Whooping Crane

Still Down (+0 Miles) December 11, 2007: Migration Day 60 Image: NASA's World Wind Are you counting? It's day 5 on the ground in Cumberland County, Tennessee—where they were down for NINE days last year! It's another beautiful day there except for the wrong-way winds out of the south. Today's journal questions help you realize why the team must wait for the best flying conditions to leave Cumberland County and fly the 43 miles to Hiwassee Refuge. Maybe tomorrow? (Map|Data) In the Classroom Today's Journal Question: (a) Yesterday we asked why you think the cranes can't climb as fast the ultralight planes. How does your journal entry compare to the reply of Joe Duff >>? Did Joe mention any reasons you didn't think of? (You may wish to edit your answer.) (b-for-bonus) Yesterday we asked why you think the pen site was moved in 2004 from the base of Walden Ridge to 12 miles farther to the north. Compare your journal entry to pilot Joe's answer: "We stop with the birds about 12 to the north to give us time to gain altitude before we reach the ridge. The ridge is about 2,500 feet high and in the surrounding area we are about 700 feet." Then answer: • How many more feet must the cranes and planes climb? • With full power the ultralights can climb at 750 to 1,000 feet per minute (fpm). The birds can climb at about 100 fpm. About how long would it take the birds to reach the altitude (see question above) that gets them over the Cumberland Ridge?   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.