{"id":2191069,"date":"2026-05-11T08:57:29","date_gmt":"2026-05-11T07:57:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/focusingonwildlife.com\/news\/?p=2191069"},"modified":"2026-05-11T08:57:29","modified_gmt":"2026-05-11T07:57:29","slug":"becoming-a-whooping-crane-addict-the-seductive-alluring-call-of-the-cranes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/focusingonwildlife.com\/news\/becoming-a-whooping-crane-addict-the-seductive-alluring-call-of-the-cranes\/","title":{"rendered":"Becoming a Whooping Crane Addict The Seductive, Alluring Call of the Cranes"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Whooping
Whooping Crane flyover – Photo by John Sullivan\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It\u2019s now May and it is too, too quiet without the daily calls of the Whooping Cranes.<\/b><\/p>\n

Lamar resident and property owner John Sullivan says that it is just too quiet without them visiting his yard – a daily ritual he has grown to cherish since purchasing the property years ago. He reported the Whooping Crane\u2019s last visit to his property this year was on March 26<\/span>th.<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Whooping
Whooping Cranes by John Sullivan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

John Sullivan is proud to share that he is addicted to the Whooping Cranes, with countless pictures taken and numerous hours spent watching them as a testament to the addiction.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is \u201cAddiction\u201d?<\/b> Addiction describes a physical or psychological dependency or a compulsion to engage in a specific behavior, making it hard to stop. Addiction also refers to having an unusually strong, habitual interest in something.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPositive addiction\u201d<\/b>, the term was advanced by William Glasser\u2019s book \u201cPositive Addiction.\u201d In his book, Glasser claims that positive addiction \u201cstrengthens us and make our lives more satisfying.\u201d<\/span>(Article: Are there positive addictions? <\/span>www.psychologytoday.com<\/span><\/a>)<\/span><\/p>\n

Bird Watching can be addictive\u2026<\/b><\/p>\n

A 2022 survey by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, reports that an estimated 96 million U.S. birders spent approximately 107.6 billion on their activities. <\/span>Find out more here:<\/span> https:\/\/www.fws.gov\/story\/2024-12\/birdwatching-america<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

The call of the Whooping Cranes,<\/b><\/p>\n

Once you hear them calling to each other – you will be hooked. It\u2019s a seductive, alluring, hypnotic song that floats through the air, and you just can\u2019t get it out of your head!\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It is said you can hear their calls up to 2-3 miles away. The vocalization of the Whooping Crane is described as a clear, loud, bugling \u201cbKAAAH.\u201d (Sibley 2000).\u00a0<\/span> \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span> \u00a0 <\/span>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

\"Whooping
Whooping Crane strut by John Sullivan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Whooping
Whooping Crane Conversation by John Sullivan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

About the Whooping Crane\u2026\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/b><\/p>\n

According to All About Birds, \u201c<\/span>The Whooping Crane is the tallest bird in North America and one of the most awe-inspiring, with its snowy white plumage, crimson cap, bugling call, and graceful courtship dance. It’s also among our rarest birds and a testament to the tenacity and creativity of conservation biologists.\u201d<\/span> Find out more here: <\/span>https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/guide\/Whooping_Crane\/overview<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Whooping Cranes live in the wild across two flyways with two non-migratory populations that live in coastal Louisiana and central Florida.\u00a0<\/span>The only self-sustaining population of Whooping Cranes is the naturally occurring flock that breeds in Canada and winters in Texas according to the International Crane Foundation(ICF), a nonprofit organization that is committed to their conservation<\/span>.<\/span> https:\/\/savingcranes.org\/news\/resources\/where-are-the-whoopers\/<\/span><\/p>\n

The\u00a0<\/span>latest survey results<\/span><\/a>\u00a0from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, indicated a record estimate of 557 whooping cranes wintering on and around Aransas National Wildlife Refuge for the 2024-2025 season.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Aransas National Wildlife Refuge is best known as the wintering home of the last wild flock of endangered whooping cranes. Visitors can enjoy stunning scenery, a diversity of wildlife, and a variety of recreational opportunities according to their website.<\/span> Find out more here: <\/span>https:\/\/www.fws.gov\/refuge\/aransas<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Where to find the Whooping Cranes \u2013 the Lamar Pasture.<\/b><\/p>\n

