Help Needed
The Eastern Population of sandhill cranes has undergone rapid expansion in recent decades, and this expansion has not gone unnoticed in Pennsylvania. Sporadic sightings began in the late 1980s in the northwest corner of the state. The earliest breeding record occurred in 1993 when a Lawrence County pair disappeared from view in March and re-appeared in August accompanied by a juvenile. The crane expansion into Pennsylvania is an exciting story that is still unfolding: the first photograph of a nest was not even accomplished until 2009. Since that time, cranes have been spotted in more than 30 counties.
Since 1979, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service has conducted an annual Fall Crane Survey as birds of the Eastern Population gather into fall staging areas. This survey provides a population estimate as well as an indication of trends over time. This information is used when making management decisions. The current estimate of the Eastern crane population now stands at more than 60,000 birds.
Though the number of cranes in Pennsylvania is small by comparison, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service has decided that the expanding population warrants the inclusion of Pennsylvania in the Fall Crane Survey. Your assistance in this effort will provide an important "snapshot" of the distribution of cranes statewide and will serve as a starting point for tracking population trends over time. We are eager to learn more about the distribution of the Commonwealth's cranes, habitats used during the staging period, and the current ratio of juveniles to adults.
Pennsylvania's information will assist with national monitoring of the Eastern Population. This information will also provide a baseline that will help us better understand the rapidly-evolving nature of crane distribution in Pennsylvania.
Please use the link below to report gatherings of cranes at a fall staging areas. Don't assume someone else will report a local sighting. If you go out to a crane spot but see no birds, we need to hear that also. Every observation is important!
Sandhill Crane Survey Methods
This Crane Survey will provide a baseline to better understand the rapidly-evolving nature of crane distribution in Pennsylvania.
If you know of a gathering of cranes, we'd appreciate hearing from you. Don't assume someone else will report a local sighting. Please submit a report from your survey effort whether you observe cranes or not.
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1
Review
Review identification characteristics of sandhill cranes and become familiar with plumage differences between adults and juveniles. Become confident in distinguishing cranes from great blue herons and similar species. See Sandhill Crane Identification Page.
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2
Scout
Scout likely locations. Many counties have areas where cranes can regularly be found. Other sightings are harder to predict. Check with local birdwatchers or farmers to enquire about cranes in your area. Secure permission from landowners if private property must be crossed during survey.
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3
Observe
Morning or evening counts are best in order to observe cranes in their roost sites. Cranes leave their roost areas (typically marsh or shrub wetlands) roughly 30 minutes after sunrise and return roughly 30 minutes before sunset. If it's not possible to survey within 30 minutes of sunrise or sunset, cranes may be counted in fields during the day. Carefully indicate time and location of survey on data form. Each site should be surveyed only once.
- Use good crane observation etiquette. Cranes can often be seen at a considerable distance and counts should be conducted with minimal disturbance to birds. Cranes should be monitored with binoculars or spotting scopes. Do not approach birds.
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4
Submit Observations
Submit your observations whether you find sandhill cranes or not. If you go to a likely spot and find NO cranes, that observation is also important to us. If this happens, please provide all information requested, and simply indicate '0' for cranes observed.