International Crane Foundation

The International Crane Foundation had been on our list of places to visit for too long, and this past weekend we made a trip to Baraboo to check it out. We were particularly excited by the prospect of seeing Whooping Cranes for the first time, but the fact that the grounds are home to every species of crane was also exciting.

The weather on Friday was cool and gray, and we even got sprinkled on a bit. The ICF was also doing a controlled burn of a portion of the grounds. A good chunk of the grounds appears to be Oak Savanna, and visitors are welcome to trek on birding trails while there.

We entered the park aware of the ICF's good work in helping to bring the Whooping Crane back from brink and then learned much about their efforts in trying to help other crane populations which are critically endangered or vulnerable including the Blue Crane and the Siberian Crane. (More detailed accounts of the ICF's efforts can be read in Chasing the Ghost Birds by David Sakrison.)

We were particularly impressed by the paddocks setup for the Whooping Cranes and Waddled Cranes, and generally speaking this was how we envisioned the entire park being setup. These species had homes which were open with a pond, reed beds, and even visiting Mallards and Red Wings Blackbirds.

Whooper catches a snake.

Whooper couple at home.

Waddled Crane in the reeds.

Most of the birds are in smaller paddocks which are a laid out in a circle. The nicest looking paddock houses the Blue Cranes.

Otherwise the paddocks left us feeling a little sad for the birds' captivity.

The staff are very friendly. The grounds are very clean with recycle and garbage bins stationed at every few exhibits. Some of the exhibits even have small amphitheaters. It's a very nice place to visit, and we'd strongly recommend stopping by if you are in Central Wisconsin. You can see all of the birds in under 90 minutes if you are pressed for time.

The ICF stands as a reminder of a few things for us. 1. How fortunate we are that such organizations exists, such that we now enjoy the regular and recurring presence of the Sandhill Cranes throughout Wisconsin. 2. That such organization are deserving of our support. 3. That it is very easy to neglect or delay visiting local attractions.

I've posted some additional pictures below from our trip.

Red Crowned Crane

Sarus Crane

Siberian Crane

Black Necked Crane

Brolga