By KEN CARPENTER
Great Bend Post
GREAT BEND — Whooping cranes are one of the rarest types of birds in the world, and they are migrating through the Golden Belt this time of year.
According to Curtis Wolf, director of the Kansas Wetlands Education Center northeast of Great Bend, only a few whooping cranes have been spotted so far this year. And he said bird watchers will have to be lucky to get a glimpse of one as they make their way south.
“These are those incredibly endangered birds,” Wolf noted. “Still only 800 birds that exist in the world, and we get a fair number of those that stop through this area. The tallest bird in North America – they stand about five feet tall. They're bright white, have about a seven-foot wingspan. They're pretty awesome birds to get to see.”
Whooping cranes will be the center of attention on Friday, Nov. 5 and Saturday, Nov. 6 at the Hudson Community Center and Quivira National Wildlife Refuge in Stafford County. The Audobon Society is sponsoring the 4th Annual Celebration of Cranes. There will be self-guided tours through the refuge as well as lectures that include information about bird photography, tips on using binoculars and wetland ecology.
More information about the event can be found HERE.
Cover image courtesy Pixabay