month, and local residents are blaming speeders. By Sabrina Rocco (Brandenton Herald).

http://www.bradenton.com/2013/10/01/4748833/sandhill-cranes-being-hit-by-cars.html

Answering the Crane's Call: 40 Years of Preserving Grace

From Asia to North America, these tall birds with haunting cries have been woven into paintings, literature and folk tales. But today, 10 of the world's 15 crane species are threatened, and some are on the brink of extinction. (NPR).

http://www.npr.org/2013/09/08/219764625/answering-the-cranes-call-40-years-of-preserving-grace

Video: Japanese Crane Courtship Dances

The Japanese crane, also known as the red-crowned crane, is one of the rarest cranes in the world. Adult cranes usually mate for life and these bonds are reinforced in a stunning courtship dance. (Earthflight, PBS). http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/episodes/earthflight/video-japanese-crane-courtship-dances/8427/

Wise old birds teach migration route to young whooping cranes

A study of captive-bred whooping cranes found that young birds learn their migration routes over many years, and migrating alongside older birds improves the migratory efficiency of younger birds.

http://bit.ly/17EuMo6

Image: Joseph Duff/Operation Migration USA Inc.

Locals provide insight on origins of mysterious exotic bird

"Dr. Giancarlo Malnati and his wife, Iole, were in Africa for 11 years, according to their daughter Dr. Rosa Malnati, a podiatrist in Ocala. She said her mother adopted a pair of East African crowned cranes as chicks and raised them there. When the family went back to Italy, the pet birds went as well. Ten years later, the family moved to America." - By Susan Smiley-Height, Assistant city editor

http://www.ocala.com/article/20130902/ARTICLES/130909971

First cranes breed in Scotland since Middle Ages

"The common crane has bred successfully in Scotland for the first time since the Middle Ages in a major boost for ornithology north of the Border, it emerged yesterday." - by Frank Urquhart, The Scotsman

One of the common crane chicks born and reared in Scotland. Picture: RSPB

http://bit.ly/1dKhmuf

Cranes fighting fit and ready for release

"Some 23 young Common Cranes, part of the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust’s (WWT) Great Crane Project, will be released onto the Somerset Moors and Levels in September, the trust has announced." -The Birdwatch Team

http://www.birdwatch.co.uk/channel/newsitem.asp?c=11&cate=__14715

Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission approves sandhill crane hunting

The Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission voted Friday to allow for the first time a limited amount of hunting of the Sandhill crane this fall. - Josh Brown, The Tennessean

http://tnne.ws/1832vDN 

The crested crane dances to your tune

http://www.newvision.co.ug/news/646503-kyambura-gorge-the-valley-of-the-apes.html

Whoopers won't be flying over Dunnellon this winter

"Cameras will not be needed this winter at the Dunnellon/Marion County Airport. The whooping crane chicks learning how to migrate from Wisconsin to Florida by following Operation Migration's ultralight aircraft will not be coming this year." - Susan Latham Carr, Staff Writer
http://bit.ly/1dNyCMF

Rare African crane hangs out near Orange Lake

"There is more unknown than known about an elegant bird currently in residence in a northwest Marion County RV park. No one knows its gender, or where it goes when it is not there." -Susan Smiley-Height, Staff writer
http://bit.ly/13XMGBf

The Girl Who Transformed the Paper Crane Into the Symbol for Peace and Hope

One victim, a twelve year-old girl, Sadako Sasaki, died of radiation induced leukemia in 1955, ten years after the bomb had fallen near her home in Hiroshima. Her story has inspired millions around the world and her memory transformed the origami crane into an international symbol of peace and hope. By Michael Rose (Huffington Post).

