Haying operations on public lands are now restricted until after colts have fledged. Annual crane production is relatively low due to the many factors that plague the nests and colts. This low nest success and colt survival is countered by the relatively long life span of adult cranes, which may approach 20 years. The documented annual production in the Washington population has ranged from zero to five colts. Fledging usually occurs by August 1 in the Glenwood Valley.
Annual production is determined by the number of colts known to reach flight stage.
Production data is summarized in Table 1. The data sought from this endeavor includes winter survival and site fidelity of juveniles, longevity of adults, mate and nest site fidelity, limits of foraging territory and age at first breeding. Banding has focused on colts since they have proved the easiest to capture. Colts are targeted for capture and banding at approximately six weeks of age, just prior to fledging. The opposite leg is banded with two unique color combinations for individual identification.