How absolutely outrageous that anyone with a gun in hand would not be able
to recognize the difference between a Whooping Crane and a Sandhill Crane!
I would bet those hunters were not even aware of the existence of Whooping
Cranes (what does that say about hunter education?).  Sure - Sandhill Cranes
and Whooping Cranes look pretty much alike - both species have long legs and
feathers.  How could the poor hunters be expected to notice that the birds
being aimed at were white instead of grey, and had bold black wing tips
instead of grey.  Amazing!
	As a native Nebraskan, I have seen both species - separately, and
together.  In either case the great-sized white Whooping Cranes stand out
prominently and provide a truly marvelous sight. Perhaps legally blind
hunters are issued licenses in Kansas.
	I hope we eventually hear what the outcome of this case turns out to
be -- regarding the lives of the cranes -- and regarding the penalties, if
any, for the hunters.  

Les Roslund

Talbot County
Easton MD 21601