Audubon of Kansas will hold its annual Celebration of Cranes online this year. As with so many other things in 2020, the event will be streamed on their YouTube channel. It won’t be the same as taking a guided tour at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge, but speakers, photos and more will be available virtually. 

Thousands of Sandhill Cranes have descended on the refuge at Quivira in late October and early November in recent years. The marsh is often a brief stopover for the rare and endangered Whooping Crane, the largest North American bird. In addition, thousands of waterfowl and shorebirds can be viewed at this world-class wetland in autumn, during their age-old migrations from their northern breeding grounds to their wintering areas hundreds or even thousands of miles to the south.  

The five speakers will cover a range of topics: the history of Quivira; the importance of wetlands for shorebirds; the nutrition necessary for migration; the comeback of the endangered Whooping Crane (from 21 birds to over 800 today); and the unique geology and necessary water of this wetland.

Go to audubonofkansas.org, for more information about AOK, how to support their work, and how to join the Celebration of Cranes event 2020.