Whooping Crane Numbers

Whooping Cranes have struggled for a long time. It looks like the trend is finally moving in the right direction.

News Release
Media Contact: Tom Harvey, (512) 389-4453, tom.harvey@tpwd.state.tx.us
Dec. 3, 2007

Whooping Crane Numbers Break Record Fifth Year In A Row

AUSTIN, Texas — Wildlife scientists report that for the fifth year in a row a record-breaking number of whooping cranes have completed their winter migration to the Coastal Bend area of Texas. So far, 257 whoopers have reached Texas, breaking the previous count of 237 whoopers present during last year’s winter, and experts predict more are on the way.

"I estimate that more than 97 percent of the flock has completed the migration so far. We know of four birds that are still in migration, so that raises the estimated flock size to 261," said National Whooping Crane Coordinator Tom Stehn.

In addition to increasing their numbers, whoopers have also expanded their range. The Aransas National Wildlife Refuge is...(complete article here).