"The Beast" Conquered! (+48.1 Miles)
December 29, 2007: Migration Day 67

Photo Chris Gullickson, Operation Migration

After "time out" since Dec. 18, today was the day we've been waiting for! Except for #727, the young cranes finally made it up and over the ridge to land safely at Hiwassee Refuge. Today's flight wasn't easy, but it brought the total distance traveled to 738.3 miles. Dare we say it? Yes! Florida, here they come!

(Map|Data)

In the Classroom
Today's Journal Question: The cranes have now crossed the highest peak along this migration path. Today some climbed to 3,000 feet to clear it. Use our altitude chart to make some comparisons: Is the altitude flown by the cranes . . .
•above or below the elevation of the Monarch Butterfly overwintering place (El Rosario sanctuary) in the mountains of Mexico?
•above or below the typical maximum altitude of thermals used by wild migrating cranes in North America?
•above or below the average maximum altitude of a hot air balloon flight?

Migration History: Take a look at the number of days to complete the migration after leaving Cumberland County, Tennessee in past years. Then make your prediction for the ending date of migration 2007.



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