From The Associated Press
WOODWARD — More than 40 whooping cranes have been spotted on or around the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge during the past week.
The rare birds are making their annual fall migration, with many coming through Oklahoma. Refuge manager Greg Birkenfeld says there are only about 250 whooping cranes in the world.
Whooping cranes are white all over, with a red crown and facial skin. They often make their fall migration along with thousands of sandhill cranes.
Becky Wolff, the outdoor recreation planner at the refuge, says 44 whooping cranes have been seen on the refuge or in nearby areas. She says refuge officials want people to report sightings of the birds so that wildlife experts can monitor their migration.
