In Search of Whoopers

Majestic Whooping Cranes, the rarest breeding bird in North America and the recipients of intense conservation efforts for decades, have arrived from their nesting grounds in Wood Buffalo Park to feed and rest before continuing on to their wintering grounds in Aransas National Wildlife Refuge in Texas. The area around Saskatoon is one of the most reliable areas on the continent to see “Whoopers,” North America’s tallest bird.

This is also the perfect time to observe one of the world’s best birding spectaculars: the fall waterfowl and shorebird migration. At this time of year, the prairie skies fill with snow-white Tundra Swans with two-metre wingspans and flocks of half-a-million Greater White-fronted, Snow, Canada, Cackling, and Ross’s Geese on their way south from Arctic nesting grounds. There are also many shorebird species and large rafts of ducks resting on prairie lakes and ponds. The sonorous calls from the huge flocks of Sandhill Cranes always attract our attention as they fly overhead to their nearby feeding grounds. There is also a variety of other prairie denizens — both feathered and furred — in addition to an alluring landscape. In fact, many Quest travellers have expressed surprise at how varied Saskatchewan actually is!

This is a very special small-group adventure, ideal for keen backcountry explorers. We keep abreast of the most up-to-date sightings and to determine our itinerary as “Whooper” locations are revealed. In 2024, we had the thrill of seeing 97 Whooping Cranes in one day! This is a fantastic number for an endangered species.