Whooping Crane Migration Update: April 22, 2011
The race to the north continues! The last two crane-kids began migration from Florida on April 17. Several cranes of the Western flock are in the home stretch to Canada. At least 15 nests are the big news in Wisconsin. When could the first chicks hatch? Also, this season's answers to Ask the Expert!

Today's Report Includes:

Image of the Week


Image: Klaus Nigge
When will chicks hatch?

News: Migration Map and Field Reports

Data /Map/Finish Line

Thanks to reports from trackers and citizen scientists, we see migration progress of both migratory flocks on our MapServer as they head to their summer homes.

Latest News: Western Flock
Zero to two remain at Aransas. Most of the other cranes are North of Nebraska. At least 5 of the 11 radioed cranes have reached 52N in SK. Tom tells a mystery story too. More

Latest News: Eastern flock
The last two crane kids from the ultralight-led class of 2010 left Florida on April 17. What happened one morning while Eva was tracking them?
More

Nesting Math: When Will Chicks Hatch?

Exciting news! At least 15 whooping crane nests are now active on the Eastern flock's nesting grounds in Wisconsin. All are being monitored via video or camera. In more great news, other pairs have been reported building nests. How many chicks could arrive this spring? We are eager for the good news!

This week's spring snowstorm in Wisconsin didn't seem to affect Whooping crane incubation. Let's figure out when the first eggs could hatch if the parents keep incubating. See this page for this week's Journal Question:


Image: Klauss Nigge

What is the crane doing?

FAQ: Answers from the Crane Expert 

We have answers! Have you ever wondered:

  • Who are the Whooping crane ancestors?
  • What is the period of imprinting for Whooping cranes?
  • Can male cranes fly faster than female cranes?

See: Answers from the Whooping Crane Expert
Teaching Suggestions: Learning from Experts

Special thanks to Laura Erickson for sharing her wonderful knowledge of cranes to answer our questions!


Laura Erickson (right) on Whooping crane tour boat with ICF's Joan Garland at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge in February.

Research Question and Quick Links: Helpful Resources to Explore

Research Question: How are cranes so perfectly adapted for a life in wetlands habitat?

See: Whose Feet?


Image: Eva Szyszkoski
Whose feet?

More Whooping Crane Lessons and Teaching Ideas!

The Next Whooping Crane Migration Update Will Be Posted on April 29, 2011.