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Whooping Crane Migration Update: December 4, 1997 Refuge Biologist Tom Stehn Record Arrivals at Aransas An aerial census of the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge and surrounding areas made 1December 4th revealed the presence of a record total of 178 whooping cranes: 100 adults, 49 subadults and 29 young. The flight was made in charter aircraft with Tom Stehn as observer. Clear weather allowed for a complete census effort. Based on summer nesting and winter territory data, this winter's whooping crane population is expected to reach an all-time high of 180. Previous highs were 160 total cranes last winter, and 28 chicks back in 1995. This table shows the Whooping Crane comeback since their dangerously low numbers in the 1940's: Climbing Crane Population 1940-1997 Year # Cranes Year # Cranes 1940 22 1992 136 1950 34 1993 143 1960 33 1994 133 1970 56 1995 158 1980 76 1996 160 1990 146 1997 178 so far! 1991 132     Represents peak counts each winter, made in December. Tom Stehn has watched same comeback repeat itself this fall as the whoopers returned from their nesting grounds--but in only 5 weeks rather than 57 years. Here's a fall migration summary, with links to his flight reports: Fall Migration Summary, 1997 Date Total # Cranes Flight Report 10/31/97 23 Flight Report 11/03/97 57 Flight Report 11/06/97 145 Flight Report 11/13/97 169 Flight Report 12/04/97 178 See below December 4, 1997: Flight Report Nesting pair 28/97, with both birds banded, is still unaccounted for. The status is still uncertain on several unbanded nesting pairs due to the presence of unbanded subadults. Pair 46/97 has not returned to the Ayres Island territory, but the presence of a new member of this pair may have caused a switch in winter use areas. Recap of cranes observed: (178) Refuge Lamar San Jose Matagorda Welder Total 66+12 4+2 26+5 31+7 22+3 149+29=178