What do you call a huge group of sandhill cranes? An awe-inspiring sight to behold? Yes, indeed! Technically though, a dance, construction, and swoop are all right answers too! Have you ever seen a swoop of sandhill cranes in Ohio? If not, we know where you can!
In Wayne and Holmes counties sits a nearly 5,700-acre wildlife area called Killbuck Marsh. About half of this wildlife area consists of marsh and swamp habitat that is flooded for at least part of the year making it Ohio’s largest remaining marshland outside of the Lake Erie region. Last year, a dike breach along the Killbuck Creek was repaired and a three-acre wetland was dredged to restore water flow from the “Big Spring”. These high-quality wetlands are home to many waterbird species, including nesting sandhill cranes and trumpeter swans, several species of rails, and an assortment of migratory ducks. A number of waterfowl species travel through this area during spring and fall migrations, making it a popular destination for waterfowl hunters and wildlife watchers. An important factor to note is that Big Spring does not freeze during the coldest winter months and also serves as a vital waterfowl rest area because it is located within refuge boundaries.
Many thanks to those of you who have contributed funds to protect this critical area. Those funds find their way to the Ohio Division of Wildlife through the sales of hunting and fishing licenses, permits, wildlife legacy stamps, donations, and more. Without you, we couldn’t protect wildlife like sandhill cranes.
To learn more about Killbuck Marsh Wildlife area go to wildlife.ohiodnr.gov/killbuckmarsh
Read more about sandhill cranes at ow.ly/jeuZ30q3LWv