Wandering and Exploring
The ultralight-led yearling cranes come back to their Wisconsin "training grounds," but some may stay only a few days. They want to explore! Some even fly to nearby states for a short time. And why not? The young cranes are like teenagers. For them, it is too soon to find mates, stake out territories, or raise babies. Spring wandering is normal for young cranes. This is the age when they hang out with one or more crane buddies in "bachelor groups."

Photo W. Gudgel