STAFFORD, Kan. (AP) — A flock of rare whooping cranes is delighting visitors at a Kansas wildlife refuge during a pit stop there on its northern migration.

The Wichita Eagle reports that staff and visitors at the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge counted 29 of the birds on Monday. Refuge biologist Rachel Laubhan says they are part of the endangered Aransas-Wood Buffalo flock, which is believed to be only about 505 birds strong.

The birds spend their winters in Texas and make a dramatic site at the refuge during their journey back home to Canada. They stand about 5 feet (1.5 meters) tall with a...