A rescue group called ‘Chicago Bird Collision’ did come out to the wetland containing the injured sandhill crane I photographed in early December. Unfortunately, I had not seen the cranes for three or four days prior to their arrival. We did an extensive search of the area but did not spot either the injured male bird or its mate.
According to local photographer Justine Neslund, who was on the scene of the rescue, the crane’s broken wing was an old injury, as confirmed by Flint Creek owner Dawn Keller.
Subsequently, as a result of the previous article, I had received numerous offers of assistance with the rescue. One individual contacted me by phone to let me know that an injured crane was spotted in the pond next to the school complex at Reed and Haligus Roads in Huntley. I drove to the location, but did not see the crane. During a conversation with Joel Bosman at the site he said he had seen the injured bird but had not seen it recently. He did say he would contact me if it reappeared. Joel has been District 158 Campus Supervisor for the past 10 years.
Last Thursday, I got a text message from Joel letting me know that the crane had returned to the pond and was occupying a small area of open water with quite a few Canadian geese. After I contacted a few of the previous rescue organizations, I took a ride to the site and the injured crane was still there. While I sitting in my car waiting for one of the organizations to call back another female photographer named Justine Neslund arrived and started taking pictures of the crane. She also contacted the organizations I had and it appeared to be a waiting game. Soon after I had to leave for a medical appointment.
As it turned out, during her wait, a friend of hers and fellow photographer named Sylvia Prehm joined her. Eventually they contacted a rescue called ‘Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation,’ and a lady named Dawn Owner made the actual rescue.
Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation is a non-profit and survives solely by dona – tions – if you would like to donate please visit their website: www.flintcreekwildlife. org. Flint Creek also accepts donations through Amazon.
