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Sandhill Cranes and Avian Flu

  • Chris Fairfield
  • Mar 25
  • 5 min read

       



Each spring and fall, many of us in Indiana are excited to hear the tell-tale “rattling bugle calls” in the skies.  One might even exclaim the Antigone canadensis are back!   The sandhill crane’s distinctive call can be heard up to 2.5 miles away.  Then landing in their destination marsh, the community bonding dances are something to behold.  Greek myth described the crane ballets as a “love of joy and a celebration of life.”


In migration resting grounds, loud choruses of crane sedges happen as cranes assemble into large constructions along the primary Indiana migration route, mostly in Jackson, Jasper, Starke, Newton, LaPorte counties.  The cranes largely navigate through Jasper Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Area.  The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) count and publicly report the number of cranes each season as they fly in to rest in these shallow waters and connecting fields.  The public is also invited to the blind and viewing deck to enjoy the spectacle.



It is thought that cranes are among the oldest bird species on Earth.  Fossil records record their existence for at least 2.5 million years. Aldo Leopold described cranes as “the trumpet in the orchestra of evolution.  He showed great concern for the crane habitat lost.  Thankfully, due in part to the 1916 Migratory Bird Treaty Act, crane populations have rebounded since the time of his “Marshland Elegy.”  The Nature Conservancy estimates about 900,000 to 1,000,000 cranes in North America today. Currently, they sustain three primary North and South migration routes in the United States.  One is along the Pacific coastline, one in the central states through Nebraska, and finally our Indiana eastern route. 


The last three years have presented a real life challenge to sandhill cranes.  Along two of the three primary migratory routes many cranes have been afflicted with the dreaded Avian flu.  The American record decline in their health is due to an avian flu called “Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI, with differing strains).  Cranes are susceptible to HPAI because of their communal gathering and the infected wetlands through which the rest and roost during migration.  The virus is thought to be long lived in these shallow waters, even when the water freezes.  When a crane is attacked by the virus, he/she may exhibit one or more of the following symptoms:  a swelling of the head, eyelids or neck, blue or purple discoloration of legs, a lowered head, twisted neck, coordination issues, low energy, respiratory issues, inability to fly, and even sudden death. 


At this time, the central state migration through Nebraska seems to be least affected by this virus.  The eastern and western crane migrations, however, seem to have been adversely affected.  In 2024, IDNR reported waterfowl being afflicted with avian flu.  In the 2024/2025 northern migration, IDNR reported over 3,000 sandhill crane deaths.  In 2025, The Salem Post reported the virus in every Oregon county, but with few deaths tallied.  Washington State reported a few crane deaths and one human contact death.  Indiana has reported more significant loss of life in recent years. 



Dr. Diana Boon of the International Crane Foundation expressed an additional concern for the whooping crane whose population is only about 834 globally, including those held in captivity.  


One theory on the virus spread, according to Anne Lacy of the International Crane Foundation (ICF), is that the eastern crane migrations come in contact with the virus through their interaction with migrating geese and their feces in the wetland waters.  It is postulated that the flu is being carried from southern wintering areas to Tennessee and then Indiana where most of the birds have perished.  Unfortunately, there is currently no vaccination for the cranes.  The USDA is promoting the development of a new vaccine similar to the one for the California Condor.


There is hope on the horizon.  In a conversation with Anne Lacey of ICF, she indicated that in the 2025/2026 Indiana migration there seem to be no reports of death as of yet.   And a recent ICF fecal testing in Nebraska showed no trace of the virus on this year’s northbound migration route.   On going research will continue to reveal their health into the future.

So, what can we do to help these ailing birds?  Enjoy them from a respectful distance.  Volunteer to become a citizen scientist.  Donate time and/or money to the various nonprofits protecting birds.   If you see a sick or deceased crane, experts say not to handle it without proper instruction, gear, and supplies.  First, report the bird to the IDNR website. To report go to the IDNR site; scroll down to the “Report a Sick or Dead Animal” button in green.  The form will ask for your contact information.  The DNR reporting site is:


Property owners can pay a wildlife or waterfowl control operator to remove a dead bird.  A list of operators in your area can be found at:


If you choose to dispose of a deceased bird on your own, experts say to wear a mask, safety glasses, protective clothing, and disposable gloves (PPE).  Double bag the carcass and place in a secure trash bin that can be taken out on your trash day.  Then, wash your hands with soap.  Wash and disinfect footwear, clothing, and equipment with rubbing alcohol or 10% bleach solution. 


Let’s work together to keep our wetlands, cranes and other waterfowl healthy and plentiful.  “On motionless wing they emerge from the lifting mists, sweep a final arc of sky, and settle in clangorous descending spirals to their feeding grounds.  A new day has begun on the crane marsh.”  Aldo Leopold


Resources:

Aldo Leopold Foundation:  What do you Call a Group of 10,000 Cranes:  https://www.aldoleopold.org/blogs/what-do-you-call-a-group-of-10-000-cranes

Center for Humans and Nature:  The Historical Sense of Being in the Writing of Aldo Leopold: https://humansandnature.org/the-historical-sense-of-being-in-the-writings-of-aldo-leopold/



Cornell Lab All about Birds:  Sandhill crane Sounds:  https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Sandhill_Crane/sounds


Crane Trust:  Week 5 of 2025 spring crane migration: https://www.cranetrust.org/week-5-of-2025-spring-crane-migration/


International Crane Foundation:  Avian Influenza Update:  Please Exercise Caution when Removing any Deceased Wildlife:  https://savingcranes.org/news/resources/avian-influenza-update-please-exercise-caution-removing-deceased-wildlife/


International Crane Foundation:  Telephone conversation with Anne Lacey. 






Smithsonian Magazine:  More than 1,500 Sandhill cranes killed by bird flue in Indiana, raising concerns among Biologists: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/more-than-1500-sandhill-cranes-killed-by-bird-flu-in-indiana-raising-concerns-among-biologists-180986151/






 

 

 

 
 
 

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