Submitted Photo Karen LoneFight took this photo of whooping cranes in the White Shield area this week. One of the cranes has a band and transponder on one of its legs.

WHITE SHIELD — Whooping cranes were spotted in the White Shield area this week.

“It’s not rare for them to be sighted in North Dakota as we are in the primary corridor for the spring and fall migration, but due to their status as endangered species we do appreciate any reports we get,” said Doug Leier, outreach biologist with the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.

Leier said reports can be made to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service offices at Lostwood at 848-2466; Audubon at 442-5474 and the North Dakota Game and Fish Department in Bismarck at 328-6300; or to local game wardens across the state.

“Reports help biologists locate important whooping crane habitat areas, monitor marked birds, determine survival and population numbers, and identify times and migration routes,” Leier said.