This was my second trip to visit the County U whoopers in the Baraboo Hills. They were still a trio, with fierce competition between the male’s sister and his preferred mate. There was no nest commitment yet when I was there, but there were copulations, territorial displays, and near-misses between whoopers and vehicles as they crossed the busy roadway.

Presiding over the events was my friend Dr. George Archibald, preeminent crane scientist and co-founder of the International Crane Foundation, located just a few miles away. George typically travels most of the year, raising funds and goodwill on behalf of ICF and cranes worldwide. COVID had grounded his travels and given him the chance to return to his roots as a field ornithologist—studying these birds almost every day in a Wisconsin marsh just minutes from his home.