Crane Watch needs your help!
Record Crane Sightings
Please record sightings of crane parents with chicks on a Crane Activity Zones Map for the conservancy.
The map is an aerial photo of the Conservancy with zones, numbered 1 through 21, imposed on the map.
Please use these zone numbers when taking notes. If you are confident in your observations, please report what you see, including relative size of the chicks, the date and time,
as well as any interactions with people or pets. Be sure to include your address and contact information.
view a larger Crane Zone Map jpg (1 MB)
download a Crane Zone Map (9.0 MB)
We need your help to monitor crane habitat and survival
Monitor Activity Impact
The trails are a wonderful resource for the community, appreciated by all. Many of us have had great experiences enjoying nature and having opportunities to view wildlife that we treasure.
This brings with it an obligation to be sure we are responsible hikers and wildlife watchers. We are concerned about the impact on Sandhill Crane chicks of increased activity, especially pets off leash, on the east side of the Conservancy. Typically one or two pairs of Sandhill Cranes breed in the marsh, but use the open areas of the Conservancy and Orchid Heights Park to raise their young. Usually two eggs are laid and two chicks hatch, but only one chick survives to adulthood. Last year we recorded two Crane chicks, and watched them as they grew to full size over the course of the summer. Two years ago there were two chicks seen in spring; but by the end of August, there was only one.
Sandhill Cranes in 2008
Cranes have been around this year since early March. On Saturday, March 29th, there were 2 adult cranes in zone 9U with 2 dogs off-leash and chasing the cranes until they flew away.
This kind of activity is particularly alarming because there is a leash law in the Conservancy AND the dogs were allowed to chase the cranes.
(Someone walking past recorded the dog owner's license plate number and turned it in to the police -- remember there is a volunteer trail watch crew set up by the city.)
With care, and especially by keeping pets on leash and under control at all times, we can make sure that the Conservancy is a place where cranes and other wildlife are able to breed and raise their young successfully.
Photo of Crane Family by Bob Marshall.