Today's Report Includes:

• Chicks Camped Out: Ready to Go!

• Training Timeline: Progress

• Weekly Summaries: Posted Fridays

Twas the night before migration, and all through the camp
Crane chicks are restless, the ground cold and damp.
They’re in a new pen, at a place that is strange;
Have they got the feeling their life’s going to change?

Migration may be just hours away, and the birds are feeling it! All 14 chicks flew well today, gaining good altitude as the pilots led them to a distant part of the refuge. They are spending “migration eve” in the portable travel pen. Bev noted that the crane-kids have been extra hungry the past few days, saying "It’s as if they know migration is about to start and they need to load up, just as wild birds do in preparation for a long journey."

Will they take off Friday, October 17th as planned? The weather will decide! If it’s a go, we’ll post a news flash. The Class of 2008’s first Journey South is about to begin!

What happened in the final days before migration? Update your own timeline with this list of key events:

• Key Timeline Events: Hatch Year 2008 >>

Weekly Summaries are posted (by email) to registered participants on FRIDAYS: Sep. 5, 12, 19, 26; Oct 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; Nov. 7, 14, 21 — or until the Eastern flock's newest chicks reach their winter home in Florida!

During migration: When migration begins in October, the Friday e-mails will summarize the DAILY Highlight Updates that were posted on the Web during the week. You'll want to go to the Web dailies for the latest maps, facts, photos, and fun!

Will migration begin October 17 as planned? Stay tuned!