By 1812Blockhouse
On the morning of Saturday, April 12, wildlife lovers across Ohio — including a dedicated crew in Richland County — will rise before the sun to take part in the fifth annual Midwest Crane Count. Organized by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife, the effort enlists volunteers to locate and log sightings of the magnificent sandhill crane. Richland County’s participation is part of a broader survey that spans 33 counties, and local birders are encouraged to join in this exciting, early-morning conservation event.
Partnering with the International Crane Foundation and the Ohio Bird Conservation Initiative, the Division of Wildlife will use the data to monitor and protect one of Ohio’s most iconic — and once extirpated — bird species.
A Bird With a Story — And a Dance
The sandhill crane (Grus canadensis) is a striking figure: tall, elegant, and mostly gray with a vivid red forehead and golden eyes. These ancient birds, whose lineage stretches back 2.5 million years, are especially known for their dancing displays — elaborate rituals that involve bowing, leaping up to eight feet into the air, and dramatic wing flapping. Though these dances are a key part of courtship, they often occur year-round for reasons scientists still don’t fully understand.
A Comeback Story in Flight
After disappearing from Ohio for decades, the sandhill crane returned to Wayne County in 1987 and has been expanding its range ever since. In 2024, volunteers reported 412 cranes across 32 counties, including 27 in Richland County, one of the state’s top five crane habitats.
Ohio’s crane count over the years:
- 2024: 412 cranes (32 counties)
- 2023: 357 cranes (30 counties)
- 2022: 311 cranes (26 counties)
- 2021: 160 cranes (5 counties)
This year’s count continues the mission to track Ohio’s growing crane population, which remains listed as threatened in the state.
How to Join Richland County’s Crane Team
Richland County’s local effort is led by Gary Cowell, who is coordinating volunteers for the April 12 count. Those interested in participating should reach out to him at [email protected].
The volunteer commitment includes:
- Reviewing a brief virtual training and survey protocol
- Scouting a designated wetland area ahead of time
- Completing the survey from 6:30 to 8:30 AM on April 12
- Reporting findings through the eBird platform (preferred)
Birders of all experience levels are welcome, as long as they can identify a sandhill crane by sight or sound. A vehicle is required, and participants are encouraged to work in pairs.
Beyond the Count: How to Support Crane Conservation
In addition to volunteering, Ohioans can support sandhill cranes by purchasing an Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp. All proceeds benefit species of greatest conservation need through the Wildlife Diversity Fund, which supports:
- Habitat restoration
- Scientific research
- Educational outreach
- Conservation of endangered and threatened wildlife
The stamp is available online via the Ohio Wildlife Licensing System or anywhere hunting and fishing licenses are sold.
A Call to the Wild
Each April, as morning light spills across Ohio’s wetlands, the bugle call of the sandhill crane reminds us of nature’s resilience — and our role in its protection. Richland County’s volunteers are not just counting birds; they’re helping write the next chapter in Ohio’s conservation story.
Image: ODNR
Be sure to turn on the sound!
