The Class of 2014 has been stalled in Illinois since April 6, waiting for migration conditions to improve. They moved 10 miles east on April 18—and without their experienced leader. Yes, #5-12 left the youngersters on their own at this location and finished migration alone. Twice they've flown north for 50 minutes or so, only to be turned back by stormy weather. The young cranes have about 380 miles to go (due north) before they once again reach familiar territory. Keep your fingers crossed for their instincts to guide them due north! Watch their bio pages for latest news.

Meanwhile, at least 52 Whooping Cranes from the eastern flock have been detected back at Necedah National Wildlife Refuge. As of April 14, 20 pairs were already observed on nests and incubating eggs! This slideshow describes nesting for the main (western) flock of Whooping Cranes, now migrating from their winter home in Texas to their nesting grounds in Canada's far north:

• Nesting Season
• Whooping Cranes in April

Whooping Crane on Nest

Klaus Nigge