Smooth Air & Tailwinds! (+62.7 Miles) October 29, 2006: Migration Day 25 Today they flew at 2,000 feet above the ground. This photo was taken at 1,800 feet. Look over the edge at the ground below. How do you like the view?! On to Stopover #6: LaSalle County, Illinois Air as smooth as glass, everyone raring to go, and tailwinds to push them faster. What could be better after 5 days in one place? What a day! All 18 birds took off with Chris, but the 9 that couldn't catch up were picked up on Joe's wing. Then, when #608 lost some altitude, Brooke swooped in and gave her his wing to help her along. When they all landed at Stopover #6, the birds walked down the mowed path and right into the pen by themselves, neat and tidy. For once, no treats, coaxing or nudges were needed! "They must have been looking forward to the food and water after the long 60-mile flight," said Chris. Go Cranes! Go Team! Great job! Help the Cranes and Planes Reach Florida! Map Daily News The Chicks The Team In the Classroom Today's Journal Question: Pilot Chris said, "At one point during the flight, all 8 of my birds suddenly dropped below me and began looking skyward as if there was something over the top of us. I could see Don and Paula way off to the east so I knew they were not what had spooked the birds. As I descended to gather the birds back onto my wing, Joe comes over the radio and announces that his birds had done the exact same thing. We are mystified as to what it could have been, but the birds obviously saw something they did not like." What do you think it could have been? Migration History: View this 6-minute video from National Geographic to get an overview of last summer's training in Wisconsin. You'll see beautiful views of the new Eastern flock and learn about Operation Migration. This video also will air on "Wild Chronicles" on PBS stations the week of November 3-10. Enjoy it with your family! Journey North is pleased to feature this educational adventure presented in cooperation with the Whooping Crane Eastern Partnership (WCEP). Copyright 2006 Journey North. All Rights Reserved. Please send all questions, comments, and suggestions to our feedback form.