We keep the netting just loose enough to be an easy-up tent cover. Richard, Brian and Chris are putting up the "easy-up." The easy-up raises the net above the height of the panels to give the birds more room to spread their wings. That height also allows us to stand up and walk in the pen. The netting provides shade and some protection from rain, sleet or snow. Most important, it keeps the birds from flying out!

We hang the food inside to help keep it dry. The legs of the easy-up hold a divider between the two feeders. We do this so that no bird is able take control over the food and keep the others from eating.

Before we leave we also hang a plastic model of an adult whooper from the net. The model keeps the birds company and helps maintain proper imprinting. That means to remind the young cranes that they are Whooping Cranes and not Sandhill Cranes or other kinds of cranes. Correct imprinting is important for survival of the species. They will choose other whoopers as mates.