Journey North Whooping Crane Migration

Nesting Research: Hoping for Hatches

Are pesty black flies a cause of some nest failures? Experts are studying this question in hopes of learning more and preventing future nest failures.
Photo Richard Urbanek

Video: Abandoning the Nest
Video: WCEP

Starting in summer 2009, a lot of work by a lot of people began in an effort to find out why the new flock's breeding success has been limited. How are scientists studying the problem of the cranes leaving their nests?

The behavior of all of the nesting pairs will be monitored both on and off the nest.
Blinds (hiding huts or walls) are being set up where unseen observers will watch the nests and birds for most of each day.
Video cameras have been set up to watch the nests.
Black fly breeding areas have been mapped and carbon dioxide traps have been set up. Read more about carbon dioxide traps.
Whooping crane decoys are being set up, and one even has real wings. A pair of Whooping crane wings from the class of 2006 has been sent from Florida and will be fitted to a plastic decoy to determine if black flies are attracted to Whooping crane feathers.

Joe Duff expresses hope: "Whooping cranes are full of surprises. Maybe this could be the year for success!"

Journal or Discussion Question

Think about each of the actions listed. Do you think experts are making a wise decision to closely study the Whooping cranes and their nests? What might be some pros? Cons? Explain.
Read what Operation Migration's Joe Duff said at the end of May, 2009. What would you ask Joe?