Yes, there are sandhill cranes in Wisconsin. Sandhill cranes are large birds in the crane family that are found throughout North America. They are known for their tall stature, long neck, and loud trumpeting call. While sandhill cranes were nearly hunted to extinction in the 19th century, conservation efforts helped bring the species back from the brink. Today, Wisconsin provides important breeding and migration habitat for sandhill cranes.
Sandhill Crane Natural History
Sandhill cranes are one of the largest flying birds in North America. They stand between 3-5 feet tall with a wingspan of 5-7 feet. Their feathers are gray overall with some reddish coloring on the foreheads of adults. Sandhills have long dark pointed bills and long necks and legs for wading in shallow water.
There are six subspecies of sandhill crane, differentiated by their size and breeding range. The greater sandhill crane is the most common subspecies in Wisconsin. It stands up to 5 feet tall and is known for its loud, rattling trumpeting calls that can carry for miles.
Sandhill cranes mate for life. They build large nests from plant material on the ground near water. Females lay 1-3 eggs per clutch that hatch after 30 days. Both parents help incubate the eggs and raise the grey, fuzzy chicks called colts. Colts stay with their parents for 9-10 months before migrating north with them.
Sandhills are omnivorous, feeding on insects, grains, seeds, berries, snakes, mice, and other small animals. They probe mud and grass with their bills to dig up food. In water, they may submerge their head completely while swinging their bill back and forth feeling for food.
Migration
Sandhill cranes are migratory birds that fly between northern breeding grounds and southern wintering areas every year. In spring, they migrate north to breeding grounds in places like Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, and Canada. In fall, they migrate south to winter in southern U.S. states like Florida and Texas as well as Mexico.
Migration allows sandhill cranes to take advantage of productive breeding habitat in the north in summer and find ample food sources in warmer southern climates in winter. The cranes form large flocks during migration that can include hundreds or thousands of birds. Their loud calls can be heard from high overhead as they fly in V-formations.
Some populations of sandhill cranes follow different migration routes called flyways across North America. The Eastern flyway population migrates through Wisconsin and the Great Lakes region between Michigan and Florida.
Sandhill Cranes in Wisconsin
There are approximately 80,000 sandhill cranes in the Eastern population that migrates through Wisconsin. The cranes stopover in wetlands and agricultural fields in central and southern Wisconsin as they move between northern Michigan and Indiana to staging areas in Florida.
Wisconsin provides important migratory stopover habitat for food and rest. The cranes arrive in Wisconsin to breed starting in early April. They stay through late October and early November before migrating south.
The main areas sandhill cranes stop during migration in Wisconsin include:
- Central Wisconsin near Necedah National Wildlife Refuge
- Central sands region near Babcock in Wood County
- Western counties like Burnett and Barron Counties
- Mississippi River counties in west central Wisconsin
Smaller numbers of sandhill cranes also nest in suitable wetland habitat in these parts of Wisconsin. The pairs mate and build nests in April and May. Females lay 1-3 eggs that hatch in May or June. The colts leave the nest soon after hatching but stay with their parents through migration in fall.
Habitat in Wisconsin
Sandhill cranes rely on shallow freshwater wetlands interspersed with dry grasslands and agricultural fields while they are in Wisconsin. They roost and nest in marshes, fens, wet meadows, and bogs with dense aquatic vegetation. Nearby grasslands, forests, and agricultural fields provide important food sources.
Ideal habitat has a mix of:
- Shallow wetlands for roosting and nesting
- Mudflats for probing for food
- Open grasslands for finding seeds and insects
- Fields of corn, soybeans, and wheat to forage in
- Secluded areas protected from predators and disturbance
In the spring and fall, sandhills gather in large flocks at key staging wetlands to rest and feed before migration. Some important migratory stopover sites include Jasper Pulver Wetlands, Central Wisconsin Grasslands, and Sandhill Wildlife Area. State Natural Areas like Buena Vista and Lone Rock provide protected wetland habitat.
Threats
Although sandhill crane numbers are increasing overall, the birds still face threats in Wisconsin:
- Wetland drainage reduces roosting, nesting, and foraging habitat.
- Development destroys habitat and disturbs nesting birds.
- Collision with power lines and wind turbines can kill migrating cranes.
- Climate change may reduce water levels in key wetlands.
Habitat conservation through wetland protection and restoration remains important for sandhill cranes in Wisconsin. Monitoring migratory populations and working with landowners to preserve habitat can also help the species.
