In 2015, a young Whooping Crane pair built nesting platforms in Indiana for the first time since the late 1800s – one of the nests is circled in the above photo. This behavior indicates that Indiana could support not only wintering Whooping Cranes but potentially breeding cranes, too. Amy Kearns

In 2015, a young Whooping Crane pair built nesting platforms in Indiana for the first time since the late 1800s – one of the nests is circled in the above photo. This behavior indicates that Indiana could support not only wintering Whooping Cranes but potentially breeding pairs, too. Amy Kearns
In 2001, a migratory Whooping Crane population called the Eastern Migratory Population, was reintroduced to the eastern United States. The plan was for these Whooping Cranes to nest in Wisconsin and migrate to Florida for the winter. Today, Whooping Cranes in this population do not choose to winter as far south as Florida. Instead, most of these Whooping Cranes spend their winters further north, and over one-third of the population winter in Indiana at refuges such as Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife Area, Jasper-Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Area and Cane Ridge Wildlife Management Area. Indiana has increasingly become an important space for Whooping Cranes after they first began wintering here in 2007.

Below is the most recent update for the Eastern Migratory Population of Whooping Cranes. During March, most birds have arrived on their typical breeding/summering grounds in Wisconsin. There are still some cranes migrating back and a few juveniles who have yet to leave their wintering grounds.

Wanted: Information on Louisiana Whooping Crane shooting! The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are looking for leads regarding an Endangered Whooping Crane, L4-23, that was found with a fatal gunshot wound on Jan. 9th near Mamou, Louisiana.

Below is the most recent update for the Eastern Migratory Population of Whooping Cranes. In February, most birds stayed on their typical wintering grounds, but a few have begun their northward migration with warmer temperatures.

Below is the most recent update for the Eastern Migratory Population of Whooping Cranes. In January, most birds stayed on their typical wintering grounds, but a few pushed further south with colder temperatures. 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. The International Crane Foundation produced this report.