ABOUT CELEBRATION OF CRANES
Celebration of Cranes, sponsored by Audubon of Kansas (AOK), is an event that provides the public with an opportunity to enjoy the amazing assemblage of cranes and other birds that gather at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge during the fall migration.

AOK offers led by birders and naturalists, as well as numerous educational opportunities.

This event provides the chance to see rare Whooping Cranes, as well as thousands of Sandhill Cranes and other waterfowl.

The wetlands and shallow waters of the refuge provide the most important spring and fall migratory stopover habitat for federally endangered Whooping Cranes. They stop at the refuge to feed and rest during the arduous 2,500-mile migration between their nesting territory in and near the Wood Buffalo National Park in northern Canada's Northwest Territory and their wintering habitat within and near the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge along the Texas Gulf Coast.
REGISTER BY OCTOBER 28
Six tours are planned (Nov. 1, 2, 3) this year. Early morning hours starting at dawn and sunrise are the best times to view Sandhill Cranes and Whooping Cranes, waterfowl and many other birds and wildlife. The cranes and waterfowl (particularly geese) leave their night roosting areas to feed in agricultural fields surrounding the refuge. They usually return in greatest numbers near sunset and dusk. There will be other waterfowl of course. We will have spotting scopes and share binoculars at the main viewing areas (usually near the north end of refuge), but participants are encouraged to bring their own. There is no guarantee the Whooping cranes will be present, but historically this is a good time.
If you are unable or prefer not use the online registration form, you may:

a) print and mail completed pdf form , with checks made out to Audubon of Kansas, to:

Audubon of Kansas, Inc.
210 Southwind Place
Manhattan, KS 66503

b) contact the AOK office: email aok@audubonofkansas.org or call 785-537-4385.

PLEASE do not call Quivira National Refuge Visitor Center.
Did you know that, according to the International Crane Foundation, less than 700 Whooping Cranes remain in the wild? Photo by Bob Gress
LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

This year we are excited to have three experts giving presentations:

1) Rex Buchanan, Director Emeritus, Kansas Geological Survey. "Water and Geology at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge." Buchanan and Jim McCauley co-authored the book “Roadside Kansas,” a guide to geological landmarks across the state. After 37 years with the Kansas Geological Survey, interim director Rex Buchanan retired in June 2016.

2) Anne Lacy, Crane Research Coordinator. "The Trumpet in the Orchestra of Evolution: The Story of the Sandhill Crane in North America." After completion of her M.S., Anne accepted a full-time position at International Crane Foundation (ICF) as a research associate in the Field Ecology Department (now the North America Program), working on an ongoing long-term study of Sandhill Cranes. She began working with the Whooping Crane Eastern Partnership in 2009 to study the ecology of the newly reintroduced Whooping Cranes in Wisconsin.

3) Elizabeth H. Smith, Ph.D. International Crane Foundation, "A Long and Narrow Flyway: Whooping Cranes and Trans-continental Migration.” North America Program Director and Texas Whooping Crane Program Leader, International Crane Foundation. The Texas coast plays an integral role in the recovery of this federally endangered species, as the Whooping Crane relies on large expanses of quality coastal habitat each winter within and around Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. Her research on sea-level rise and storm surge on coastal habitat change is critical to promote community advocacy for conservation planning and protection.

Refuge staff and members of the Friends of Quivira will be available to answer questions:

Barry Jones, Visitor Services Specialist, Quivira National Wildlife Refuge
Mike Oldham, Project Leader, USFWS - Quivira National Wildlife Refuge
Quivira National Wildlife Refuge is a "wetland of international importance." This vital ecosystem, along with the migratory birds and other wildlife that depend upon it, are in peril and need our support. Photo by Ryan Klataske
SATURDAY ACTIVITIES
  • 10:00am to 4:00pm - George Leroux's Bison Display, Children’s Activities, Visitor Center

  • 10:00am to 12:00pm - Speakers, Quivira Visitor Center Meeting Room

  • 1:00pm -3:00pm - Speakers, Quivira Visitor Center Meeting Room

Audubon of Kansas will provide hot cider and light refreshments at the Visitor Center.
VAN TOURS
VAN TOURS are $12 each, children under 12 free, reservations required for the van seats. 

This fee is to help pay for the van rental, and therefore is not refundable. 
BOX LUNCHES
Box lunches available for $8 on Saturday only, must be pre-ordered on registration form, pickup between 11am – 1:00pm on Saturday at the Visitor Center
READY TO REGISTER?
If you are unable or prefer not use the online registration form, you may:

a) print and mail completed pdf form, with checks made out to Audubon of Kansas, to:

Audubon of Kansas, Inc.
210 Southwind Place
Manhattan, KS 66503

b) contact the AOK office: email aok@audubonofkansas.org or call 785-537-4385.

PLEASE do not call Quivira National Refuge Visitor Center.
Thank you for your support and participation!

Sincerely,

Ron Klataske
Executive Director
AOK depends on volunteers. Please consider becoming involved. This email newsletter was prepared by:

Ryan Klataske, PhD
AOK Volunteer & Anthropologist
Support a Worthy Cause
Please Help With This and Other Important AOK Conservation Initiatives

We need your help. Please donate now to keep Audubon of Kansas on the front lines. Undeterred by controversy or the absence of other organizations in the trenches on some occasions, AOK is working for wildlife in every forum possible. AOK eagerly joins landowners and others who strive to protect prairie landscapes and ecological values, and partners with other organizations to push agencies to change operational paradigms and go beyond their comfort zones. We greatly appreciate any support you can provide.

Audubon of Kansas is an independent grassroots nonprofit organization that promotes appreciation and stewardship of natural ecosystems in Kansas and the central Great Plains, with special emphasis on conservation of prairies, birds, other wildlife, and their habitat. It is neither funded nor administered by the National Audubon Society. All donations are dedicated to our work.
Ways to Support AOK:

Through Our Website. Visit AOK's website where you can donate through our secure payment process.

Through Facebook. It's quick, easy, and 100% of your donation goes to AOK. Look for our Donate button. Share your donation with Facebook friends to raise awareness and help build support for AOK.

Check or money order. Send to:
 
Audubon of Kansas
210 Southwind Place
Manhattan, KS 66503
 
If you are considering a gift or bequest to Audubon of Kansas, please e-mail us or call (785) 537-4385.
 
Audubon of Kansas is a non-profit, tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions are fully tax-deductible to the extent allowable by the IRS.