18 Comments
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John Hazlett's avatar

Terrific piece. I hope the Master Naturalist training inspires you to produces more articles like this one. The other great bird conservation story of that era of course was the bald eagle, and many thanks to Rachel Carson.

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Richard Goodman's avatar

Thanks, John.

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Gaywynn Menard's avatar

Thank you for sharing this experience, so well done Rich 🙌

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Richard Goodman's avatar

Thank you, my beautiful wife.

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Catherine Lane Diehl's avatar

I loved the expression of "lunar feeling of lonliness"...it provokes a feeling in the reader and each could have their own interpretation. My experience of southern Louisiana I express as "otherworldly"...but ventured no where near White Lake...an oasis that provided for us an enriching video and history of the crane. Thank you for the post. A boost from Mother Nature!

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Richard Goodman's avatar

Thanks for reading this, Catherine.

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Marge Purdy's avatar

Thank you for this most enjoyable story.

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Richard Goodman's avatar

I'm so pleased you enjoyed it.

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Marina Osipova's avatar

Thank you, Richard, for this empathy-evoking story. Thank you for being a part of those kind- hearted people who care about what/who are in danger of extinction. Your words, “to be wary of humans and to avoid us,” are like a blow to the head because they carry that shameful truth we try not to recognize while being fully involved in the troubles of our everyday life. Marina Osipova

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Richard Goodman's avatar

Yes, we haven't always been very trustworthy, have we?

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Elizabeth Godfrey's avatar

Ah, Whooping Cranes! I remember the eye-opening shock of their plight and all the details of the efforts to save them. It's delightful to know they are freely inhabiting your corner of the world once again. Thanks for the uplifting news!

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Richard Goodman's avatar

You're very welcome.

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Duncan Thistlethwaite's avatar

Thanks for the post! I've never been to White Lake, but now I feel like I have.

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Richard Goodman's avatar

Thanks, Duncan! BY the way, had coffee with Elsa yesterday! She's delightful!

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Jolina Petersheim's avatar

Lovely post. Thank you for sharing this history!

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Richard Goodman's avatar

So glad you enjoyed it.

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Margaret Keeping's avatar

That was so interesting and encouraging to read. The connection of your young and older self made it uniquely Richard Goodman.

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Richard Goodman's avatar

Thank you, Margaret!

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