Journey North Whooping Crane Spring 2005

Headed North! Photo WCEP

News Flash! April 20, 2005

Whoopee! We just got the news we've all been waiting for. The only Eastern flock whooping crane chick on the Florida wintering grounds has begun the first journey north! Crane #418, the first (and only) supplemental release chick in the Eastern flock, most likely began his northward migration on Monday, April 18. Details are scanty, but PTT data from April 19 put his location in Georgia. We wish him a safe journey!

On April 7, the first ultralight-led 2004 chick arrived back at Necedah National Wildlife Refuge in Wisconsin. Four other 2004 chicks were last seen in Winnebago County, IL, on the Wisconsin/Illinois border. The other eight remained in southwestern Wisconsin during the week.

Will the last to leave be the second to arrive? Stay tuned!

The Next Crane Migration Update Will Be Posted on April 22, 2005.