Sandhill Crane Watching in Wisconsin
The arrival of sandhill cranes in Wisconsin each spring heralds an excellent birdwatching opportunity. Here are some of the best places to observe sandhill cranes in Wisconsin:
Location | Viewing Highlights |
---|---|
Necedah National Wildlife Refuge | See staging flocks of up to 80,000 cranes in spring. Hear loud calls echoing from wetlands. |
Crex Meadows State Wildlife Area | Flocks roost on Phantom Lake and feed in surrounding wetlands and grasslands. |
Babcock/Buena Vista Grasslands | Watch cranes fly out from roosts at dawn over open grasslands. |
Central Wisconsin near Portage | Cranes gather along the Wisconsin River in fields near the river. |
Jasper Pulver Wetlands | Huge flocks stop at this key migratory habitat in spring and fall. |
Mississippi River Counties | Find cranes feeding in grain fields and wet meadows. |
The annual Midwest Crane Count in April offers a chance for volunteers throughout the region to help count sandhill crane numbers during spring migration.
Seeing and hearing sandhill cranes in the wild is an unforgettable experience. Their size, sounds, and graceful beauty make them one of Wisconsin’s most iconic birds. With some knowledge of their habits and habitat, you stand a good chance of encountering sandhill cranes in Wisconsin.
Conservation Status
Sandhill cranes have made an incredible recovery after being hunted nearly to extinction by the early 1900s. The implementation of hunting bans and habitat protections allowed their numbers to rebound.
The sandhill crane population in the eastern United States went from around 1,000 birds in the 1930s to over 80,000 today. Their conservation status has improved from endangered to least concern:
- IUCN Red List: Least Concern
- ESA: No longer endangered
Ongoing conservation efforts focus on protecting key wetlands for breeding, migratory stopover, and wintering. Working with landowners, preventing wetland drainage, and managing water flows can all help conserve sandhill crane populations into the future. Annual surveys during migration help biologists monitor populations.
Regulated limited hunting seasons have been introduced in some states, although hunting sandhill cranes is still banned in most eastern states including Wisconsin. Most mortality is now accidental from collisions with power lines or other structures.
With proper management informed by annual surveys, sandhill cranes have the potential to continue increasing in Wisconsin and throughout their range. The recovery of the sandhill crane stands as an endangered species conservation success story.
Importance of Sandhill Cranes
As a unique and iconic species, sandhill cranes are important to Wisconsin and the Upper Midwest for several reasons:
- Cultural heritage – Sandhill cranes are engrained in many Native American traditions and stories in Wisconsin. They are an important part of the natural heritage of the region.
- Ecotourism – Birdwatchers and nature tourists visit Wisconsin in spring and fall to see the sandhill crane migration, bringing economic benefits.
- Wetland conservation – Protecting crane habitat also conserves valuable wetlands that benefit many other species and provides ecosystem services like flood control.
- Biodiversity – Sandhill cranes increase the wildlife diversity of Wisconsin and are a key component of the eastern flyway.
- Symbol of Conservation – The crane’s recovery gives hope for reversing declines of other endangered species if proper actions are taken.
From their important cultural role to their value for nature tourism and wetland conservation, sandhill cranes have become an iconic species for Wisconsin closely tied to the identity of the Upper Midwest. Their presence each spring and fall makes Wisconsin a little more unique.
Interesting Sandhill Crane Facts
Here are some fascinating facts about sandhill cranes that highlight their unique biology and behavior:
- Sandhill cranes sometimes paint their gray feathers with mud or vegetation to camouflage while nesting.
- Colts or chicks will sometimes ride on their parent’s back when tired.
- Pairs preen each other’s feathers to strengthen social bonds.
- Sandhills find mate in the first 2-4 years and pair for life, lasting up to 20-30 years.
- Cranes can live up to 20-30 years in the wild.
- Greater sandhill cranes stand 4-5 feet tall with a wingspan up to 7 feet wide.
- Their loud, ringing trumpet calls can carry 2-3 miles.
- Sandhills fly with necks and legs outstretched unlike herons that fly with necks bent.
- Migration flocks fly in large orderly V-formations at heights up to 20,000 feet.
- Cranes migrate 30-50 miles per hour and can fly 200-400 miles in a day.
From their noisy vocalizations to their family loyalty and graceful flying ability, sandhill cranes have amazing adaptations that make them one of the most distinctive birds in North America. Their uniqueness has captured human imagination for centuries.
Conclusion
In conclusion, sandhill cranes definitely have a strong presence in Wisconsin, especially during their spring and fall migrations. Their loud calls ringing over wetlands are a harbinger of spring for many Wisconsinites. Recovery from near extinction, sandhill cranes once again thrive in wetlands across the state during breeding season and migrations. Their protection ensures the conservation of precious wetland ecosystems. The sight of sandhill cranes flocking across the sky remains one of the most compelling natural spectacles in the Upper Midwest. Their presence contributes greatly to Wisconsin’s biodiversity and natural heritage.