International Crane Foundation
From Freepedia
The International Crane Foundation (ICF) in Baraboo, Wisconsin is a scientific organization dedicated to the study and preservation of the 15 crane species of birds.
Though the model for the awkward and gangly Ichabod Crane in Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, cranes are in fact graceful, long-legged, wading birds--and the tallest flying birds in the world.
Found on five of the world’s seven continents, cranes have traditionally been venerated in the histories, myths, and celebrations of indigenous cultures. The Japanese honor the cranes as symbols of long life and a happy marriage, and Native Americans have incorporated the crane's graceful movements into their dances.
One of the premier goals of the ICF is to create a "species bank" where "cranes could be kept safely," says Marianne Wellington, Assistant Curator of Birds, "until the factors causing their decline, such as loss of habitat and indiscriminate hunting, are corrected." The Foundation tackled the extensive task of captive breeding of cranes, of which little experience or knowledge had previously existed, resulting in a succession of firsts. Hooded and Siberian Cranes produced young for the first time in captivity, and young Brolgas and Black-necked Cranes hatched for the first time in North America. The Foundation was also the first to hatch an endangered species from an egg fertilized by cryogenically preserved semen. ICF's staff realized that mere reproduction would not sustain dwindling crane populations, Since protection of crane habitat was critical in crane preservation, they have traveled to countries throughout the world--including Korea, Japan, Russia, India, China, and Vietnam--working with governments and wildlife biologists in preserving the wetlands and grasslands that cranes prefer.
The Foundation's 225 acre (911,000 m²) Baraboo site consists of research labs, education facilities, 60 large pens, as well as native natural tallgrass prairie, oak savanna, and wetlands. Fortunately open to the public, the ICF's naturalist-led and self-guided tours offer a rare opportunity to see in one place breeding pairs of most of the world's crane species, all living in a natural and safe environment and producing offspring to be reintroduced into the wild. America's Cranes
Only two species of crane are indigenous to America, the Sandhill (gray body, red cap, 3 to 4 feet tall, 6-foot wingspan, weight 8 to 12 pounds), most numerous of all cranes, and the Whooping (uniformly white, 5 feet tall, 7 1/2-foot wingspan, weight 14 pounds), the rarest. Though the world population of whooping cranes totals only about 400, through the efforts of the ICF and others they are on their way to recovery. Since 1993 over 200 birds have been released in Florida to establish a non-migratory flock.
Sandhill cranes gather in flocks of thousands along the central migratory flyway from Canada to Mexico. Watch for them in prairies and fields and don't forget to look overhead during spring and fall migrations. Listen for the sandhill's characteristic croaking call (defined as a "musical rattle" by Golden's Field Guides).
In contrast to the power-flapping flight of geese and ducks during migration, cranes search for thermals and rise within them, spiraling upwards to a height of a couple thousand feet. They then glide off effortlessly along their route, gradually losing altitude until they find another thermal and repeat the process, efficiently storing energy for the long haul. Cranes spend most of the daylight hours near a food supply. They feed on corn where it is available and small prey such as crayfish, frogs, snakes, worms, and insects as well as aquatic tubers when available from our shrinking wetlands.
Unlike rabbits or mice that live short lives and have high reproductive rates, cranes mate for life and typically live for 25 to 30 years. They produce only two eggs a season, with usually only one chick surviving.
During the mating ritual, sandhills perform an elaborate dance consisting of bowing, stretching the wings far out to the side, prancing, and leaping high in the air. If that doesn't work, they fling a corncob or stick repeatedly into the air in displays of aerial artistry until the dazzled female is finally won.
To find the International Crane foundation, take route 12 north from Baraboo four miles and turn east on Shady Lane Rd. to E11376. ICF is open 9AM to 5PM daily for self-guided tours from May 1st through October 31st. Guided tours at 10AM, 1PM, and 3PM, Memorial Day through Labor Day and weekends only in May, September, and October. Plenty of parking available, including space for big rigs. Call (608) 356-9462 for info. Or check out their Web site at: www.savingcranes.org.
