Whooping Cranes (Grus americana) - Near Zeandale, KS (Riley County)

Easter Sunday, April 12, 2009

Five whooping cranes were found on the previous day, feeding in corn stubble north and west of Zeandale KS. When we sighted them about 10 AM Sunday 4/12, they were all feeding together in a field about 1/2 mile south of Kaw Road and 2-3 miles west of Tabor Valley Road. One group of three birds wandered off from the other two, and then took flight, with one bird trumpeting loudly to the others. The pair of birds then joined the trio and all five birds landed in a sand bar in the middle of the Kansas River just west of the field where they were originally feeding.

Thanks to Chuck Otte for the e-mail tip and to Dan Mulhern for the phone message!

five whooping cranes

three whooping cranes

Photos copyrighted by Dave Rintoul, 2009