"... Conboy Lake National Wildlife Refuge is one of the two confirmed nesting places for sandhill cranes in Washington. Although the sandhill crane is the most abundant crane worldwide, it is an endangered species in Washington. The small population of the sandhill cranes that breed in Washington are members of the greater sandhill crane subspecies, which numbers only 70-80,000 birds throughout its entire range. Greater sandhill cranes need isolated, open, wet meadows, or shallow marshes on the edges of rivers or lakes. Open meadows allow them to see predators from a distance, but there is some indication they select nest sites near interspersed groves, perhaps for wind and storm protection. Each family may actively protect as much as 250 acres.

For centuries the Conboy Lake region has provided homes for cranes, but early settlers found it ideal for farming and cattle. To increase hay production, they partially drained Conboy Lake. Loss of habitat to such activities, along with hunting, took its toll on wildlife. By the end of the 19th century, journal entries indicate a scarcity of game—ducks, geese, and swans—in this area. Easily disturbed, cranes did not tolerate the increasing human population. Eventually, nesting pairs could not find suitable habitat. In 1964, Conboy Lake Refuge was established to preserve and restore this key habitat. Ironically, the refuge was not created for cranes. Yet, in 1979 one pair returned. Today there are 20-25 pairs. ..."