Through the Maryland Bird Conservation Partnership, Maryland is participating in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service annual Fall Sandhill Crane Survey. We are seeking the assistance of volunteers to help monitor the expansion of Sandhill Cranes from the Eastern Population into Maryland. The 2021 survey period is October 25 to November 4. Read the message below from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for information on how to participate.

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Year after year, this survey provides the Fish and Wildlife Service with the best estimate of size and trend of the Eastern Population of Sandhill Cranes, and I hope I can count on all of you to continue assisting with this fun and important survey again in 2021. 

Survey data sheet - (PDF)

Information and Identification sheet (PDF)

2020 Sandhill Crane Report (PDF)

The Fall survey field protocol will remain the same as it has always been (see attached document or read about the protocol here: https://www.fws.gov/epsandhill/). I have attached the standard data entry sheet to use for tracking observations until you are able to upload your information into the data portal. I’ve also attached the summary report of last year’s survey results for anyone that hasn’t seen that information yet. 

 Next steps for volunteering for the 2021 Sandhill Crane Survey: 

  1. Please send an email to Rachael_Pierce@fws.gov indicating your willingness to conduct the survey this year. 

  2. Plan to survey Sandhill Crane locations from October 25 – November 3 using the same protocol as in the past (see attached data entry sheet). 

  3. Enter your data into the Sandhill Crane data portal by December 3, 2021 by visiting https://www.fws.gov/epsandhill/. Use your user id and password to log in.  

  4. If you are NEW TO THE SURVEY, please visit https://www.fws.gov/epsandhill/ and click “register” on the main page to create a new account PRIOR TO conducting the survey. Once you register, you will receive a welcome email that will describe the next steps for accessing the web portal. Once you are registered, select a Sandhill Crane location to survey based on crane density in your area of interest. Feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss potential areas for consideration. 

If you have any questions or difficulties related to the data entry portal (e.g. a misplaced password), please don’t hesitate to contact me so that we can troubleshoot any issues together. If you prefer to have your name removed from my list of volunteers, please let me know that as well. Thank you in advance for your continued participation in this survey effort. We couldn’t do this without your help. Stay safe and, as always, HAPPY BIRDING!!

Sincerely,
Rachael

Rachael Pierce
Migratory Bird Biologist
DOI Region 3
2651 Coolidge Rd, Suite 101
East Lansing, MI 48823
Office:  (517) 351-5219
Rachael_Pierce@fws.gov

We appreciate your help with this important survey!