WIldlife refuge closes areas temporarily for cranes

OTHELLO — The Columbia National Wildlife Refuge has implemented two temporary closures to all public access for a species of migratory bird, sandhill cranes.

The temporary closures are the Corfu Unit south of Highway 26 and the Marsh Unit I area south of Potholes Reservoir. Feeding flocks of sandhill cranes should remain visible from the public roads Corfu Road and Road C Southeast. The reduced disturbance allows the cranes a refuge to feed and rest.

During the spring, sandhill cranes spend about two months in the Othello area, arriving as early as mid-February and staying through the end of April. Their fall migration through the area starts as they begin arriving around Sept. 10. A majority of the cranes leave by mid-October.

Up to 20,000 cranes have been estimated to be in the area at one time during their migration.

They roost in flocks of several thousands and mostly feed in corn fields, which are usually harvested after the cranes pass through in the fall.

For more information, contact the refuge at 509-488-2668 or go by the office at 735 E. Main St.

— Staff report