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COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife is seeking volunteers for the fifth annual Midwest Crane Count on the morning of Saturday, April 12. The Division of Wildlife is collaborating with the International Crane Foundation and Ohio Bird Conservation Initiative to conduct the survey.
The Division of Wildlife along with partners and volunteers will count the numbers of sandhill cranes seen or heard in specific counties in Ohio. This year’s crane count takes place in 33 counties. These locations have habitats where sandhill cranes typically nest such as wet meadows, shallow marshes, bogs, and other wetlands.
This year’s sandhill crane count takes place in 33 Ohio counties.
A sandhill crane is a tall wading bird characterized by a long neck and bill. It is mostly gray in plumage with a red patch on its forehead. It is often recognized by its rolling bugle call.
The sandhill crane was once extirpated (disappeared) from Ohio but returned to Wayne County in 1987 and has been slowly expanding since. Last year, volunteers located 412 sandhill cranes across 32 counties. The five counties with the most sandhill cranes reported during the 2024 count were Wayne (106), Lucas (56), Geauga (48), Holmes (28), and Richland (27).
Ohio’s sandhill crane count, by year:
Ohioans interested in volunteering should contact a county coordinator. The commitment includes the time it takes to scout an area, a virtual training and review of survey protocols, and the morning count. On the day of the count, it’s estimated that volunteers will be working outdoors for approximately 2 hours. Birders of all abilities who can identify a sandhill crane can participate. A vehicle is also required. Participation in pairs and some experience using the eBird community science platform is preferred. For more information, see the Ohio Bird Conservation Initiative website. The study will take place rain or shine.
Sandhill cranes are listed as threatened in Ohio. Sandhills are secretive during their nesting season, and the count is an effort to better track Ohio’s breeding crane population.
Ohio’s cranes are seasonal residents that migrate south for the winter. They feed during daylight hours on grain, insects, birds, small mammals, amphibians, and reptiles. They migrate at high elevations in large flocks, often composed of hundreds of birds. The range of these native birds extends from Mexico and Florida into Alaska and Canada, depending on the season.
Wildlife enthusiasts can support sandhill cranes by purchasing an Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp. All of the stamp’s proceeds go to wildlife conservation, benefitting species of greatest conservation need through the Wildlife Diversity Fund. This fund supports habitat restoration, wildlife and habitat research projects, creation of free wildlife educational materials, as well as efforts to restore and conserve endangered and threatened species. The legacy stamp can be purchased online through Ohio's Wildlife Licensing System and at any location that sells hunting and fishing licenses.
The mission of the Division of Wildlife is to conserve and improve fish and wildlife resources and their habitats for sustainable use and appreciation by all. Visit wildohio.gov to find out more.
ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.