FINAL Whooping Crane Migration Update: May 8, 2009

Today's Report Includes:

  • News: Wrap-up and Photos From the Field >>
  • Chick Chat: First "Class of 2009" Babies Hatch! >>
  • Journal Topic: Reaching the Goal >>
  • Create-a-Caption: What Will the New Chicks Do This Summer? >>
  • Award: Congratulations, Operation Migration! >>
  • Year-end Evaluation: Please Share Your Thoughts! >>
  • Links: This Week's Crane Resources >>

Class of 2009 Begins Hatching!

Video Clip: 1 day old chick learning to eat >>
Video Operation Migration

News: Wrap-up and Photos from the Field


Slide Show >>

See our new slide show story about a pair that (we hope) is nearing the nesting grounds! A few whoopers are still at Aransas. What question does Brian Johns hope new radio transmitters can help answer? >>


Added to the list is #316. Why were trackers so happy to confirm the identity on May 6 of crane #316?
(Scroll to bottom of his bio. to find out.)



Photo Sara Zimorski
Eastern Flock News >>
The last nest of this spring's nests failed after black flies pestered the parents off the nest—but there's hope they'll nest again.

The good news: There's a lot of it in Sara's final report!

Chick Chat: First "Class of 2009" Babies Hatch! Audio Clip: Hear Bev >>
Thank you, Mark Chenoweth, Whooper Happenings!  

Whoopee! The first chick in the new Class of 2009 has hatched! Chick #901 emerged on May 3. It was followed by #903 on May 4, #904 on May 6 and 905 and 906 on May 7. We'll start a "Baby Book" for each precious fluff ball so you can meet them right away. Operation Migration's "Chick Mama" Bev and ultralight pilot Brooke are in Maryland for care and training of the babies before they are transported to Wisconsin for flight school in June and July.

More eggs will be received for hatching soon at Patuxent WRC. Whooping Crane Coordinator Tom Stehn said, "More eggs are expected as pairs lay second and third clutches and some late-laying females get going." As they are born, meet the new arrivals here: >>



Welcome to the world, Chick #901!


Journal Topic: Reaching the Goal  Lesson: The Challenges of Whooping Crane Survival >>

How many chicks will be in the Class of 2009? We don't know yet because they are still coming! But we DO know this: Come fall, the 100th chick in the reintroduction of the new Eastern flock will fly south with ultralight planes leading the way. Here's a question:

  • The goal is 25 breeding pairs from 125 cranes released into the flyway by 2020. When do you predict they'll make it? Give reasons for your thinking. What percentage of the goal has been achieved?

List your ideas in your journal. >>

Create-a-Caption: What Will the New Chicks Do This Summer? Summer Adventures Slide Show >>
Create-a-Caption Handout >>
The new chicks have so much to learn. View these slide shows to see what's ahead for them. >>

Then write your own captions as you enjoy the "wordless" Summer Adventures Slide Show! >>

Slideshow
Teacher Guide
Award: Congratulations, Operation Migration!

What if your grandchildren grew up in a world where they could never see a Whooping crane because they were extinct? Thanks to the work of Operation Migration and other WCEP partners, that is no longer as likely. For their dedicated and important work in teaching the lost migration route and establishing a new flock of Whooping cranes where they vanished over a century ago, Operation Migration was honored May 7 in Washington DC as one of the National winners for the 2009 Partners in Conservation Award!

This is the highest civilian partnership award given by the United States Department of the Interior (DOI) and we are cheering loudly and proudly for O.M! >>

At the Smithsonian
The ultralight trike used by Operation Migration to test their idea by teaching Canada geese chicks a new migration route was installed in the Smithsonian in 2008. A short ceremony was held there on May 6, 2009. Click on the photo to read about some students who have already visited the new display!

Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar gives the Partners in Conservation Award to Operation Migration!
More >>

O.M.'s ultralight at the Smithsonian: the Concord in the background dwarfs the trike!
Photo Heather Ray

Year-end Evaluation: Please Share Your Thoughts

Will you take a few minutes to complete our Year-end Evaluation?

With your help, we can we document Journey North's reach, impact and value. We need comments like yours to keep the program going and growing.

Thank you! >>


Year-end Evaluation
This Week's Crane Resources
  • Video Clip: Learning to Eat >>
  • Audio Clip: Bev and the New Chicks >>
  • Slide Show: Lucky LaCreek Pair >>
  • Western Flock News: Brian Reports >>
  • Eastern Flock News: Sara's Summary >>
  • Lesson: The Challenges of Whooping Crane Survival >>
  • Lesson: Is This Crane Egg Fertile and Alive? >>
  • The Finish Line: Wisconsin Arrivals >>
  • Current Nesting Chart: Spring 2009, Eastern Flock >>
  • Get Acquainted: WCEP Partners: Who Does What? >>

What's the weather in crane habitat today? Why is it important?>>
This is the FINAL Whooping Crane Migration Update for spring 2009. Thanks for cheering the chicks on their journey north. Please join us in September as the now-hatching Class of 2009 trains for its ultralight-led Journey South! Until then, find the latest chick and training news at Operation Migration't Field Journal. Have a fun-filled summer!