Caring for and raising a chick is hard work. The breeding grounds are filled with challenges. For example, many avian predators such as ravens and golden eagles nest in close proximity to the Whooping Cranes. They, too, need to feed their young. The second chick often struggles to keep up with its older sibling. Parents are often only able to raise one chick despite having hatched two. We know from our fledgling surveys later in the summer, however, that each year some families are able to raise both chicks. Raising two chicks in a season is something to celebrate!

Photo Canadian Wildlife Service