Posted by Charlie Ewell on March 22, 2002 at 15:01:54:
In Reply to: Whooping Cranes in South Florida & E.N.P.? posted by Vincent Lucas on March 21, 2002 at 06:15:34:
All,
I can't speak for ENP, but there have been at least one or two Whooping Cranes present at times as far south as Charlotte County in the area of the Babcock Ranch for the past couple years. This area is not too far north of the Lee County/Charlotte County line. Coincidentally, I was just told yesterday of one flying over SR-31 in that area recently.
Charlie Ewell
Cape Coral
: Hi:
: I just read this on BIRDCHAT. It's news to me. Anyone else ever hear of Whooping Cranes in South Florida & E.N.P.?
: "Other notable sightings were Whooping Cranes twice--once feeding in a ditch near the Florida Turnpike south of Orlando, and once flying over Everglades National Park. It was the genuine article, since I have seen Whooping Cranes on their wintering grounds at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge in Texas and I know the species well. Apparently they are gaining a footlhold in South Florida, where they were introduced a few years ago.
: Encouraging news for birders." The birder's name is Bill Pratt at Miami of Ohio University. Email: prattwc@muhio.edu
: Good birding!
: Vince Lucas
: Naples