One property the cranes frequent is a pasture between 8<\/span>th<\/span> and 12th streets across from the Big Tree and the Goose Island Flats Vacation Rentals that offer a great view of the cranes.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"A
A swoop of Whooping Cranes in the Lamar Pasture pond – photo by Diane Crookham-Johnson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Lamar Pasture \u2026<\/b><\/p>\n

In the pasture is a pond where the Whooping Cranes and Sandhill Cranes gather. The birds can be seen chasing each other or dancing among the grazing cattle and sharing a drink of water with other native birds like Roseate Spoonbills, Ibis, Egrets, Great Blue Herons and Whistling Ducks, to name a few. Drought has impacted the level of the water in the pond.<\/span><\/p>\n

Curiously, the Whooping Cranes and Sandhill Cranes have discovered that many Lamar homeowners have deer feeders that throw dried corn. Like clockwork the birds fly from house to house, much like children trick-or-treating, their calls can be heard-almost like a shout, give us something good to eat! Rather smart perhaps, I mean, why pass up a treat!<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Crane
Crane House Property – Photo by Alesia Garlock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

My addiction to the Whooping Cranes began years ago…<\/b><\/p>\n

I first started watching the Whooping Cranes while living in Rockport, Texas – over thirty years ago before moving to San Antonio to be closer to family.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Living in Rockport\u2019s coastal Birding community, you can see an abundance of birds as you travel the roads that offer scenic views of the ocean, a Blue Wave Beach, fishing and so much more! Learn more here: <\/span>https:\/\/www.rockport-fulton.org\/birding\/<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Whooping
Whooping Cranes at John Sullivan\u2019s pond<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

My return – making the rounds, literally!<\/b><\/p>\n

February 2026 was my first return to Lamar in a number of years. I drove down Main Street,\u00a0 passed a familiar landmark-Pop\u2019s Place, heading towards a birdwatcher\u2019s Paradise. A dopamine rush came over me and I wanted to drive faster, but\u2026I plead the fifth!<\/span><\/p>\n

I drove eagerly around about a\u00a0 2-mile loop of roads that include 4<\/span>th <\/span>St, 8<\/span>th<\/span> St, and 12<\/span>th<\/span> St to Palmetto and Lamar Beach Road. I passed the Big Tree and a couple peddling city bikes down Palmetto for the third or fourth time. I waved at them, again-grinning like a \u201cCheshire Cat\u201d, and a thought came to mind. I was either crazy or addicted to the Whooping Cranes.<\/span><\/p>\n

The good thing is that I am not alone in the addiction!<\/b>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/b><\/b><\/p>\n

\"A
A group of \u201cBird watchers\u201d line up on Lamar Beach Road to photograph Whooping Cranes in the bay<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Come quick they said and the dopamine surged!<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A phone call from a friend lured me to the shoreline of Saint Charles Bay where cars parked haphazardly and a group of \u201cBird Watchers\u201d stood on a narrow patch of grass, cameras and binoculars in hand ready to capture pictures or a view of a pair of Whooping Cranes feeding in the water.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Unfortunately, I was only able to take two pictures before the birds flew off-ugh!\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

I continued around the bend in the road, where I met Barbara Beversdorf in the parking lot of the Big Tree at the start of\u00a0 the \u201cGolden Hour.\u201d The trees illuminated in the glow of that familiar warm, soft light many have come to appreciate. We parked and stood cameras in hand as we waited for the cranes to fly over on their nightly return to the Aransas Wildlife refuge. It was by the Big Tree right before sunset that I met Sara Zimorski and Lea Noble.\u00a0<\/span> \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

\"The
The Big Tree at Goose Island State<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Whooping
Whooping Crane by Lea Noble<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Big Tree\u2026<\/b><\/p>\n

The Big Tree at Goose Island State Park-a popular tourist spot, is one of the largest live oak trees in Texas and in the nation.<\/span> Learn more here: <\/span>https:\/\/tpwd.texas.gov\/state-parks\/goose-island\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The area around the Big Tree, according to legend and word of mouth, served as a ceremonial place for Indigenous people for thousands of years. I wonder if perhaps the cranes gather nearby because of their internal compass or if they see it as a familiar landmark.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Whooping
Whooping Crane Parade – Photo by John Sullivan-Lamar, TX<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Meet some of the Whooping Crane Addicts\u2026<\/b><\/p>\n

