Average Number of Days on the Wintering Grounds
Eastern Flock, First Ultralight-led Cranes to Depart

The seven young cranes in the Class of 2014 have been on their wintering grounds since December 11, 2014. Calculate the number of days to the first departure from the wintering grounds. How does it compare with cranes in previous years?
Year
Days Spent on Wintering Grounds
(
first birds to depart)
Class of 2014
(St. Marks NWR)
___ days
Class of 2013
(St. Marks NWR)
92 days
Class of 2012
(St. Marks NWR)
107 days
Class of 2011s (Wheeler NWR) 72 daysarday
Class of 2010 96 days 0 days
(St. Marks NWR)
80 days
(Chassahowitzka NWR)
Class of 2009 70 days
(St. Marks)
75 days (Chassahowitzka)
Class of 2008 72 days
(St. Marks)
60 days (Chassahowitzka)
Class of 2007 57 days
Class of 2006 (Florida Storm: no survivors)
Class of 2005 106 days
Class of 2004 104 days
Class of 2003 113 days
Class of 2002 121 days
Class of 2001 126 days

 

Journal or Discussion Questions
The number of days on the wintering grounds is calculated from the arrival date to the first bird's departure date.

  1. What do you need to know in order to figure the average number of days spent on the wintering grounds for each group of birds?
  2. What is the average number of days on the wintering grounds for all years in which ultralight-led cranes have departed on spring migration?
  3. What factors might explain the year-to-year differences?