Whooping Cranes Visit Wheeler Wildlife Refuge
Approximately
9,000 sandhill cranes are calling the Wheeler Wildlife Refuge home this
winter. If you look carefully, you may be lucky enough to spot one of the
seven whooping cranes that have also migrated to this spot.
In 1950, wooping cranes were at an all-time low of 14 birds in the wild. Currently there are about 400 and only 100 are located on the East Coast. So to have seven of them here in our Tennessee Valley is a treasure for any birdwatcher!
According to officials at the refuge, two mating pairs are nesting in areas far from the eyes of visitors, however the other three can often be seen from the observation building. These beautiful birds will only be with us for a short few weeks, and will begin their migration north sometime in February.
How to Visit the Refuge
Wheeler Wildlife Refuge is located at 2700 Refuge Headquarters Road (off Alabama 67) in Decatur. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily now through February. Admission is free. The Givens Interpretive Center offers a variety of displays depicting area wildlife and habitats. A nature trail leads to the heated observation building which features floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the thousands of birds now nesting in the wetlands.
This center is a wonderful place to visit any time of the year. Enjoy a tranquil moment alone, or enjoy the beauty of nature with your family. Experiencing nature is the best way to teach a child to appreciate and protect the environment.