By the 1940s, overhunting and habitat loss had reduced whooping crane numbers to about 20 individuals. Intensive conservation efforts, which began in the 1950s, have brought them back from the brink of extinction. Today, the world population numbers between 600 and 800. 

One of the best opportunities to witness this conservation success story firsthand can be found in Saskatchewan during fall migration. North of Saskatoon, particularly around Blaine Lake and Marcelin, whooping cranes, along with huge numbers of ducks, geese, and cranes, descend upon the landscape to take advantage of freshly harvested crops, numerous wetlands, and a sparse human population to rest and refuel before continuing their journey south.

Some of our most rewarding sightings were adult whoopers accompanied by one or two cinnamon-coloured colts. Staying close to their parents, these young birds were preparing for their first migration: an epic journey of approximately 4,000 kilometres (2,500 miles) from Wood Buffalo National Park to the Texas coast. Exactly how long individual cranes linger in this part of Saskatchewan remains uncertain, although they are thought to spend up to six weeks resting before continuing southward.

While the whooping crane’s skittish nature and the ever-present heat waves made photography challenging, seeing these iconic birds was amazing. One evening, we observed a group of more than 150. On another occasion, on a sunny afternoon, a group of five vocal individuals kettled overhead. Their iconic bugling call and shimmering white bodies set against a bright blue sky made for a memorable encounter.