Kip’s Comments - April 8, 2026

A Very Special “Life” Bird

Over the years of carrying a camera while chasing birds I have observed and documented more than 250-species. A handful of those species on my list might be considered uncommon. Before today I don’t remember any species being on the threatened or endangered list and certainly none were on the brink of extinction. Those details changed this morning.

For the past number of days folks have been reporting seeing a lone whooping crane in Central Iowa. Birders and outdoor enthusiasts shared the information with me in the event I was able to look for the bird. Today I took a chance that I too might be one of the lucky individuals to see this rare bird.

I drove the distance to search for the bird and my efforts were quickly rewarded. In a matter of minutes I located the bird and did my best to photograph it. Please understand, the whooping crane was on the far side of a corn stubble field. Using my long lens I was able to create a couple/few images acceptable enough to share.

Whooping Crane - Image 1084642

What makes the presence of this bird special is that the whooping crane population reached an all-time low of 15 birds in 1941. According to the International Crane Foundation, there are currently 834-whooping cranes alive in the world. Of those, 131 birds are in human care.

Whooping Crane - Image 1084630

To have seen the whooping crane was a special experience. I will admit, as I watched the bird it was a challenge to recognize how unique that single bird was. I am thankful to have seen it.

By the way, this bird has a tracking device on its leg.

Whooping Crane - Image 1084457

Thank you to those folks who notified me of the bird!