Photo-Canadian Wildlife Federation
In recognition of National Wildlife Week (April 5-12), the Canadian Wildlife Federation has chosen to feature the Whooping Crane in its April 2015 Update (see photo above). Any modern-day article about 'whoopers' dwells on the seemingly interminable comeback by these huge birds from the brink of extinction, in the 1940s. For my own information I decided to put together a bit of a time-line for the life of this species, from just before the arrival of Europeans in North America to the present. I checked dozens and dozens of sources and what follows is an admitted random amalgamation of dates and numbers. Hopefully, there is an acceptable degree of accuracy in the info.
1700 - 10,000 to 20,ooo birds
1860 - 1,400 birds
1870 - 1,300 birds
1940 - 23 birds
1950 - 16 birds
1967 - birds declared 'Endangered'
1970 - 57 birds
1995 - 149 birds
2000 - 260 birds
2003 - 306 birds
2007 - 485 birds
2008 - 523 Birds
2011 - 600 Birds
It's said birdwatching requires a lot of patience. It is especially so watching a species like the Whopping Crane flying so low and slow, through the last 65 years. I like to think of those bird-lovers who are helping the Whoopers to return, are also preserving the sanctity of all life. We all must do our part, but first we must make sure there is a healthy place for all of us on this planet.
Please comment if you wish.
BtheB
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