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michael-rose/the-girl-who-transformed-the-paper-crane_b_3787670.html

Whooping crane chicks gear up for 2,500 mile trek

Whooping crane chicks in the nesting territory of the northeastern corner of Wood Buffalo National Park are fattening up and growing more each day in order to begin their long migration back to the wild flock’s wintering grounds in Texas later this month. By Renée Francoeur (Northern Journal).

http://norj.ca/2013/08/whooping-crane-chicks-gear-up-for-2500-mile-trek/

Tennessee Sandhill crane discussions should be interesting

Regardless of how the voting goes one thing is fairly certain: This is likely to be the last time sandhill crane hunting is an issue in Tennessee for a long time. - Bob Hodge, Knownews.com

http://bit.ly/1496b8l

Eight whooping crane chicks arrive in Wisconsin for aircraft training

The Whooping Crane Eastern Partnership (WCEP) is pleased to announce that this year’s group of birds that will follow ultralight aircraft to Florida has safely arrived in Wisconsin from the U.S. Geological Survey’s Patuxent Wildlife Research Center in Laurel, Md.

http://bit.ly/14mndMr

Chinese Zoo Celebrates Endangered Grey Crowned Crane

Whooping Crane Reintroduction Featured on Smithsonian Instagram

http://bit.ly/1cZRvLO

The latest version of the International Crane Foundation's The ICF Bugle is available.

http://www.savingcranes.org/images/stories/pdf/conservation/2013V39N3.pdf

South Africa: Steps to Protect South Africa's Wattled Cranes

Kwazulu-Natal Midlands — On a winter's afternoon in late July, potato farmer John Campbell and the Endangered Wildlife Trust's Tanya Smith surveyed the Umgeni Vlei Nature Reserve from a hilltop on Ivanhoe Farm in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. - BY BRENDON BOSWORTH

Article link

2013 Yampa Valley Crane Festival

http://bit.ly/14DMDZd

Watch Out For Wild Birds Off The Mississippi Sandhill Crane Refuge

They’re wild and their off the refuge. But federal biologists are watching them and hoping they will eventually drift back to the land that is prepared for them, where they are protected to some degree. By Karen Nelson (Sun Herald).

http://www.sunherald.com/2013/07/31/4837823/watch-out-for-wild-birds-off-the.html

Steps to Protect South Africa's Wattled Cranes

There are an estimated 80 breeding pairs of wattled cranes remaining in South Africa. The total South African population is less than 260. By Brendan Bosworth (Inter Press News Service).

http://www.ipsnews.net/2013/08/steps-to-protect-south-africas-wattled-cranes/

Whooping Crane Case Could Affect State Water Supplies

Known as the “whooping crane case,” the lawsuit pits environmental and endangered species advocates against state and local officials across the country. By Neena Sajita (The Texas Tribune).

http://www.texastribune.org/2013/08/08/whooping-crane-case-could-impact-state-water-suppl/preview/

Bird hunters 'emptying Afghan skies'

Untold numbers of migratory birds are being caught and killed every year in Afghanistan, helping drive species like the Siberian Crane to the verge of extinction. Hunters say other bird populations are also declining rapidly, raising fears among environmentalists. - By Bilal Sarwary, BBC News
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-23486991

Sadako paper crane returned to brother

An origami crane made by Sadako Sasaki, a girl from Hiroshima who died of leukemia 10 years after the 1945 U.S. atomic bombing of the city, was returned to her elder brother by the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum on Friday. (The Japan Times).

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2013/07/13/national/sadako-paper-crane-returned-to-brother/

Video of Whooping crane chick hatching

At 04:45 am on June 13, 2013 a Whooping Crane chick hatched in a dark incubator at the International Crane Foundation in Wisconsin. By the International Crane Foundation.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpnNWrs3x_8&feature=youtu.be

Louisville Zoo welcomes baby Red-crowned crane

http://www.fox19.com/story/22821176/louisville-zoo-welcomes-baby-crane

Cranes and Climate Change

One reason the cranes are directly tied to climate change is their wetlands habitat, which erratic weather patterns and dwindling water supplies are endangering all over the world.  By Charles Gibson (The Huffington Post).

