Yeah well, I’ve had so many jobs in my early years, I’ve lost count. Some were pretty interesting though. I spent one season as a guide for the International Crane Foundation here in Baraboo. ICF’s primary goal of course is the protection of Cranes which are like most animals, under threat. Of course in addition to eduction, breeding and such, they also address many environmental issues as well.

Here in the states we have two native cranes. The Sandhill and the Whooping Crane. The Whooping Crane is white with black tipped wings and a red marking on the head. What really makes them amazing as well is that they stand over 5 feet tall. Most of us have seen how ICF has been using ultralight planes to teach captive born cranes their traditional migration routes. Something fantastic and sad at the same time in that it shows how far gone the population was and to what efforts we need to go through to bring them back.

The other (photo above) are Sandhills. Sandhill Cranes were in trouble as well. However, their population came roaring back once the indiscriminate hunting was stopped. These guys live right here, so I get the joy of seeing them regularly these days. In fact their population has so recovered that they guys with guns want a chance to shoot ‘em. You know, I can’t help but express how crazy these loonies are. It’s not so much that I’m against hunting, as it is that I’m really amazed by those guys just waiting for a chance to kill something for the pure joy of taking life. I can’t help but wonder about their psychology. Maybe their mothers should have hugged them more!

To learn more about ICF & Cranes in general go here.

I’ve also added a “Wings & More” gallery here.