A New Plan for the Eastern Population of Sandhill Cranes

I am happy and relieved to report that the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Commission voted today to defer the hunting of sandhill cranes for two years in the state of Tennessee because they wish to see more data on the eastern population's growth and stability.  This is a victory for sandhill cranes and for all of us. It is a decision that puts the species first, and that gives everyone a chance to revisit the important issues--the science behind the Management Plan and the inclusion of all parties in decision-making. For this I am very grateful.

The full Commission decision was preceded by the Wildlife Management Committee meeting on Thursday of this week which allowed for presentations and discussion from both points of view.  The presentations were informative, respectful and thorough, and I cannot say enough about how I appreciated witnessing this part of the process.

Following the presentations, the Wildlife Management Committee held a vote which determined their recommendation to the full Commission. The committee's decision was not made easily. Commissioners varied in their thinking about the issue, however, they came to a consensus and made a decision--we need more data. Following their vote, the committee gave the conservation community a mandate regarding opposing views on the issue of hunting sandhill cranes--"talk to each other, come to a meeting of the minds. We will be at this decision point again in two years and the decision may go the other way."

Of these two issues--science and consensus--science is the issue that needs our immediate attention at this juncture. Kentucky and other states have expressed intent to follow Tennessee in requesting sandhill crane hunting seasons for the eastern population. The question remains, does the Management Plan for the Eastern Population have the science to support the hunting objective that is currently included in the Plan? Many of us would like to see that science revisited; there are many deficiencies in available knowledge about the Eastern Population that are identified within the Plan, itself. Additionally, some kind of equitable representation of opposing views on that level seems warranted, since any state that hunts the Eastern Population impacts the entire population.

I am encouraging individual conservationists and conservation organizations to send their own letters of concern and inquiry to USFWS.

I appreciate the work of USFWS and the Migratory Bird Program, as well as, the flyway counsels and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and its Commission. With the combined efforts of these agencies, private conservation organizations and individual citizens, we can continue to have a positive influence on the welfare of wild species and their habitat.

The Magic Gazebo and a Pair of Northern Flickers

The gazebo, located just a few yards from my door, has some magic.  It's an octagonal screened-in structure on stilts that adjoins the deck leading into the upper level of the house.  Lots of birds are attracted to the shelf that's created by the boards just under the roof, a shelf that is also sheltered by the roof's overhang.  This is where a pair of eastern phoebes nested twice last breeding season.  And recently I've watched eastern bluebirds, titmice, phoebes, goldfinch and a pair of northern flickers disappear into the shadows of the overhang.  

Today it was bitter cold, not the actual temperature which held at around 30 degrees F, but because of the 14 mph bone-chilling wind that zinged right through you.  Even so, I went out with my camera to try to snap an image of a chipping sparrow I spotted on the feeder.  Inevitably, when I have one thing in mind, a half-dozen other things start happening and I am glued to the spot, despite the cold.      

I have been seeing and hearing a pair of flickers for a while, mostly at a distance, seldom close enough to take satisfying images.  I enjoy their communication, that "wicka, wicka, wicka" call that sounds a lot like an exchange of whimpers as they move about the trees staying relatively close to each other.  And back when the weather was warmer, as the day was ending, I would occasionally see a flicker fly up under the eave leaving a tail-brace visible for an instant, then disappear all-together.  I wondered if the gazebo had become a handy roost.

Today, the chipping sparrow pulled me out the door at just the right moment.  A flicker landed on a nearby oak limb.  Thinking he might be headed for the feeder, I froze in place, but it was the gazebo beside me that held his interest instead.  

I always like to think I'm invisible when I'm photographing birds, but I guess not, especially with the camera shudder clicking.  Certainly birds see us, even when we're very still, and from great distances long before we see them.  So Mr. flicker paused to take a peek at me, too, and I was pleased that he continued right on with his exploration.      

Right behind him came his mate, landing on the roof out of sight at first, then dropping down bringing a flurry of snow with her. Don't you just love all that brilliant yellow?!

Recent breeding surveys have shown the northern flicker to be declining.  According to my Atlas of Breeding Birds in TN ed. by Chuck P. Nicholson, northern flickers begin courting in midwinter if they are nonmigratory.  I haven't seen the nuptial displays that are described, but we certainly have a pair here that is investigating sites and foraging together.  They like this gazebo and visited it more than once today.            

My guess is it makes a sheltered roosting spot and a nice place to hang out.  However, it's not unheard of for a flicker to use a human structure for nesting if it has the right height and other characteristics.  Would that be a fun activity to witness!  I might never leave home!  Below, you see the female as she is landing on one of the gazebo side boards.  

I couldn't have been more thrilled to be standing in that spot!

A little later in the day I saw them flying together among the trees in the lower yard.  Once they landed, the male appeared to be foraging and the female sat quietly on a trunk close by.  When the male departed, she moved to the spot where he had been and foraged in the same place. Sweet. And such a privilege for me to witness this series of behaviors, all happening only a few hours apart.  

And that little chippie that enticed me out into the cold?  A sweet ball of fluff with fire on his head (and a tiny bit of snow on his 'nose')!    

To see more of my favorite encounters with woodpeckers, visit Berry Dining Sapsucker Style, Time Out for Woodpeckers, and Who's Boss?  The northern flickers above are referred to as the yellow-shafted variety because of the yellow feather shafts.  You may also enjoy seeing a red-shafted northern flicker that I encountered in New Mexico.  

Linked to Bird Photography Weekly #125 at Birdfreak.com to promote the conservation of our world's birds.