From 22 to 500

Yesterday we had the pleasure of visiting the International Crane Foundation in Baraboo, WI. It was a gorgeous day and we saw gorgeous birds! We learned there are only 15 species of crane left in the world and on our North American continent, only 2 species remain, Sandhill and Whoopping.

The ICF is trying to save these amazing birds and their efforts have helped the Whoopers grow from 22 to 500. But still, that's only 500 left in the entire world!! Yikes!!! The Whoopers have a beautiful habitat at ICF. You can observe them in a natural setting. It was very peaceful and moving for me, to be looking at 2 left of 500. My photo doesn't do them justice.

Most of the other species of crane are displayed in a fenced off enclosure. (Someday they hope to build more habitats.)  As we approached each species, they would come right up to us! I was surprised to see Sandhill cranes were gray not brown. I learned in the wild, Sandhills paint themselves with mud! Before they began building more homes next to us, we'd often see Sandhill cranes grazing on the left over grain. Since the homes went up, we've haven't seen the cranes anymore.

After our field trip, we enjoyed a picnic lunch and hiking at Mirror Lake State Park with our fellow homeschooling friends.

On our way home DS8 asked, "Mom, when are we going to see the cranes?"

"WHAT!!?? We just saw the cranes at the crane center!"

"No, when are we going to see the big, tall cranes that build buildings?"

DS8 actually had a great time at ICF for the most part. He kept our tour guide busy asking her all kinds of questions. At one point I was actually embarrassed, and I had to stop myself from stopping him. I'm still de-schooling myself. I was brought up to stay quiet and listen only. DS8 still has that desire to question everything. Thankfully our tour guide, Rita, was patient!

http://www.savingcranes.org/