Countdown to Migration: September 7, 2007 | |
Today's Report Includes:
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Chick Chat: Pre-Migration Check-ups | |
Like many students this time of year, the chicks must see their doctor for check-ups. A world-class crane veterinarian performs the exams. While captured, each chick also gets a temporary radio transmitter put on its leg. The small device is fixed to a colored and numbered leg band. The transmitter signals can help the migration team to locate any chick that gets separated during the upcoming journey south. With every bird so valuable, they can't risk losing a single one. Health checks and temporary banding are important steps in the countdown to the chicks' first migration. |
Why
do you think the crane chick wears a hood for its exam? |
Training Timeline: Update | Timeline Events >> |
You can add "chick check-ups" to your own timeline for this year's migration. Other milestones and key events for the newest members of the Eastern flock are listed here:
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Meet the Flock: Crane Quiz #1 | Print the Quiz >> |
Who are they? What was each chick's weight at this week's check-up? How about its leg band color? You'll find it all on their life history pages. Click on photos to meet the chicks:
CRANE QUIZ #1 1. Which chick is from an egg laid (but abandoned) by wild parents in the new flock? (Look at "Egg Source" on each chick's page.) 2. Which chick had the most popular toe in the pen? (The other chicks were very curious about it.) 3. Which chick weighed the most at the September health check? Which one weighed the least? 4. Which
of the youngest chicks is also a bully? |
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Booklet: "Whooping Crane Comeback" | Teacher Guide >> |
It's
been a busy week at the Wisconsin wildlife refuge where the chicks
are at "flight
school." Who are these gangly and special young birds? Why are a
few silent people hanging around with crane puppets while wearing baggy
white sacks to hide themselves?
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Change4Cranes: Win a Classroom Visit | Details >> |
The folks at Operation Migration, who conduct the chicks' fall ultralight-led migration that Journey North reports, have an exciting offer for you. Sign up for their Change4Cranes kit (free) BEFORE SEPTEMBER 30 and you could be one of three winners in an October 1 drawing for an Operation Migration team member to visit your classroom! Find details here: |
Free Change4Cranes Kit |
Whooping Crane Festival: You're Invited! | |
Are you lucky enough to live anywhere near Tomah, Wisconsin? If so, come to the Whooping Crane Festival on the grounds of the nearby (17 miles away) Necedah Airport on September 15. This festive outdoor event is everyone's chance to see the ultralight planes and meet the 2007 migration team! |
Did you
know? |
Countdown to Migration: Posted Fridays | |
Weekly
Summaries are posted (by email) to registered participants on FRIDAYS:
Sep 7, 14, 21, 28; Oct 5, 12, 19, 26; Nov. 2, 9, 16 . . . or until this
year's newest Eastern flock chicks reach their winter home in
Florida! |
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More
Whooping Crane Lessons
and Teaching Ideas! |
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