October 25, 2005 Migration Day 12 Today the pilots will do trike maintenance. Photo Operation Migration. Gusts Ground Team Again In Winnebago County, IL +0 Miles It's clear and sunny, but the strong gusts of winds make it too dangerous to fly. They're stuck at stop 6 in Winnebago County, IL for one more day. The birds may be let out of the pen for some exercise. Meanwhile, something NEW is about to happen for the Eastern flock. Four whooping crane chicks were left behind when the 20 chicks and ultralights began migration on October 24. Like #418 last year, these chicks are "pioneers." They are the first group to be released by another technique to teach them a migration route. The technique is called Direct Autumn Release (DAR). Read more about the DAR chicks. Then watch for our news about their first journey south, which could begin any day now! Track the Migration Use our map or make your own with this migration data. (Click map to enlarge.) Keep a Migration Journal • Today's Question: Why do you think the WCEP team is starting the DAR program after 4 successful ultralight-led migrations? Hint: Read the final report from the 2004 migration for ideas. • Record Keeping: Did you make another tally mark in the No-Fly column on your migration comparison chart?   Migration Journal   Journey North is pleased to feature this educational adventure presented in cooperation with the Whooping Crane Eastern Partnership (WCEP). Copyright 2005 Journey North. All Rights Reserved. Please send all questions, comments, and suggestions to our feedback form.