Have you ever spent a summer or autumn afternoon watching the mighty Whooping Crane? I recall one summer, after my left arm and hand was swollen up to make me look like the mighty Popeye
I fished for trout with my right arm, all the while watching a mighty Whooping Crane land nearby,
totally forgetting about being bitten by a wasp...

This year is an especially difficult year for the mighty bird, the whooping crane. The crane is on the endangered species list in North America.

First of all, the mighty birds fly from their nest along the Alberta-NorthWest Territories border, up in Canada, some 4000 km. down to Texas and Arkansas to remain for the winter. And this is the start of the problem for the crane. There are very dry conditions along the gulf coast in Texas. And with a lack of rain in Arkansas the mashlands are just too salty. Still the birds need food and fresh water. Usually able to get the crabs and wolf berries the crane have to rely on wildlife officers and many volunteers for a diet of roasted acorns (which they love) and fresh water. Although one crane is known to have died, hopefully the rest shall survive and be able to make the journey back to Canada in the spring.

These are the quiet  heroes, the wildlife and conservation officers and the volunteers, taking the precious time to help these mighty birds. Without help, possibly the crane would be in serious trouble. I applaud the folks in Texas and Arkansas,
helping the Whooping Crane.