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/carl-gibson/cranes-and-climate-change_b_3537639.html

SANDHILL CRANE PROBLEMS

Whooping Crane Babies Learn to Fly with Special Planes

http://www.care2.com/causes/whooping-crane-babies-learn-to-fly-with-special-planes.html

Fort Smith man stands on guard for whooping cranes

Almost every evening from May to September, Ronnie Schaefer of Fort Smith can be found in his hip waders slogging through marshes on Salt River First Nation reserve land, just down from Lobstick Creek. By Renee Francoeur (Northern Journal).

http://norj.ca/2013/06/fort-smith-man-stands-on-guard-for-whooping-cranes/

Hiroshima and the cranes of peace

Recently children and a few adults spent time at the Crocker Art Museum folding origami cranes. They were aiming to make 1,000 paper cranes. By Katie Garner (Sacramento Press).

http://sacramentopress.com/headline/83968/The_Crockers_cranes_of_peace

Sarus Crane Conservation Week celebrated in Lumbini

The Sarus Crane Conservation Week was celebrated in Lumbini from 12th to 18th June, 2013 under the leadership of WWF Nepal and in partnership with the local community and youth.  By WWF Global.

http://wwf.panda.org/?209114/Sarus-Crame-Conservation-Week-celebrated-in-Lumbini 

Endangered whooping cranes in middle of fight over Kansas wildlife refuge

Expansion of hunting opportunities in the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge is being proposed by wildlife officials but faces opposition from birdwatchers who say the recommendation will put at risk the endangered whooping crane. By Scott Rothschild (Lawrence Journal World).

http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2013/jun/16/endangered-whooping-cranes-middle-fight-over-manag/

Whooping crane guides adjust to FAA rules, seek new aircraft

To continue its mission guiding whooping cranes from Wisconsin to Florida, Operation Migration is working to replace its three ultralight aircraft by next spring in order to comply with Federal Aviation Administration regulations. By Jack Cullen (Wisconsin State Journal)

http://www.twincities.com/wisconsin/ci_23464732/whooping-crane-guides-adjust-faa-rules-seek-new

Diet Shift and Its Impact on Foraging Behavior of Siberian Cranes in Poyang Lake

Every winter, more than 95% of the species' global population congregates at Poyang Lake, and feeds on tubers of Vallisneria spiralis in shallow water and mudflat habitat. In this study, we reported the first sighting of large numbers of Siberian cranes foraging at wet meadows, where they fed on a different plant due to extreme scarcity of their preferred tuber.  By Yifie Jia et al (PLOS ONE).

http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0065843?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+plosone%2FPLoSONE+%28PLOS+ONE+Alerts%3A+New+Articles%29

In a first, flock of Sarus cranes spotted in Pali district

The state bird of Uttar Pradesh, sarus crane seems to be in a relocation mood to Rajasthan. The recent sighting of the tallest flying bird, 86 in all, is the largest number sighted at one place so far. (The Times of India).  

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/In-a-first-flock-of-Sarus-cranes-spotted-in-Pali-district/articleshow/20469336.cms

Saving the cranes: hope flies in North Korea

With his index finger, Hall Healy traced the eastern coast of North Korea on a map, coming to rest just above the 38th parallel.  The cranes land there on their winter journey south in the demilitarized zone that buffers North and South Korea, Healy said. By Gregory Trotter (Chicago Tribune)

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-met-glencoe-korea-cranes-20130607,0,6194940.story

Rare wild crane chick that was given round-the-clock protection from egg thieves dies after first few days

The first wild crane chick to have hatched in western Britain for 400 years has failed to survive its first few days despite being given round-the-clock protection including a guard to ward off egg thieves. By Jessica Savage (The Telegraph).

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/10096172/Rare-wild-crane-chick-that-was-given-round-the-clock-protection-from-egg-thieves-dies-after-first-few-days.html

SeaWorld rescues wounded crane: Arrow lodged through its torso

The bird was spotted in the woods with an arrow lodged through its torso by a concerned citizen. Upon arrival at SeaWorld Orlando, animal care experts took the bird into surgery for its injuries. - SONIA LAVINA

http://www.examiner.com/article/seaworld-rescues-wounded-crane-arrow-lodged-through-its-torso

Whooping crane chick hatches in Calgary Zoo

There's a welcome whooper at the Calgary Zoo's captive breeding facility.

