10,000 Birds

JUNE 14, 2011

I have never been one to advocate the needless killing of animals for whatever purpose. Consider the following quote, &# Falconry involves the use of birds of prey to kill other birds and animals for sport. In the case of fox hunting (a true bloodsport), dogs are domesticated animals that are killing, not for food, but for sport.

League Against Cruel Sports 270

League Against Cruel Sports Rabbits Falcons Hunting 270

10,000 Birds

MARCH 14, 2011

Kills in Canada, Alaska and Mexico are not included in the count. Nationwide, wildlife watchers now outspend hunters 6 to 1. Texas and North Dakota together account for 88% of the total yearly kill of sandhill cranes. This represents 6% of the estimated mid-continental spring population of 322,700 birds for the same two decades.

2011 258

2011 Kentucky Tennessee Hunting 258

10,000 Birds

MARCH 20, 2011

So, one might surmise, it’s OK if they get shot by hunters thinking they’re sandhill cranes? What could motivate gunmen (I cannot call them hunters) in two states to deliberately kill North America’s tallest and most critically endangered bird? Do all hunters realize that? Speculation is useless in acts of vandalism.

2011 244

2011 Hunting Kentucky Hunters 244