🐣 WATCH as an Endangered Whooping Crane egg hatches! I had a ton of fun putting together this timelapse for @savingcranes.bsky.social. This is chick #13-435 aka "Petrie," named after the "Land Before Time" character. After a few months of care under our team, Petrie will be released into the wild.

WATCH: Endangered Whooping Crane Chick Hatches

YouTube video by International Crane Foundation

youtube.com

In March, I had the great honor of showing my bird-nerd friend @rachelpoke.bsky.social the great Sandhill Crane migration for the first time, as documented in this short by @hannahthewild.bsky.social and I for @savingcranes.bsky.social. Do watch! 🪶

Magic of Migration

YouTube video by International Crane Foundation

youtube.com

Very thrilled to see Crane Lake wine has replaced the Great Blue Heron on their label with an actual crane. It’s the little things these days…

Today I'm trying to see how many bird species I can find in my county in 24hrs as part of the WI NRF Birdathon to raise money for the Bird Protection Fund and the Madison Feminist Bird Club. Please consider pledging. Your support means a lot to me—and the birds. charity.pledgeit.org/WIBirdathon2...

Support Ryan Michalesko - Great Wisconsin Birdathon 2025

Birds need our help! North America has lost over 3 billion birds since the 1970s, but we can help #BringBirdsBack. By donating to my page, you're supporting not only the Natural Resources Foundation o...

charity.pledgeit.org

How can #birding be more accessible to people with #disability? See our research on constraints and facilitators!

Accessible birding in the United States: constraints to and facilitators of birding with disabilities

While approximately one-quarter of the U.S. population has a disability, many people with disabilities remain excluded from equitable participation in birding. In this study, we compared the constr...

tandfonline.com

🌎 Stand up for the Endangered Species Act this Earth Day—submit public comments opposing the rule by May 19! Learn how you can help ⬇️ 🪶

Stand Up for the Endangered Species Act - International Crane Foundation

The International Crane Foundation provides critical news and resources in the world of Cranes and Conservation. Stand Up for the Endangered Species Act

bit.ly

This #EarthDay, I am standing up for the Endangered Species Act, which is under attack. Signed to law in 1973—the same year @savingcranes.bsky.social was established—the ESA is a keystone of conservation success and credited with saving 99% of the species it protects. Submit public comments by 5/19.

Stand Up for the Endangered Species Act - International Crane Foundation

The International Crane Foundation provides critical news and resources in the world of Cranes and Conservation. Stand Up for the Endangered Species Act

savingcranes.org

🌝Sandhill Cranes cruise past a nearly full moon at the Platte River, a breathtaking show of nature in Nebraska’s dawn sky.

One of the most captivating and emblematic behaviors of cranes is their dancing. It's a way to establish social relationships, find a mate, and strengthen pair bonds. On the Platte River, these Sandhill Cranes were likely strengthening their bond in preparation to fly north to the breeding grounds.

There are so many cranes on the Platte that it can be a fight for space—as one flock takes flight, another fills in their spot. On our last morning on the river, researchers conducting aerial surveys estimated an all-time record of 736,000 Sandhill Cranes on the 80-mile stretch of the Platte River.

When cranes all at once take skyward, you can feel it in your bones. The sounds of their bugles fill the air as much as their numbers darken the sky. Not long after settling into our blind, before the sun’s rays would strike the Platte River, we were immersed in this fantastic flight of cranes.

I am buzzing with excitement just back from another trip to see this spectacle! There is something profound about the great Sandhill Crane migration at the Platte River. Each morning is like tuning in live to nature’s crescendo—soft purrs in low light transform into a booming, prehistoric orchestra.

My heart is so full 🥹🥹

rachel 𓅥@rachelpoke.bsky.social · last yr.

making this sandhill crane tattoo for @ryanmichalesko.bsky.social was absolutely heightened by the experience we had this weekend at the platte river 🥹💓 a record high number of sandies were counted in an 80-mile stretch of the river this week (736,000!!!!), it was life-changing!

The GREAT migration. It was a glorious first evening on our trip to the Platte River, Nebraska, to document the great Sandhill Crane migration. There’s nothing like experiencing this much life right in front of you—it’s truly a natural marvel. @savingcranes.bsky.social #sandhillcranes #platteriver

I’ll be standing up for science in one week at the Wisconsin State Capitol. March 7, 12-3pm. Join @standupforscience.bsky.social in Madison and nationwide. #scienceforall #sciencenotsilence

‘Stand Up for Science’ Rallies Will Protest Trump Attacks on Research

Amid President Donald Trump’s attacks on government scientists and science funding, researchers are arranging rallies to “Stand Up for Science” in Washington, D.C., and nationwide on March 7

scientificamerican.com

Stand Up for Science!@standupforscience.net · last yr.

Welcome to the Bluesky account for Stand Up for Science 2025! Keep an eye on this space for updates, event information, and ways to get involved. We can't wait to see everyone #standupforscience2025 on March 7th, both in DC and locations nationwide! #scienceforall #sciencenotsilence

"Dr. Diana Boon, of @savingcranes.bsky.social, said the Sandhill Crane deaths due to #birdflu also highlight a greater concern: the risk to endangered Whooping Cranes. While there are an estimated 827,000 Sandhill Cranes, there are as few as 834 Whooping Cranes globally." — @usatoday.com

Fearing spread, volunteers clean up 1,500 Sandhill cranes killed by bird flu

Expert worry Sandhill cranes and other waterfowl will spread avian influenza to endangered whooping cranes.

usatoday.com

These cuts are detrimental to society and the environment, and the repercussions will be devastating for generations to come. It may seem small, but that’s their goal—to hide the quick destruction of these vital programs amongst the chaos.

