April 20, 2010
Marty Folk, Avian Research, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission sent the Whooping Crane Conservation Association the latest happenings on the non-migratory whooping crane flock in Florida.
Marty reported:
Since my last update the following has occurred:
Lake County re-nest: This pair has just hatched a chick and may be incubating a 2nd egg.
Lake Okeechobee nest: failed for unknown reasons. Pair left that area.
Lake County nest 2: We continue to collect behavioral and temperature data from this nest.
Lake County nest 3: We are collecting behavioral and temperature data from this nest.
Polk County: A nest was discovered 8 April. Equipment not available for behavioral/temperature study.
Osceola County: A nest was discovered 12 April. We are collecting behavioral and temperature data from this nest.
Alachua County: A nest was discovered 12 April. Nest too remote for behavioral/temperature study.
The total nests this year is 9, with 6 currently active.
One pair showed promise for nesting-had been observed building a nest platform. However, the 10-year-old female was recovered from under a power line and collision with the line is the presumed cause of death. At necropsy she was found to be carrying 2 eggs.
