SHAWANO COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Sandhill cranes are returning to many places in Northeast Wisconsin.
That includes the Navarino State Wildlife Area in Shawano County.
The giant birds stand about four feet tall, and have a wingspan of six and a half feet. Experts say this year’s unpredictable weather delayed spring migration here at least a couple of weeks.
“Our numbers are just now, starting to kind of come up. It’s been one, or two before this week, the beginning of April. But now, there’s probably 100 or so out there. Normally in the spring, we’ll see anywhere between 1,000 and 5,000 cranes that will be on Navarino,” said Tim Ewing, Navarino Nature Center Director and Naturalist.
Ewing says the cranes feed in area farm fields during the day, but spend the night in the safety of places like Pike’s Peak Flowage nearby. The roosting areas will be part of the “Evening with the Sandhill Cranes” event on Thursday. Ewing says people need to dress accordingly.
“We’re all snow-covered, and ice-covered here. So, winter coats, and Yaktrax, ice cleats. That kind of stuff is going to be almost mandatory to go out there, and be able to get to the viewing deck,” he said.
And as for the cranes? Ewing says as long as there’s open water, the storks should be fine.
“With our conditions right now, end of April, beginning of May, is when everybody’s going to start nesting. And then, we’ll start seeing chicks, sometime in June,” he said.
Officials remind people to be mindful and enjoy the cranes from a safe distance.
That includes pulling off to the side of the road while watching birds.
