Sandhill Crane return to Pixley Wildlife Refuge
Marina Gaytan
Thousands of Sandhill Crane have already made their way to the Central Valley and hundreds more are still to come as they continue their journey down south.
This week the Pixley National Wildlife Refuge reported seeing more than 3,000 birds as they prepare for their annual Return of the Cranes event, set to take place Nov. 8.
The refuge, resting grounds for millions of migratory birds, will host a free night for bird enthusiasts of all sorts, to witness the large crimson-crowned birds land in the wetlands.
The event is from 4 to 6 p.m. and organizers are asking to meet at the parking lot first for refreshments and a chance to socialize with other bird lovers. Refuge staff will also discuss more about the refuge itself and any upcoming undertakings.
Wildlife Refuge Specialist Miguel Jimenez said the event is not just about catching a glimpse of the cranes but to learn more about the refuge and what it has to offer.
Once discussions take place and questions are answered, Jimenez says the crowd will be lead to the observation platform where guests will watch the cranes fly onto the property from all directions.
"Cranes have been coming to Pixley for some time now," he said. "They're not like mallards where it's common for you to see versus a crane. They utilize the refuge and lands set aside for them and this is one of the areas where you can observe them in high numbers."
Typically the cranes fly in around dusk because it's a time when they feel safe from predators, Jimenez says.
That's why staff is recommending participants bring along a flashlight, sturdy shoes and several layers of clothing.
Rob Hansen, biology and ecology professor at College of the Sequoias, referred to Sandhill Cranes as charismatic megafauna.
"In Tulare County the Sandhill Crane is maybe as close as we get to charismatic megafauna — a big animal," he explained. "There's something about seeing large numbers of large birds that make very loud sounds, that seems to kind of capture people's admiration and wonder."
Many who see a crane might not be able to identify the bird and that this will be a way to educate about the species, give information on what they eat and where they come from — most coming in from Alaska and Canada, Jimenez said.
Although hundreds to thousands of birds are already visiting the area, the peak season will take place in late January through February, when around 4,000 birds were seen last year, according to refuge staff.
Jimenez also mentioned that in the past the refuge had mroe than 9,000 cranes visit.
"We want people to know that the refuge is open to the public and has a foot trail available," he said.
Around 200 people attended last year's event, according to staff, but organizers are hoping for more this year.
For more information and directions call the Kern National Wildlife Refuge Complex at 661-725-2767.