Bird Watcher and photographer Barbara Beversdorf,<\/b><\/p>\n

I met Barbara Beversdorf over a decade ago at Landa Park in New Braunfels, Texas, while photographing migratory waterfowl. Landa Park is fed by the Comal Springs, which are the largest natural freshwater springs in Texas and the American Southwest.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Barbara and I began our Whooping Crane journey together when an opportunity to visit the now closed Crane House B&B in Lamar presented itself. We jumped at the chance to watch and photograph the endangered birds. Barbara and I\u00a0 would spend the next several Christmas holidays photographing the Whooping Cranes at the Crane House.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

During our February visit, after driving around Lamar in search of a photo opportunity and reminiscing about our bird watching adventures, Barbara shared her thoughts with me. <\/span>\u201cThere is a special kind of joy in watching and photographing Whooping Cranes. It\u2019s not just their beauty that stops you; it\u2019s the knowledge of how close we came to losing them forever.”<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

\u201cEvery call and every movement captured in a picture or video is a reminder of what can be saved when people choose to care. Standing there, in those moments, I can\u2019t help but feel grateful to share the space with something so rare.\u201d Barbara Beversdorf<\/span><\/i> .\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/span> \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Whooping
Whooping Cranes at sunrise – Barbara Beversdorf Whooping Crane family – Photo by Barbara Beversdorf<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Whooping
Whooping Crane family – Photo by Barbara<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As we waited in the parking lot of the Big Tree, Sara Zimorski walked past me toward an army green truck with a circular Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Emblem on the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

Me being me, I had to say hello, along with – I guess you are here for the Whooping Crane festival?! Silly question, I\u2019m sure! (<\/span>https:\/\/www.portaransas.org\/whooping-crane-festival\/the-2026-festival\/<\/span>)<\/span><\/p>\n

Sara Zimorski,\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

Sara<\/span>, <\/b>traveling all the way from Louisiana, is a Wildlife Biologist with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) who works with Whooping Cranes.<\/span><\/p>\n

According to their website, \u201cThe Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries(LDWF),\u00a0 in partnership with Audubon Nature Institute and others, has been reintroducing endangered whooping cranes to Southwest Louisiana since 2011 to establish a self-sustaining, non-migratory population. Located at White Lake Wetlands Conservation Area, the project has released over 100 birds, with around 80 residing in Louisiana\u2019s marshlands and working wetland agricultural properties as of 2025.\u201d\u00a0 <\/span>Instagram@lawhoopingcranes<\/span>. <\/span>Follow them here: <\/span>https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/lawoopingcranes\/<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

\"Whooping
Whooping Cranes by Lea Noble<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After a few minutes, photographer Lea Noble drove up and parked next to us. We introduced ourselves, and excitedly began to discuss a plan of action, where to stand, any lighting concerns to try and capture a decent photograph of the cranes as they fly by. Of course, all we would need is for them to fly near where we were parked – fingers crossed!<\/span><\/p>\n

Photographer Lea Noble\u2026<\/b><\/p>\n

Lea shared with us that she is a\u00a0 Wildlife Photographer traveling to Texas from Arizona to see the Whooping Cranes. When Lea pulled out her camera, I think I drooled. How in the world can she hold that big camera with that BIG lens that would make anyone jealous!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I learned that Lea\u2019s photography has appeared in photographic journals, wildlife education magazines, and lifestyle publications. <\/span>See her photography here: <\/span>https:\/\/www.leanoble.com<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Professional wildlife photographer Lea Noble shares her thoughts,\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe Whooping crane is one of the most elegant and graceful birds I\u2019ve ever seen. They dance, defend their young with great fierceness, and travel thousands of miles for love.\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

\u201cTheir past\u2026when they were nearly lost \u2013 reminds us that what happened to them could happen to any species. They are a powerful lesson in why we must protect wildlife.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

\"Photo
Photo by John Sullivan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

John Sullivan\u2019s addiction to Whooping Cranes<\/b>\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

It was in February when I was introduced to John Sullivan. John has property the Whooping Cranes visit while they spend the winter in Texas, and he has no shame in sharing what he calls his \u201caddiction\u201d to the cranes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/b>\u201cI am addicted to the cranes and can\u2019t get enough of them! They bring me joy and I consider the Whooping Cranes to be one of the best forms of medicine for the soul.\u201d\u00a0 John Sullivan<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n