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Ryan Michalesko @ryanmichalesko.bsky.social · 04/06/2025

🐣 WATCH as an Endangered Whooping Crane egg hatches! I had a ton of fun putting together this timelapse for @savingcranes.bsky.social. This is chick #13-435 aka "Petrie," named after the "Land Before Time" character. After a few months of care under our team, Petrie will be released into the wild.

youtube.com

WATCH: Endangered Whooping Crane Chick Hatches

YouTube video by International Crane Foundation

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Ryan Michalesko @ryanmichalesko.bsky.social · 22/05/2025

In March, I had the great honor of showing my bird-nerd friend @rachelpoke.bsky.social the great Sandhill Crane migration for the first time, as documented in this short by @hannahthewild.bsky.social and I for @savingcranes.bsky.social. Do watch! 🪶

youtube.com

Magic of Migration

YouTube video by International Crane Foundation

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Ryan Michalesko @ryanmichalesko.bsky.social · 14/05/2025

Very thrilled to see Crane Lake wine has replaced the Great Blue Heron on their label with an actual crane. It’s the little things these days…

Bottles of red wine with labels featuring a Sandhill Cranes

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Ryan Michalesko @ryanmichalesko.bsky.social · 10/05/2025

Today I'm trying to see how many bird species I can find in my county in 24hrs as part of the WI NRF Birdathon to raise money for the Bird Protection Fund and the Madison Feminist Bird Club. Please consider pledging. Your support means a lot to me—and the birds. charity.pledgeit.org/WIBirdathon2...

charity.pledgeit.org

Support Ryan Michalesko - Great Wisconsin Birdathon 2025

Birds need our help! North America has lost over 3 billion birds since the 1970s, but we can help #BringBirdsBack. By donating to my page, you're supporting not only the Natural Resources Foundation o...

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Ryan Michalesko @ryanmichalesko.bsky.social · 22/04/2025

This #EarthDay, I am standing up for the Endangered Species Act, which is under attack. Signed to law in 1973—the same year @savingcranes.bsky.social was established—the ESA is a keystone of conservation success and credited with saving 99% of the species it protects. Submit public comments by 5/19.

savingcranes.org

Stand Up for the Endangered Species Act - International Crane Foundation

The International Crane Foundation provides critical news and resources in the world of Cranes and Conservation. Stand Up for the Endangered Species Act

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Ryan Michalesko @ryanmichalesko.bsky.social · 18/04/2025

🌝Sandhill Cranes cruise past a nearly full moon at the Platte River, a breathtaking show of nature in Nebraska’s dawn sky.

A flock of Sandhill Cranes, warmly lit by the rising sun, cruise past a nearly full moon. The sky is blue, and there are just a few clouds looming in the background below the moon.

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Ryan Michalesko @ryanmichalesko.bsky.social · 11/04/2025

One of the most captivating and emblematic behaviors of cranes is their dancing. It's a way to establish social relationships, find a mate, and strengthen pair bonds. On the Platte River, these Sandhill Cranes were likely strengthening their bond in preparation to fly north to the breeding grounds.

A pair of Sandhill Cranes, warmly lit by the rising sun, stand facing each other with their wings outstretched and heads up in a dancing display.

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Ryan Michalesko @ryanmichalesko.bsky.social · 07/04/2025

There are so many cranes on the Platte that it can be a fight for space—as one flock takes flight, another fills in their spot. On our last morning on the river, researchers conducting aerial surveys estimated an all-time record of 736,000 Sandhill Cranes on the 80-mile stretch of the Platte River.

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Ryan Michalesko @ryanmichalesko.bsky.social · 02/04/2025

When cranes all at once take skyward, you can feel it in your bones. The sounds of their bugles fill the air as much as their numbers darken the sky. Not long after settling into our blind, before the sun’s rays would strike the Platte River, we were immersed in this fantastic flight of cranes.

Tens of thousands of Sandhill Cranes take flight at once early in the morning while thousands more stand below. The sky is a deep blue without the sun having yet risen.

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Ryan Michalesko @ryanmichalesko.bsky.social · 31/03/2025

I am buzzing with excitement just back from another trip to see this spectacle! There is something profound about the great Sandhill Crane migration at the Platte River. Each morning is like tuning in live to nature’s crescendo—soft purrs in low light transform into a booming, prehistoric orchestra.

