Keep an eye out for whooping cranes

Seven whooping cranes left central Wisconsin's Necedah National Wildlife Refuge and headed to the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge on Saturday, Nov. 20, 2010.

The Wisconsin whooping crane state coordinator is asking the public to help keep track of their progress by reporting any chance sightings of the cranes. Observations can be recorded at http://www.fws.gov/midwest/whoopingcrane/sightings/sightingform.cfm.

The form is easy to fill out and the information is immediately dispensed to all partners coordinating this project.

Each of the cranes is fitted with a radio transmitter; one of the younger birds also has a satellite transmitter that helps detect its movement over a large geographical area.

Researchers hope that the four older, more experienced birds will guide the younger birds on their “maiden voyage” south.

Field staff is tracking their movements as they travel to their wintering grounds in the southeastern United States, but would appreciate any help they receive from the public.

Adults have a white head and body, a red face and crown and black wing tips. They can be distinguished by their very long neck and white tail and vibrant trumpet-like call.