Below is the most recent update for the Eastern Migratory Population of Whooping Cranes. Nesting season in Wisconsin is in full swing! A huge thank you to the staff of the Fish and Wildlife Service, the Departments of Natural Resources of flyway states, the International Crane Foundation, and all the volunteers who help us keep track of the cranes throughout the year. We appreciate your contribution to the recovery of the Whooping Crane Eastern Migratory Population. This report was produced by the International Crane Foundation.
Population Estimate
The current estimated population size is 77 (38 F, 37 M, 2 U). Seventeen of these 77 individuals are wild-hatched and the rest are captive-reared. To the best of our knowledge, as of 1 May, there are at least 68 Whooping Cranes in Wisconsin, two in Michigan, and one in Illinois. The remaining birds’ locations have not been confirmed in the last month. Their last known locations (in the past month) are on the map below.
Click here to view our interactive “Where are the Whoopers” map for more details, including bios on each of the cranes.
Reproduction
As of 1 May, there are potentially 13 active nests in Wisconsin, and 23 total nests this season. Eggs have not yet been confirmed in all the nests.
Active and potential nests: 4 in Juneau County, 1 in Marquette County, 1 in Portage County, 5 in Green Lake County, 1 in Dodge County, and 1 in Sauk County.
Completed since 6 Apr: 9 in Juneau County (eggs were collected from 6 nests due to black flies, 1 nest was abandoned, and 2 failed due to unknown reasons), and 1 in St. Croix County (appeared to be abandoned due to snowstorm).
2021 Cohort
W2-21 (U) is in Green Lake County, WI, where they have been associating with other single Whooping Cranes.
W11-21 (M) is in Juneau County, WI, where he has been associating with other young Whooping Cranes.
W14-21 (M) is in Juneau County, WI. He has been associating with other young Whooping Cranes.
84-21 (F) is in Juneau County, WI, often in the company of other Whooping Cranes.
85-21 (M) has been seen mostly alone in Green Lake County, WI.
2020 Cohort
W3-20 (F) was reported in Marathon Co, WI, in early April but has not yet been confirmed or seen since then.
W13-20 (M) is by himself in Dodge County, WI.
W18-20 (F) was last seen with 80-19 (F) in Hopkins County, KY, in February.
Mortality
None known.
Story submitted by Hillary Thompson, North America Program Crane Analyst. Click here to learn more about our work in North America.