Journey North News: Winter & Spring 2012

Posted Fridays: Feb. 10, Mar. 2, 23, Apr. 6, 20, May 4

Spring 2012

Posted Fridays: Feb. 10, Mar. 2, 23, Apr. 6, 20, May 4

Whooping crane adult and chick FiNAL Whooping Crane Migration Update: May 4, 2012
Today we celebrate May's exciting events with a new slideshow on nesting season. In Wisconsin the first hatching and 17 nests raise hopes, and nesting soon starts in Canada. The annual cycle continues as this endangered species welcomes the next generation!
Photo Klaus Nigge
Whooping crane on nest

Whooping Crane Migration Update: April 20, 2012
The first Western cranes are close to their Canadian nesting grounds 2,400 miles from Texas. Eastern cranes have 17 nests in Wisconsin. When can we expect those eggs to hatch? The nine ultralight-led crane-kids began—and may have completed—their journey north! What DON'T you know about territories and nesting?
Photo Klaus Nigge

Male Whooping crane displays red crown. Whooping Crane Migration Update: April 6, 2012
Whoopers are rushing north to reach the nesting grounds in this unusual spring of early migration. That is, all but the nine crane-kids that followed ultralight planes from Wisconsin to Alabama. This male shows something females look for when picking a mate. How does a Whooping crane choose a lifetime mate? Who picks whom?
Photo Eva Szyszkoski
Pair of cranes in migration Whooping Crane Migration Update: March 23, 2012
Whoop, whoop and away! The first birds in the Western Flock have been reported in the flyway, A whopping 70 cranes in the Eastern flock are already back on the Wisconsin nesting grounds. How does migrating in small groups leaving at separate times help the species survive? Meet a long-lived survivor!
Photo Laura Erickson
Whooping crane  with beak open and tongue showing Whooping Crane Migration Update: March 2, 2012
The journey north is underway for some Whooping cranes, while other cranes are in no hurry to go. Find out which crane in the eastern flock has made more migrations than any other. This week, think about how cranes prepare for migration. Photos and facts help YOU get ready too!

Photo Laura Erickson
Young Whooping crane nabs a blue crab to eat. Whooping Crane Migration Update: February 10, 2012
Welcome to a season of surprises! Most Whooping cranes are on their wintering grounds, while others have cut their migration short. This week, learn about the habitat that cranes need for winter survival. We have 24 photos and two slideshows to help you!
Photo Operation Migration

Welcome and Orientation
What endangered species stands nearly five feet tall with a wingspan wider than most cars? Whooping Cranes! Our reports begin on February 10, when these magnificent birds are on their wintering grounds.
WHOOPING CRANE SPRING MIGRATION UPDATES will be posted here on Fridays. (See schedule above.) Get ready for the adventure!
Photo Operation Migration

Fall 2011
Yong whooping crane being released from a travel crate. Fall Migration News Updates: September 2011 - February 4, 2012
After flying 707 miles with ultralight-aircraft leaders on their first journey south, the nine cranes in the Class of 2011 were quietly crated at the travel pen in Winston County, Alabama. In trucks and vans, they became the first ultralight-led cranes to finish their migration by road instead of wing power. Their winter home is Alabama's Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge. Discover the rest of the story when you join us for spring's journey north!

Journey North is pleased to feature this educational adventure made possible by the
Whooping Crane Eastern Partnership (WCEP).