We brought our little visitor to the St. Mark's Visitor Center where the refuge manager would arrange for his release on the Refuge. As our pickup pulled into the parking lot, a crowd assembled and the little 'gator enjoyed his fifteen minutes of fame. Refuge Manager Terry Peacock showed Mr. Gator to a small visitor before the release. That evening, we watched from blind as normalcy returned to the marsh and our little band of cranes lined up to roost comfortably in the pen—just like old times. What a difference a day makes. The lesson here is simple: In the crane world, just as in the human world, actions speak louder than words. All you have to do is listen.
Photo: Operation Migration
