Sandhill Crane, Grus canadensis, nesting in the Yorkton wetland complex, Saskatchewan

Abstract

Surveys for Sandhill Cranes (Gras canadensis) were conducted near Yorkton, Saskatchewan during the summers of 1995, 1996 and 1997. Seven nesting territories were identified and habitat measurements were taken at six nests. All nests were located in the emergent deep marsh zone of open water marshes within residual stands of Hardstem Bulrush (Scirpus acutus). Seven eggs were measured in four nests. Estimated hatching dates ranged from 20 May to 9 June. Total productivity for the three years was 0.80 chick per breeding pair (12 offspring fledged by 15 pairs). Individual pair productivity was impacted by disturbance, mate change, adult mortality, and predation. Hunting mortality may also impact the population.