ONLINE: Crane Congregations

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Bob Koch

Sandhill cranes on the north side of Madison.

If you have never heard the ricocheting racket of a congregation of sandhill cranes, you are missing out on one of southern Wisconsin's greatest natural happenings. Each fall, more than 10,000 sandhill cranes flock to sites along a path that includes the Wisconsin River adjacent to naturalist Aldo Leopold's famous "shack." While the in-person presentations typically fill up quickly, this year everyone can visit the cranes virtually and learn more from Stan Temple, a professor emeritus in conservation from UW-Madison, who will speak on the Leopold Foundation's work on crane conservation. Livestreams will also take place on Dec. 10 and Dec. 15; RSVP here.

media release: Program Dates: December 8, 10, and 15, at 7:00 pm CT. Register for a link.

2020 may have been an unprecedented year for us, but for the sandhill cranes, it’s been business as usual. Each fall, upwards of 10,000 sandhill cranes congregate along the Wisconsin River just behind Leopold's Shack—and this year is no different. The cranes, free from 2020's pandemic-induced barriers, are arriving by the thousands at their annual stopover in Baraboo, Wisconsin, and the Aldo Leopold Foundation is committed to sharing the experience with you.  

Join us this December for a free, virtual evening of discovery and natural beauty. Engage in a live presentation with Dr. Stan Temple, get a behind-the-scenes look at the conservation work we do to protect these majestic birds, and witness the captivating sight of thousands of cranes flying in to roost for the night. This is an opportunity you won’t want to miss!