Eight Sandhill Cranes take flight at first light after roosting overnight on the Platte River in Nebraska. A nearly full moon backs the birds, as the sky just begins to take on a pink hue.

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Ryan Michalesko @ryanmichalesko.bsky.social · 14/03/2025

The GREAT migration. It was a glorious first evening on our trip to the Platte River, Nebraska, to document the great Sandhill Crane migration. There’s nothing like experiencing this much life right in front of you—it’s truly a natural marvel. @savingcranes.bsky.social #sandhillcranes #platteriver

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Ryan Michalesko @ryanmichalesko.bsky.social · 28/02/2025

"Dr. Diana Boon, of @savingcranes.bsky.social, said the Sandhill Crane deaths due to #birdflu also highlight a greater concern: the risk to endangered Whooping Cranes. While there are an estimated 827,000 Sandhill Cranes, there are as few as 834 Whooping Cranes globally." — @usatoday.com

usatoday.com

Fearing spread, volunteers clean up 1,500 Sandhill cranes killed by bird flu

Expert worry Sandhill cranes and other waterfowl will spread avian influenza to endangered whooping cranes.

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Ryan Michalesko @ryanmichalesko.bsky.social · 18/02/2025

These cuts are detrimental to society and the environment, and the repercussions will be devastating for generations to come. It may seem small, but that’s their goal—to hide the quick destruction of these vital programs amongst the chaos.

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Ryan Michalesko @ryanmichalesko.bsky.social · 18/02/2025

Wisconsin groups pivot to protect wild birds from bird flu — “Most of them die,” said veterinarian Diana Boon, director of conservation medicine at the International Crane Foundation in Baraboo. “And there’s really no cure or treatment for this disease except for supportive care.”

wpr.org

Wisconsin groups pivot to protect wild birds from bird flu

The recent uptick in avian flu is not only affecting industrial chickens, eggs and cattle. It’s also harming wild birds.

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Ryan Michalesko @ryanmichalesko.bsky.social · 17/02/2025

#BirdFlu: Wondering if you can still use your bird feeders? What should you do if you find a dead bird? Check out @savingcranes.bsky.social avian influenza resource page for more frequently asked questions and our recent expert webinar on HPAI.

bit.ly

Avian Influenza Updates & Resources - International Crane Foundation

The International Crane Foundation provides critical news and resources in the world of Cranes and Conservation. Avian Influenza Updates & Resources

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Reposted by Ryan Michalesko

ReadingThePictures @readingthepictures.bsky.social · 16/02/2025

When a mission has been so successful that generations of people hardly realize it. These pictures don’t lie. Save the #EPA.

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Ryan Michalesko @ryanmichalesko.bsky.social · 15/02/2025

With death knocking on the EPA’s door, I’m reminded of this collection. In its early days, the agency enlisted photographers to document the state of the country’s environmental problems. “Back then, New York City’s air pollution was so thick that you often couldn’t see the city’s iconic bridges.”

popsci.com

This is what America looked like before the EPA cleaned it up

A snapshot from America before the impact of the EPA and the effects of rules regulating clean water and air were felt.

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Ryan Michalesko @ryanmichalesko.bsky.social · 13/02/2025

Woah! Look at those beautiful birds dance 🕺🏻🪩💃

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Reposted by Ryan Michalesko

Molly Bangles @mollybangles.bsky.social · 09/02/2025

Obsessed with this graphic from a four+ decades old paper about Long-eared Owls 🦉 (they really looked at a Saw-whet and said “🥔” 😭)

A black-and-white drawing of the silhouettes of 4 species of owls for size comparison in inches. From left to right: Saw-whet, Screech, Long-eared, and Great Horned Owl. The silhouette of the Saw-whet could very well be a potato.

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Reposted by Ryan Michalesko

International Crane Foundation @savingcranes.bsky.social · 06/02/2025

"The International Crane Foundation applauds this initiative of the Governor’s office to support farmers experiencing crop damage. This budget proposal is an excellent step towards making this effective seed treatment more accessible.” ~ Dr. Rich Beilfuss, President & CEO #sandhillcrane 🌎 🪶

bit.ly

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers proposes $3.75 million in funding for Wisconsin’s farmers to prevent crop damage by cranes - International Crane Foundation

The International Crane Foundation provides critical news and resources in the world of Cranes and Conservation. Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers proposes $3.75 million in funding for Wisconsin’s farmers...

