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| This area hosts one of the great wildlife gatherings in
Wisconsin. Flocks of up to 5,000 Sandhills wing their way
back to the refuge in the early evening after foraging in
nearby fields during the day. The best time for viewing is
October, but there are nesting pairs here throughout the
summer. Observation towers are available. For more information, contact: the Sandhill Wildlife Demonstration Area Box 156, Babcock, WI 54413; (tel:715-884-2437) Or: International Crane Foundation, P.O. Box 447, Baraboo, WI 53913-0447 USA Tel: 608-356-9462 |
Cranes are a family of birds that have long been revered by people living near them. In Japan, the cranes are honored as symbols of long life and a happy marriage. In Viet Nam, cranes are believed to carry the souls of the dead to heaven. In North America, Africa, and Australia, native inhabitants have incorporated the crane's graceful movements into their own dances and regard cranes as auspicious symbols. Cranes have inhabited this earth for the last 34 to 50 million years. Although cranes enjoy a widespread existence (they live on five of the seven continents), many populations are declining due to habitat loss and unregulated hunting. Seven of the species are currently designated as endangered and four others have been proposed for listing |
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