Reunion and Progress (+68.9 Miles)
January 24, 2008: Migration Day 93

Photo Mark Chenoweth

As soon as the sun came up trackers were off to pick up #721, whose location was determined last evening. Soon she was safely back with flock mates at the Suwannee pen site. More luck was with them as the heavy fog lifted so they could make the short flight to Gilchrist County. All 17 birds followed the lead tike like champs! With yesterday's and today's flights, the total now stands at 1167.2 miles gone.

Today Richard, Chris, Nathan and Megan hit the road to "Chass" to help prepare the winter pen for the birds' arrival. Their important job was to assemble and install a new release gate that will open automatically in case of flooding. The pen is on an island and it took two trips by airboat to carry everything they needed. Their task is almost done; on their next visit they will finish covering the new gate with fencing and rewire the electric fence. The new gate is a big safety improvement. If storms come up and the pen gets flooded, the cranes will be able to escape.

 

(Map|Data)

In the Classroom
Journal Question: (a)
Why do you suppose the cranes are provided with a pen for their first winter as free birds?

(b-for-bonus) Why might it become important for the young birds to be able to escape their pen in case of extreme weather or flooding?

 

 

 

 

Map Daily News The Chicks The Team

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