RIDGEFIELD – Researchers with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) will use a drone to survey known sandhill crane locations in Klickitat County to support population monitoring.
Drone flights may occur, weather permitting, during daylight hours from April through August 2026. Flights will occur over identified state public lands and waters in western Klickitat County where sandhill cranes are present. WDFW will seek approval from private or public landowners if flights are considered over additional lands.
The purpose of the surveys is to capture high quality images of sandhill crane habitat and locate nest locations. Since 2024, WDFW biologists have successfully identified sandhill crane nests at multiple locations within the survey area using drone technology.
WDFW staff with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Small Unmanned Aircraft System Remote Pilot certification will conduct the flights, while following FAA and WDFW policies. WDFW staff will maintain visual line of sight and an appropriate altitude to avoid disturbances to wildlife or people. No area closures or significant public impacts are expected.
Breeding sandhill cranes arrive in Klickitat and Yakima counties in early March, with most nesting occurring from April to June in wet meadows and grasslands. The cranes and their young leave the state between late September and mid-October to winter in California’s Central Valley.
Each subspecies of sandhill crane occurring in Washington — greater, lesser, and Canadian — is listed as state endangered. Learn more about sandhill cranes on WDFW’s website.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works to preserve, protect and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.