In North America there are only two species of cranes that can be found. First, the sandhill is the most common of all cranes and is one the four crane species not to be considered endangered. The other crane found in North America and the most at risk of extinction, is the majestic whooping crane. Standing almost five and a half feet tall with a wing span of more than seven feet, the “whooper” is the tallest bird in North America. The sandhill crane has become a common sight in the Jackson and Chelsea (Michigan) area with approximately 17,000 counted this year at an Auduban sanctuary. While in comparison there are less than 300 whooping cranes found in the wild (the 2010 estimate was just 263).
Whooping Cranes Flying
A wayward “whooper” has somehow found its way to the sandhill migratory resting place at the Phyllis Hanehnle Sanctuary just north of Chelsea, attracting birders from near and far. Standing among the sandhills the whooper is hard to miss with his distinctive coloration: bright white body, red crown, long dark legs and dark pointed bill standing out in contrast to the more subtle colored sandhills.
This bird is thought to be bird # 37-07 based upon the multiple leg bandings, meaning it was the 37th bird hatched in captivity in Wisconsin in 2007. At 3 years old he has reached maturity and with a lifespan of 22-24 years in the wild, scientists hope that he will mate and continue to help the endangered population grow.
The crane’s stop in Michigan is a pit stop en route from the Necedah National Wildlife Refuge in central Wisconsin towards his winter home in the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge in Florida, a 1,200 mile journey.
Bird # 37-07 is part of “Operation Migration,” a non-profit group working with the Wildlife Service and other agencies to condition the young birds to fly behind ultra-light airplanes as they are lead from Wisconsin to their winter home in Florida. While it is a perilous journey for the chicks, with high rates of mortality in their first year of life, the project has brought back this magnificent bird from the edge of extinction in the 1940’s to a flock that is reproducing and growing in number. How fortunate we are to be able to see one right in our own backyard.
Due to the migration path of the whooping crane, it is unlikely that any MNA properties would act as host. If however their route would change or a lone crane would stray, Edwin and Margarita Palmer Memorial Nature Sanctuary in Kalamazoo County, Five Lakes Muskegon Nature Sanctuary in Muskegon County and Hamilton Township Coastal Marsh Nature Sanctuary in Van Buren County are the properties with the greatest likelihood of hosting a whooping crane on their migration.
Sandhill Cranes
Sandhill cranes can be seen throughout MNA Nature Sanctuary, including Martin Bay Nature Sanctuary in Delta County, Goose Creek Nature Sanctuary in Lenawee County, Big Valley Nature Sanctuary in Oakland County, Saginaw Wetlands Nature Sanctuary in Huron County and H.E. Hardy Memorial in Livingston County.
To learn more about the wildlife and habitats of MNA Nature Sanctuaries, click here.
Michigan Nature Association 
I just want to correct some information stated above. 37-07 is not and never was involved with the ultra-light planes or Operation Migration. He was part of the Direct Autumn Release program and was reared at the International Crane Foundation (ICF) in Baraboo before being transferred to the Necedah NWR where rearing was continued by ICF and US Fish & Wildlife staff. He was released in October 2007 at the Necedah refuge. The Direct Autumn Release (DAR) program involves raising the birds until they fledge and releasing them in the presence of older whoopers and sandhill cranes in the hopes that they follow these birds south and learn the migration route that way. This project is completely separate from Operation Migration.
Additionally, he has never traveled farther south than the Hiwassee WR in Tennessee where he spends the winter.
we have a few whooping cranes here in the commerce area. we see them most mornings in the fields behind the center….what a sight they are to see…
How cool! You’re very lucky to see them so often in your area!
my son and I saw one east of hanover two weeks ago, along hanover road, with 5 sandhill cranes. it had green and white and red and white bands on it legs. what I sight when it took flight.
We are studying about this in my 2nd grade class. I am a good reader
Maria – We hope you’re enjoying learning about the whooping crane! 🙂
There has been one with about 30 Sandhills just south of Lime Lake for the past two weeks. Never get close enough to see any leg bands. What a magnificent bird!
I saw one today in kawkawlin Michigan on the bay. I had no idea they were in Michigan. It was a total surprise!
Had two cranes (I think)feeding in front yard. They were tall brown with red on heads. Is this a Sandhill crane or what kind? At Caribou Lake Michigan
The cranes are so majestic. I was lucky enough to watch a pair of Sandhill Cranes raise a baby. They are most protective and secretive with their young. It certainly was a privilege that I will never forget.
I photographed 2 Whopping Crane in northern Macomb County on April 21 2022