Whooping Crane

Hello, TENNESSEE! (+60.1 Miles) December 6, 2007: Migration Day 55 They're off to Tennessee! Photo Operation Migration Brooke had a good start with all 17 birds taking off for the next stop: Cumberland County, Tennessee! The pilots reported slightly choppy air as they climbed, but once they were above 400 feet the air smoothed out. But the tailwind turnd to a headwind and the flight became 2.25 hours of clouds, low visibility, updrafts, downdrafts, and freezing fingertips for the pilots. Joe said, "The conditions made for the most difficult flight in recent memory," but they're now safely on the ground. Brooke and Richard each landed with 6 birds, while Joe led 3 and Chris 2. They are just one stop (and a challenging flight) away from Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge where many of the older whoopers are hanging out. The suspense is building; the chicks' first meet-up with mountains comes next!   (Map|Data) In the Classroom Today's Journal Question: Ahead lies one of the greatest obstacles of the whole migration: the chicks' first meet-up with mountains. Read about previous crossings of Tennessee's Walden Ridge (which the teams calls "The Beast") in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006. With this ahead, what do you think the team is excited about? Nervous about? When have you had both good and bad feelings about something that's soon to come?     Help the Cranes and Planes Reach Florida! 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). Facebook Pinterest Twitter © 1997 – 2019 Journey North. All rights reserved.