Cranes Over Paynes Prairie

Paynes Prairie Volunteer Photographer,Dominick Martino, took these photos in January on the La Chua Trail.

This last winter was exceptional for viewing both sandhill and whooping cranes on Paynes Prairie. The sandhills were seen by the thousands and the whooper count was up to 15!

Whooping cranes are one of the best known of all the endangered species. Unique to North America, whopping cranes are an example of how conservation efforts can help bring a population back from the brink of extinction. In 1941 there were only 16 of these magnificent birds left on the planet. Today there are 387 whoopers living in the wild. Learn more about whooping cranes.

Now that spring is here many of the cranes have departed, but there is still plenty of great wildlife to see on the La Chua trail.

If you go to see the wildlife at La Chua PLEASE STAY ON THE TRAIL, DO NOT APPROACH THE ANIMALS! This is considered trespassing and is dangerous to both you and the wildlife. Also, try to remain concealed and do not speak loudly on the trail. Turning the ringer on your cell phone to OFF is preferred.