A zoo spokesman says a whooping crane egg has hatched at the zoo for the first time in three years. - The Canadian Press

http://www.ctvnews.ca/sci-tech/whooping-crane-chick-hatches-in-calgary-zoo-1st-in-three-years-1.1305530#ixzz2V7LTPW2J

Whooping crane chick cam

The International Crane Foundation has a live camera on whooping crane chicks they are costume-rearing for reintroduction into the wild.

http://www.cranechickcam.org/

Crane Research in North Dakota has impact

Flying vast migration circuits, the midcontinent population of sandhill cranes travels from wintering grounds in the American Southwest and northern Mexico to breeding grounds from Quebec to northeastern Russia. (Associated Press)

http://bismarcktribune.com/lifestyles/outdoors/crane-research-in-n-d-has-impact/article_7746c9e2-c8ed-11e2-b46d-0019bb2963f4.html

Conserving Black-necked Cranes in Bhutan

Phobjikha Valley villagers choose to live without electricity because not installing an electricity grid with overhead wires helps conserve Black-necked Cranes that migrate to the valley.   By Junko Edahiro and Tshering Choki (Japan for Sustainability).

http://www.ecology.com/2013/05/23/conserving-black-necked-cranes/

24 hour guard for western Britain’s first crane egg in four centuries

Conservationists at WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre in Gloucestershire have set up a round-the-clock guard to protect the first common crane egg laid in western Britain in over 400 years.  By Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust.

http://www.wwt.org.uk/news/news/2013/05/wwt-news/24-hour-guard-for-western-britains-first-crane-egg-in-four-centuries/

Flies shoo away whooping cranes

Black flies are believed to be responsible for many whooping cranes abandoning their nests in central Wisconsin in a core reintroduction area.  By Jackie Johnson (Wisconsin Radio Network).

http://www.wrn.com/2013/05/flies-shoo-away-whooping-cranes/

Agents looking for whooping crane's slayer

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officials are looking for leads regarding a whooping crane that was found shot to death by a high-power rifle in Red River Parish. (Eunice Today).

http://www.eunicetoday.com/pages/full_story/push?article-Agents+looking+for+whooping+crane-s+slayer%20&id=22613208

Blue cranes face extinction in Namibia

The latest annual combined aerial/ground crane census for the wet season at Etosha National Park and northwards yielded a maximum total of only 13-15 adult Blue Cranes and one young fledgling (all within the park).  By Dr. Ann Scott and Mike Scott of the Namibia Crane Working Group (The Namibian).

http://www.namibian.com.na/news/environment/full-story/archive/2013/may/article/blue-cranes-face-extinction-in-namibia/

Grey crowned cranes need our help

In response to the plight of the Grey crowned crane and in support of CITES, the International Crane Foundation and the Endangered Wildlife Trust  announce the release of the video “Grey Crowned Cranes Need Our Help!”

http://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2T8LgfuuELLam1vXORLWiQ/campaign

Watching a family of sandhill cranes is a gift

I've become captivated by a family of sandhill cranes. First thing in the morning, I reach for the binoculars to see if I can locate their whereabouts.  By Sherry Boas (Orlando Sentinel) 

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/lake/os-lk-sherry-boas-042913-20130429,0,7276617.column

Why do ‘single’ birds dance?

“Mesmerizing and with a little bit of mystery about it."  That is how aviculturist Amy King describes the graceful leaping, bowing, running, spinning and grass-tossing of dancing cranes.  By Jeremy Coles (BBC Nature).

http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/21944173

Unfeathered friends flock together

As an icy nightfall wind whipped across Miyun reservoir, a White-naped Crane raised its wings with a lazy flap, almost like a yawn, before rising into the air.

http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2013-04/05/content_16377240.htm

Rare bird gets peg leg after losing limb in golf accident

A sandhill crane, a rare sight in the Lower Mainland, is standing up again after losing a leg in an accident at a Richmond, British Columbia, golf course.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/story/2013/03/24/bc-sandhill-crane-prosthetic-leg.html