Nate Swick@n8swick.bsky.social · last yr.

I know it's small in the whole scheme of things, but the bloodbath at NPS in Hawaii is almost certainly going to lead directly to the extinctions of no fewer than 4 native Hawaiian songbirds in the next 4-5 years.

Wisconsin groups pivot to protect wild birds from bird flu — “Most of them die,” said veterinarian Diana Boon, director of conservation medicine at the International Crane Foundation in Baraboo. “And there’s really no cure or treatment for this disease except for supportive care.”

Wisconsin groups pivot to protect wild birds from bird flu

The recent uptick in avian flu is not only affecting industrial chickens, eggs and cattle. It’s also harming wild birds.

wpr.org

#BirdFlu: Wondering if you can still use your bird feeders? What should you do if you find a dead bird? Check out @savingcranes.bsky.social avian influenza resource page for more frequently asked questions and our recent expert webinar on HPAI.

Avian Influenza Updates & Resources - International Crane Foundation

The International Crane Foundation provides critical news and resources in the world of Cranes and Conservation. Avian Influenza Updates & Resources

bit.ly

When a mission has been so successful that generations of people hardly realize it. These pictures don’t lie. Save the #EPA.

Ryan Michalesko@ryanmichalesko.bsky.social · last yr.

With death knocking on the EPA’s door, I’m reminded of this collection. In its early days, the agency enlisted photographers to document the state of the country’s environmental problems. “Back then, New York City’s air pollution was so thick that you often couldn’t see the city’s iconic bridges.”

With death knocking on the EPA’s door, I’m reminded of this collection. In its early days, the agency enlisted photographers to document the state of the country’s environmental problems. “Back then, New York City’s air pollution was so thick that you often couldn’t see the city’s iconic bridges.”

This is what America looked like before the EPA cleaned it up

A snapshot from America before the impact of the EPA and the effects of rules regulating clean water and air were felt.

popsci.com

Woah! Look at those beautiful birds dance 🕺🏻🪩💃

International Crane Foundation@savingcranes.bsky.social · last yr.

Dr. Tran Triet, our Southeast Asia Program Director, recently had an exciting visit to Bajah Lake, a beautiful wetland stretching across the India-Nepal border, and spotted up to 200 #saruscranes = 30% of Nepal's population! #birds #birding 🪶 📷 Dr. Tran Triet/International Crane Foundation

Curious about the status of #birdflu? The @savingcranes.bsky.social has compiled an excellent Avian Influenza Resource Page, including links for all 50 states' agencies with info on the virus: bit.ly/avianflureso...

Avian Influenza Updates & Resources - International Crane Foundation

The International Crane Foundation provides critical news and resources in the world of Cranes and Conservation. Avian Influenza Updates & Resources

bit.ly

Obsessed with this graphic from a four+ decades old paper about Long-eared Owls 🦉 (they really looked at a Saw-whet and said “🥔” 😭)

"The International Crane Foundation applauds this initiative of the Governor’s office to support farmers experiencing crop damage. This budget proposal is an excellent step towards making this effective seed treatment more accessible.” ~ Dr. Rich Beilfuss, President & CEO #sandhillcrane 🌎 🪶

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers proposes $3.75 million in funding for Wisconsin’s farmers to prevent crop damage by cranes - International Crane Foundation

The International Crane Foundation provides critical news and resources in the world of Cranes and Conservation. Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers proposes $3.75 million in funding for Wisconsin’s farmers...

bit.ly

Who gets tired of cranes wading in their local marsh?! With a #Jeopardy! clue like that, it’s clear host @kenjennings.bsky.social isn’t a member of the International Crane Foundation (but totally should be, just like you! 👀) savingcranes.org/membership | @savingcranes.bsky.social

Sorry we forgot #BitOBird As compensation have this video demonstrating AI failing at bird ID. This bird was identified as a Red-headed Woodpecker. Sorry Bird Buddy! You're still a lot of fun! 🪶

A mere handful of hunt proponents are holding back funding for #Wisconsin farmers, all to push a widely unpopular crane season. "Not every state hunts every species, and Wisconsin does not need, and surveys show that a majority of citizens do not want, a hunting season on sandhill cranes."

Don't stuff sandhill crane hunt down throat of Wisconsin. It will only divide us | Opinion

When the new legislature meets it should take recommendations of the Legislative Council’s Study Committee on sandhill cranes with a grain of salt.

jsonline.com

In 2023 at least 960 #birds died in one day due to window collisions at McCormick Place in #Chicago. After applying bird-friendly window treatments, there were just 18 deaths all last fall. Further proof these simple changes work, and work well! It's time communities start making this a requirement.

Bird deaths plummet at McCormick Place Lakeside Center after safety film installed

Crash fatalities down more than 90% this fall with 18 deaths compared to 1,280 deaths in the fall of 2023, Field Museum expert says.

chicagotribune.com

Update ✅

Ryan Michalesko@ryanmichalesko.bsky.social · 2y ago

…and somehow they still evade my #Wisconsin life list…