Researchers trace activity of rare whooping cranes Whooping
cranes introduced to the wild in southwestern Louisiana are the
focus of intense research aimed at finding out where they go,
what they eat and what else they do with their time. Whoopers
are among the world's largest and rarest birds. Just over 500
exist. Twenty-six have been released at White Lake near Gueydan,
and 14 are still alive. Another 14 are expected Nov. 28. John
French Jr. of the U.S. Geological Survey in Maryland says it's
the most detailed study ever on how captive-bred whooping cranes
live in the wild. He and three other researchers keep tabs on
the birds' whereabouts by electronic transmitters, and go out
regularly to watch them. Other flocks in the wild include one
that migrates between Texas and Canada, and another that travels
between Wisconsin and Florida. Copyright 2012 by The Associated
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