More information about Whooper Watch, including instructions for reporting sightings, can be found online and by downloading the iNaturalist mobile app. The public can help track whooping cranes by reporting sightings to TPWD’s Whooper Watch, a citizen-science based reporting system to track whooping crane migration and wintering locations throughout Texas. The USFWS is encouraging landowners to consider providing freshwater on their properties as well to aid the birds during their migration and wintering period. While this past summer was relatively wet and freshwater wetlands currently have water, a dry winter may require the use of freshwater wells on the Aransas NWR and surrounding areas to provide freshwater to the whooping cranes later in the winter. Harrell says due to the La Niña weather pattern forecast for this winter, the Southwest is in for a drier, warmer season. Younger birds, however, often haven’t paired yet and may wander a little off their usual flight path, using areas quite distant from the Aransas NWR area. Once whooping cranes arrive on their wintering grounds, many stay in the same general area. The majority of the birds arrive on the Texas Coast in December. Harrell says typically most all of the tagged Whooping Cranes he studies are on the move in November as they head for their wintering grounds. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Whooping Crane Coordinator at the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), says the first of the season was a family group consisting of two adults and a juvenile on the Aransas NWR, along with another tracked bird that arrived in the Port O’ Connor-area, both on Oct.
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More information on look-alike species is available online. There are several other non-game species that are similar in appearance such as wood storks, American white pelicans, great egrets and others, but a close look will reveal obvious differences. A video detailing the differences between snow geese and whooping cranes can be found on the TPWD YouTube Channel. With their all-white body plumage and black wingtips, whooping cranes may also resemble snow geese, which are much smaller and have faster wing beats. Whooping cranes are sometimes found in mixed flocks with sandhill cranes, which are gray and slightly smaller.
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With sandhill crane and waterfowl hunting seasons opening and whooper migration in full swing, TPWD urges hunters to be extra vigilant. As a federally protected species, it is illegal to disturb or harass these birds. Though whooping cranes rarely stay in one place for more than a day during migration, it is important that they not be disturbed or harassed at these stopovers. The birds often pass large urban centers like Dallas-Fort Worth, Waco and Austin. The migration south to Texas can take up to 50 days.ĭuring their migration, whooping cranes seek out wetlands and agricultural fields where they can roost and feed. Whooping cranes make a 2,500-mile journey from their Canadian breeding grounds in northern Alberta’s Wood Buffalo National Park to the coastal marshes of Texas each year. Thanks to coordinated conservation efforts, whooping cranes are slowly returning from the brink of extinction.
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Currently, there is a population of around 506 individuals. Whooping cranes are the tallest, rarest birds in North America. Please take the publication date into consideration for any date references.ĪUSTIN - With the first sightings of iconic, endangered whooping cranes along the Texas coast being reported, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is reminding Texans to be on the lookout for these impressive birds as they move through the state.
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Note: This item is more than a month old.
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News Image Share on Facebook Share Release URL 4, 2021 Media Contact: TPWD News, Business Hours, 51 News & Media 〉 News Releases Whooping Cranes Are Making Their Way to the Texas Coast Nov.