Goose Pond MBTA Centennial Crane Field Trip
Goose Pond MBTA Centennial Crane Field Trip
Start Date/Time: February 27, 2016 9:00 AM Eastern Time
End Date/Time: February 27, 2016 by 2:00 PM Eastern Time
Recurring Event: One time event
Description: Goose Pond MBTA Centennial Crane Trip
Sponsorship: Indiana Audubon Society & Friends of Goose Pond
Leaders: Lee Sterrenburg and Kathy McClain, Friends of Goose Pond
Details: Field trip to Goose Pond FWA in Greene County IN in conjunction with the USFWS 2016 Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) Centennial Celebration. The aim is to underscore the accomplishments of the MBTA and what the Act later made possible for bird conservation and bird habitat conservation and funding. The recovering Eastern Sandhill Crane numbers and the reintroduced Eastern Whooping Cranes provide showcase example of how the MBTA helps birds. Indiana’s Goose Pond FWA serves as a major migration and staging area for both crane species. The best way for birders, photographers, and nature enthusiasts to continue to enjoy bird conservation efforts at the state FWA’s is by purchasing a combination Indiana Sport Recreation License (AKA combo DFW hunting and fishing license). They can contribute to Federal efforts by continuing to purchase a 2015-16 Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (the “Duck Stamp”).
Where: This trip will meet at the Goose Pond FWA office. For Google Map driving directions go the Indiana DNR web site for Goose Pond FWA (http://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/3094.htm) and click on the “Get Directions” tab under the street address. In general, the office is located on the south side of Highway 59 traveling south out of the town of Linton just after the road turns to the west. It has two white barns, a modular building, and a parking area. The trip will meet inside the modular building for a pre-field trip presentation on the MBTA centennial celebration and the latest information on sandhill and whooping cranes and the latest info on ongoing conservation efforts for both species. Bring a lunch and drinks!
Birds: the trip will focus on viewing the thousands of Sandhill Cranes, several Whooping Cranes, raptors, ducks and geese that include Greater White-fronted Geese and Snow Geese, and with luck and the right weather a flock of American White Pelicans that frequent Goose Pond FWA most of the year.
Order of things: We will begin with a half hour indoor presentation that will include handouts on the MBTA and the Federal Aid in Wildlife Recovery Act (the “Pittman-Robertson” Act). It will include explanations of how DFW funding operates. Handouts and discussion will focus on the history of Eastern Sandhill Crane decline and extirpation of Eastern whooping cranes and subsequent recoveries including an introduction to crane behavior, life cycles, tracking, habitat use, and changing migration patterns. We will then carpool and tour the property hoping to see some of these historical and institutional perspectives in action.
Trip size limit: the trip has a strict cap of 35 participants. Advance registration required. People will be taken on a first come, first served basis. To sign up, email the trip leader, Lee Sterrenburg, and give names of participants:
sterren AT indiana.edu.