[TN-Bird] Whooping Crane viewing recommendations
- From: "Scott Somershoe" <Scott.Somershoe@xxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <tn-bird@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Sat, 05 Jan 2008 19:08:38 -0600
Whooper watchers,=20
Here is some information you should be aware of in viewing the =
Whoopers in Davidson County and anywhere you happen to find a Whooping =
Crane in any state. From what I gather, no one has trespassed to see the =
birds or to get very close to them and I highly recommend you do not. We =
all know the importance of these individuals and in no case should anyone =
jeopardize these or any Whooping Cranes. =20
Thanks,
Scott Somershoe
Please follow these guidelines set by the Whooping Crane Eastern Partnershi=
p:=20
It is imperative should anyone be fortunate enough to encounter Whooping =
cranes, that they use extreme caution in observing the birds and do not =
attempt to approach them. The time, effort, and special precautions to =
ensure their wildness on release can be destroyed by an overabundance of =
curious onlookers. Each exposure lessens the Whooping cranes=92 natural =
fear of humans, which is a vital survival mechanism. Feeding or providing =
food to the Whooping cranes can result in the birds becoming dependent on =
humans as a source of food. Both would negate the countless months =
biologists, veterinarians, pilots and volunteers endured in hot costumes =
and total silence while raising and caring for the birds.
Whooping cranes are reclusive birds by nature, and despite innocent =
intentions of viewers there can be negative impacts on the birds. As the =
population of this reintroduced flock increases over the next few years it =
is expected that sightings of these rare cranes will become more common; =
especially in the areas of their summer and winter homes, as well as in =
the flyway during migration.=20
Until the Eastern Migratory Whooping crane population becomes well =
established, interested members of the public can best show their support =
by respecting the delicate balance needed in order for these birds to =
survive and thrive.
Protection Protocols
The Whooping Crane Eastern Partnership, the organization conducting the =
reintroduction of the Whooping crane to eastern North America, asks anyone =
who encounters Whooping cranes in the wild to please give them the respect =
and distance they need.
Do not approach birds on foot within 600 to 800 feet. (Roughly the length =
of two NFL football fields placed end to end.)=20
If you are in a vehicle, remain inside and keep your vehicle well outside =
800 feet.=20
In ALL cases, please remain concealed and do not speak loudly enough that =
the birds can hear you.=20
PLEASE do not trespass on private property in an attempt to view or =
photograph Whooping cranes.
=20
State Ornithologist
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency
P.O. Box 40747
Nashville, TN 37204
615-781-6653 (o)
601-868-0101 (cell)
615-781-6654 (fax)
"Keeping the rubber side down." -SGS
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