Hi Tweeters;
Over the Memorial Day weekend I was monitoring a Greater Sandhill crane
nest trying to extract information that might be helpful in setting up
conservation measures. I had just gotten into position behind my blind
when 2 loud whining two- cycle ATVs started tearing the ?**# out of the
dirt road behind me! It was at the time for the nest exchange to happen
(when one crane flies in to relieve the other crane on the nest- every
12 hours.) At this moment I realized how difficult it is for a nesting
bird to sit tight when this kind of activity is going on! Hopefully the
cranes are more determined to sit tight than I because it drove me
away! I left my blind to kindly ask the ATV party to please leave the
area explaining the importance of the nesting birds and fortunately
silence ensued. I just hope the damage was not permanent- it depends on
how determined the crane parent is to sit tight on the nest. Coyotes
are ever watchful for the opportunity to get at the eggs or the eggs
may have gotten cold if the parent was gone too long. The eggs are due
to hatch any day so I will let you know the results. Can humans have
their ATVs and wilderness too?
Joy Stickney-Markgraf
near White Salmon WA
email: joymarkgraf