Volunteers in Knox County are wanted to help find breeding sandhill cranes through a count from 6:30-8:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 9.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife is participating in the Midwest Crane Count by holding the sandhill crane count in 22 counties, including Knox, according to a press release.
The ODNR said the sandhill crane is listed as threatened in Ohio. Its population has increased in recent years. Sandhills can be secretive during their nesting season, so the count helps track Ohio’s breeding crane population.
Those interested in volunteering in Knox County should contact county coordinator Howard Gratz (handstz@embarqmail.com) or Cory Gratz (gratzcory@gmail.com).
The time commitment includes scouting an area, virtual training and the morning count. Birders of all abilities who can identify a sandhill crane can participate. A vehicle is required. Participation in pairs and some experience using eBird (https://ebird.org/) is preferred.
A pilot survey last year documented 160 sandhill cranes in Geauga, Holmes, Summit, Trumbull and Wayne counties.
The ODNR Division of Wildlife, International Crane Foundation and Ohio Bird Conservation Initiative will coordinate the count.
Ohio’s cranes are seasonal residents that feed during daylight hours on grain, insects, birds, small mammals, amphibians and reptiles. Migration occurs at high elevations in large flocks, often composed of thousands of birds, the ODNR said. Their range extends from Mexico and Florida into Alaska and Canada, depending on the season.
