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| Whooping Cranes before take off |
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Kay Merrill and Ernie Wiggers with Nemours, present Dr. Archibald
with a sweetgrass basket as a Lowcountry memento |
Dr. George Archibald founded the International Crane Foundation in the 1970's and is still a tireless advocate for crane conservation. Did you know that a whooping crane stands five-feet tall?! Birdwatchers in the Lowcountry outdoors might not have to 'crane' their neck very far to see these giants of the birding world if they continue to choose the ACE Basin as a wintering ground. That's right! Whooping cranes led by ultralight aircraft to Florida, have begun to migrate northward into the ACE Basin - finding a mix of habitat that is protected by conservation minded landowners. In my opinion, the whoopers might mimic the arrival and increased presence of wood storks and swallow-tailed kites that I have witnessed over four decades. Dr. Archibald spoke to the Friends of
Nemours Wildlife Foundation on October 20 and explained that he is hopeful that one day an experimental population of whooping cranes may be led to ultralight aircraft directly to S.C. destinations! These birds potentially would depart form their wintering grounds at Horicon National Wildlife Refuge in Eastern Wisconsin and make several stops along the way to rest, with a final destination for the ACE Basin and the Santee Delta. Nothing is certain regarding this scenario just yet, but birding enthusiasts, habitat conservationists and the general public have an opportunity to step up and support whooping crane restoration efforts that one day may include South Carolina. Be sure to check out the information on their website, including membership details, at
Saving Cranes.
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| Founder Dr. Archibald shares his passion with others |
To view past blog entries from Friends of Nemours click 2017 -
2014 -
2013
For an update on Wood Stork status click
here.
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| Bringing Whoopers to S.C. via ultralight is ULTRACOOL |
To view past blog entries of my Birding Journal Observations click
here.
Birdwatchers in the Low country outdoors might not have to 'crane' their neck very far to see these giants of the birding world if they continue to choose the ACE Basin as a wintering ground...Nice one..
ReplyDeleteThanks. And did you know that I have toured your country of Australia to look at birds and to catch barramundi ?!
ReplyDeleteLove those Beautiful Great Birds!
ReplyDelete