Since the possibility of crane migration into Minnesota could occur in the next few months, the following reminder might come in handy. Not that anyone in MOU needs this reminder but – well, if the shoe fits...
Sid Stivland Plymouth, MN From: [email protected] Sent: Thursday, March 21, 2013 11:18 AM To: [email protected] Subject: [NEBirds] Reporting Endangered Species As a reminder I just want to post part of a statement Joel Jorgensen, Nongame Bird Program Manager for Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, posted on NEBirds last spring (2012) regarding endangered species such as the Whooping Crane. There is brief reference to a Common Crane which was in central Platte valley also LAST YEAR. Clem Klaphake Bellevue, NE “With word reaching this discussion group about possible Whooping Cranes in central Nebraska, I would ask folks on this list to remind those that are not on this list of proper etiquette whenever coming across this species. This is particularly the case with the influx of out-of-state birders that may be visiting the state as a result of the Common Crane (LAST YEAR). As everyone knows, Whooping Cranes are state and federally-listed as endangered. The Endangered Species Act (ESA) and Nebraska’s Nongame and Endangered Species and Conservation Act prohibits harassment, harm, and pursuit of Whooping Cranes including any intentional or negligent act or omission that creates the likelihood of injury to wildlife by annoying it in such a way that significantly disrupts normal behavior patterns, such as feeding or roosting. Harassment includes flushing the birds to flight during observation. Instances of Whooping Crane harassment by wildlife photographers has increased in the past couple years. In spring 2010 in Nebraska, there were 3-4 instances of individuals approaching Whooping Cranes on foot in attempts to get better photos. In doing so, at least two of these individuals trespassed on private property. One of these cases was turned over to law enforcement and I anticipate law enforcement will be increasingly involved in future instances. Whooping Cranes should never, ever, be approached on foot. Observers should always view Whooping Cranes from a vehicle or a blind and, ideally, stay 2000 ft. from any birds. If you see someone approaching, harassing, or shooting a Whooping Crane, please collect some details (e.g. license plate #, description) and contact law enforcement. I apologize for the lecture. Furthermore, I wish Whooping Crane location information could be provided freely to the public so everyone could take every opportunity to see this species. I am disappointed a few bad eggs ruin it for all the good eggs.” [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] __._,_.___Reply via web post Reply to sender Reply to group Start a New Topic Messages in this topic (1) Recent Activity: a.. New Members 7 a.. New Photos 14 Visit Your Group Switch to: Text-Only, Daily Digest • Unsubscribe • Terms of Use • Send us Feedback . __,_._,___ ---- Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
