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390 Hand-Rearing Birds

enclosure should be covered or enclosed to prevent avian predation, wild visitors that may bring
parasites, and premature release.

­ Preparation­for Wild­Release

By the time colts are several months old, at the end of summer, they should be introduced to each
other to form pre-release “family groups.” Once colts are this old, the urge to siblicide declines, but
individuals should be monitored closely. Aggressive individuals should be placed in visual and
auditory contact with other colts only. Some colts are sociable and others are not.

­ Release

The release site should be well-researched to assure it is safe in terms of toxin use in the area, and
without free roaming dogs or other dangers. Most crane species are migratory and migrate in
flocks. During the winter months, even nonmigratory cranes gather in groups (Ellis et al. 1996).
Young cranes must be in excellent body and feather condition and comfortable with their natu-
ral diet, hunting techniques, and other cranes before they can be released into the wild. It is benefi-
cial for young cranes to socialize with others prior to release. Captive-raised orphans that range
freely in a large, fenced, natural area with little human contact are the best prepared for transition
into the wild. Cranes can be aggressive to their own species; however, once they become juveniles,
their tolerance for each other increases. By fall migration, youngsters, if allowed to socialize with
others, will have formed a “family group.” Releasing these juveniles in their family groups, into
migratory flocks, in early fall, offers an excellent chance of survival.
Wild-reared colts may spend the first winter with their parents (Kaufman 1996). For a lone crane,
release timed early in the spring after overwintering may increase survival. A soft hack release,
where food and shelter continue to be provided after release, is the best release option for these
birds. If soft hack is not an option, release in the early spring with a migratory flock if possible. The
release area should be a natural habitat where prey is abundant, and it should not have nesting
cranes in the area. Check the nesting dates in your region to ensure a safe, unchallenged release.
Rehabilitated adult cranes must have flight exercise pre-release. This is particularly important if
the cranes are a migratory species and are released in the fall in areas other than wintering destina-
tions. Whenever possible, band birds prior to release (Figure 23.4).
Release of adults should occur in the area in which they were found, if possible. Cranes are
monogamous and may be aggressive to others in their territory. Adults can also be released into a
migratory group. Locations of staging areas for migration or migratory groups of birds can be
found by maintaining good communication with state biologists, local Audubon or birding clubs,
or even landowners in the area.

Acknowledgments

Thank you to Dr. Barry Hartup for his help and encouragement with this chapter; Arzelee Drown,
for her love of cranes, inspiration, and photos; and to the cranes themselves from whom we con-
tinue to learn. Their time with us, spent in rehabilitation, is brief but invaluable in allowing us to
better understand their species.