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Ryan Michalesko @ryanmichalesko.bsky.social · 31/01/2025

Who gets tired of cranes wading in their local marsh?! With a #Jeopardy! clue like that, it’s clear host @kenjennings.bsky.social isn’t a member of the International Crane Foundation (but totally should be, just like you! 👀) savingcranes.org/membership | @savingcranes.bsky.social

[A Jeopardy! clue in white serif text on a bright blue background reading: "Tired of all those large, tall birds wading in your local marsh? Invest in this large, tall machine for lifting them out"]

The International Crane Foundation works worldwide to conserve cranes and the ecosystems, watersheds, and flyways on which they depend. We provide knowledge, leadership, and inspiration to engage people in resolving threats to cranes and their diverse landscapes.

www.savingcranes.org

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Reposted by Ryan Michalesko

The Institute for Bird Populations @instbirdpop.bsky.social · 27/01/2025

Sorry we forgot #BitOBird As compensation have this video demonstrating AI failing at bird ID. This bird was identified as a Red-headed Woodpecker. Sorry Bird Buddy! You're still a lot of fun! 🪶

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Ryan Michalesko @ryanmichalesko.bsky.social · 15/01/2025

A mere handful of hunt proponents are holding back funding for #Wisconsin farmers, all to push a widely unpopular crane season. "Not every state hunts every species, and Wisconsin does not need, and surveys show that a majority of citizens do not want, a hunting season on sandhill cranes."

jsonline.com

Don't stuff sandhill crane hunt down throat of Wisconsin. It will only divide us | Opinion

When the new legislature meets it should take recommendations of the Legislative Council’s Study Committee on sandhill cranes with a grain of salt.

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Ryan Michalesko @ryanmichalesko.bsky.social · 14/01/2025

In 2023 at least 960 #birds died in one day due to window collisions at McCormick Place in #Chicago. After applying bird-friendly window treatments, there were just 18 deaths all last fall. Further proof these simple changes work, and work well! It's time communities start making this a requirement.

chicagotribune.com

Bird deaths plummet at McCormick Place Lakeside Center after safety film installed

Crash fatalities down more than 90% this fall with 18 deaths compared to 1,280 deaths in the fall of 2023, Field Museum expert says.

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Ryan Michalesko @ryanmichalesko.bsky.social · 18/12/2024

A very important paper on #WhoopingCranes from a big team of researchers, including ours at the International Crane Foundation. Analysis of 150 years of genomic data reveals the species has lost 70% of its genetic diversity. The authors recommend maintaining Endangered on the IUCN Red List.

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Ryan Michalesko @ryanmichalesko.bsky.social · 18/12/2024

A gorgeously photographed #bird story by @erikajschultz.bsky.social—really captures the experience of waterfowl migration in the PNW

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Ryan Michalesko @ryanmichalesko.bsky.social · 28/11/2024

Using this short holiday break to sort through a backlog of photos—has me feeling thankful for a year of amazing views. Here's a frame from sunset at Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park earlier this fall. . . . #Acadia #NationalPark #Maine #CadillacMountain

A silhouetted person walks along a rocky outcropping atop Cadillac Mountain in Maine’s Acadia National Park. Several lakes can be seen in the distance. A warm glow is cast upon the landscape as a layer of fog just begins to diffuse the setting sun.

©2024 Ryan Michalesko. All rights reserved.

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Ryan Michalesko @ryanmichalesko.bsky.social · 21/11/2024

First snow for many of us here in #Wisconsin! Thinking these cranes must've missed their flight to Florida.

A group of Sandhill Cranes (tall grey, sometimes with rusty coloration, birds) walk through a cut corn field as the first snow of the year falls over Baraboo, Wisconsin, near the International Crane Foundation.

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Ryan Michalesko @ryanmichalesko.bsky.social · 17/11/2024

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about this great #migration at the Platte River, Nebraska, where hundreds of thousands of Sandhill Cranes stage on their journey north. Traveling from the American Southwest, some ultimately reach as far as Siberia.

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