Austwell — Specialists at the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge in Texas expect at least 247 endangered whooping cranes to spend the winter.
A count announced Wednesday said 26 cranes had arrived.
Refuge specialist Vicki Muller says the migration count includes 24 adults and two chicks.
Experts a the Aransas refuge say the plumage of the creatures appears white and in good condition, which can indicate the health of the birds.
