Meet the only naturally occurring flock of wild whooping cranes in the world! A pair of elegant, snow-white whooping cranes prepare a nest and lay their eggs in the spectacular northern wetlands of Wood Buffalo National Park. Watch their tiny baby hatch and grow over the summer before the family flies to Aransas National Wildlife Refuge — their winter home on the Gulf Coast of Texas. They belong to the last remaining flock of wild whooping cranes that migrate vast distances each year between their northern and southern homes. Long ago, thousands of whooping cranes lived in North America but, sadly, due to habitat loss and hunting, they are now endangered. Conservationists and many other dedicated people are working hard to restore wetlands and help these magnificent birds recover. Includes an author’s note about protecting wetland habitat for the whooping cranes, and introduces other wild animals of Wood Buffalo National Park. Wild by Nature: A series for young readers that explores the unique links between ecologically sensitive species and their habitats, and encourages the preservation of the world’s wild spaces. Key Text Features illustrations author’s note further information further reading facts   Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.1.8 Identify the reasons an author gives to support points in a text. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.2.2 Identify the main topic of a multiparagraph text as well as the focus of specific paragraphs within the text. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.2.3 Describe the connection between a series of historical events, scientific ideas or concepts, or steps in technical procedures in a text. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.2.6 Identify the main purpose of a text, including what the author wants to answer, explain, or describe.