Journey North Crane

November 2, 2005
Migration Day 20

If each crane has a wingspan of 7 feet and they are flying in
formation with only 1 foot between each, how long would the crane-line be? (Click to enlarge photo.)
Photo OM

All 20 Birds Fly the Distance to Morgan County, IL
+55.2 Miles [note correction from 55.4 mi]

Whoopee! For the FIRST time, all 20 birds flew the day's distance with the ultralights! In today's spotlight was #516, flying with a healing wing. He flew the entire leg alone with pilot Chris's plane. Early in the flight #516 was challenging Chris's aircraft for lead position! Maybe he was saying, "C'mon, I'm ready! I can
go faster!!!" (This bird has been crated the stopovers since hurting its wing. That's not a very nice way to migrate !) Later in the flight Chris reported that 516 appeared a bit tired, but he made it. How do you think Chris knew #516 was tired?

Today Richard had five birds, Joe had 13, and Brooke and Chris each had one. The team flew for 1 hour, 23 minutes with clear skies and a tailwind. At times they were flying with a "ground speed" of 52 mph! They've gone a total of 393.1 statute miles. How many miles yet to go? Tomorrow looks promising to add more miles!

Track the Migration

Use our map or make your own with this migration data.

(Click map to enlarge.)

Keep a Migration Journal

• Today's Questions: What signs tell the pilot a bird in flight is tired? Think first, then hear Joe tell the answer.

Click on "your bird's" story page to see if notes have been added. Even if no migration notes appear yet, tell why your bird still deserves the spotlight.

• Record Keeping: Are you keeping up your migration comparison chart?

• Migration Math: If each crane has a wingspan of 7 feet and they are flying in formation with only 1 foot between each, how long would the crane-line be? See photo above!

Migration Journal

Journey North is pleased to feature this educational adventure presented in cooperation with the Whooping Crane Eastern Partnership (WCEP).