Fast Teamwork
Before it is released to become a wild crane, this young Whooping crane from the ultralight-led Class of 2011 must be handled one last time. Health checks and banding happen soon after these special birds complete migration. February 8 was the date this year. It takes fast teamwork because capturing and holding the cranes stresses them. Do you see the hood the worker is putting on the crane to cover its eyes before they start its health check and banding?

Courtesy of Operation Migration