| Whooping
Crane Population Growth
The
Lobsticks are a great example of how the Whooping crane population
grows. If every pair were as productive
as the Lobsticks, the growth of the flock would be higher than
the current average of 4.5% a year.
Unfortunately,
some pairs don’t
nest every year. And some pairs hardly ever seem to raise
a chick. Can you
think of why population growth is so slow for this species? How
will the flock size change in
your lifetime? Watch to see!
The
Lobstick Male in Winter 2009-2010
It didn't seem that the Lobstick pair had returned after fall 2009
migration. A pair was on their territory, but coming and going, very
unlike their past habits. Then, in early February, tour boat captain
Tommy Moore got
a close
look
at
a pair in the Lobstick territory. After so many years of watching
this special crane, Tommy was convinced that the large Lobstick male was
still present! On that day, he was acting aggressive. He was chasing
two other pairs out of his territory. He even approached the boat.
It
sure seemed like Lobstick male and his mate were back for another
winter!
And
Beyond. . .
The old male Lobstick migrated back to Aransas NWR
with his mate in fall 2010 and 2011, but without chicks. When a Whooping crane was found dead in April 2012 in South Dakota, some believed it was one of the famous Lobstick stick pair. But wait! In fall 2012, tour boat captain Tommy Moore believed the Lobstick male was alive—and on his territory at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge! On December 19, 2012, now retired, I rode the Whooping crane tour boat to help with the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge's Audubon Christmas Bird Count. Our group counted over 9,300 birds of 77 different species—but I didn't see the bird I wanted to see most. The Lobstick pair was not on their territory. We did spot 35 other Whooping cranes, but I missed seeing what might be the oldest known-aged Whooping crane in the flock.
A Mystery for Now
December 2012: Captain Tommy Moore to this day continues to sight a crane pair on the Lobstick territory with a a very large male that sometimes approached the tour boat. Tommy thinks Lobstick is still alive. I don't know for sure, but I'd like to think that 34-year-old codger is still patrolling its Aransas Territory as it keeps a glaring eye out for blue crabs and other cranes foolish enough to intrude on his territory. I didn't see him on Dec. 19th, but the refuge had recently done a prescribed burn, and I bet Lobstick had been on that upland area looking for roasted acorns. Other species of cranes have been known to live in captivity for over 80 years, so don't count old Lobstick out!
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