April 17, 2025
Episode 13
Capturing Cranes
Barry Hartup and Dave Brandt
Veterinarian Barry Hartup and wildlife biologist Dave Brandt, both recently retired, discuss capturing whooping cranes for scientific research with Mike. Barry and Dave have captured more whooping cranes than any other individuals, affixing bands and telemetry technology to track the birds’ movements.
Episode Extras
Crane Trapper & A Vet
Mike, Barry, and Dave are longtime friends. Their professions intersected because of their shared love for cranes. Barry and Dave are a dynamic duo, capturing more cranes than any other individuals in the world in the name of science. The work Barry and Dave have done has allowed biologists to better understand the threats whooping cranes face along their migration route.
Brutus
Injured from battle and once thought to be dead, Brutus’ story began in 2019 when Mike joined Barry and Dave at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge to capture whooping cranes and affix bands and telemetry technology. Mike has continued to encounter Brutus after this capture event, even seeing him on his nest in Wood Buffalo National Park.
A year had passed since Barry, Dave, and Mike captured Brutus. While out on a boat checking cameras, Brutus flew directly over the boat that Mike and Barry were on. Mike captured a photo of Brutus in flight as he passed overhead.
Crane City
Mike makes a trip to the International Crane Foundation in Baraboo, Wisconsin, to photograph veterinarian Barry Hartup leading Crane Health Day in Crane City with the captive population of whooping cranes.
Episode 12: Whooper Captains
Episode 14: Building a Better Bird