Journey North Whooping Crane Spring 2005

Headed North! Photo WCEP

News Flash! March 25, 2005

Whoop, Whoop! Another historic journey north is underway for the newest crane kids in the Eastern flock. Eleven of the 12 hatch year 2004 crane kids began their first migration north on the morning of March 25! They landed to roost at 4:15 p.m. They covered only 15 miles because of two series of heavy rain storms and gusting northwest winds that came up during the day. Flock mate #418 stayed behind with two white birds (older, experienced ultracranes) near the winter pen site.

Weather continued to be poor for migration on Saturday. Sunday, March 27, the group was tracked into north Florida before signals were lost. Trackers are on the job, so expect the latest news in our regular crane report coming Friday, April 1. The suspense and adventure have begun!

The Next Crane Migration Update Will Be Posted on April 1, 2005.