Whooping Crane
 

Flying Again At Last! (+ 58 Miles)
 January 9, 2009: Migration Day 74

Today's lead pilot was Richard. They're heading for Lowndes County, Alabama!
Photo Walt Sturgeon, Operation Migration

Wa-HOO! Tonight the cranes will roost one stop closer to their goal! From the take-off site, Operation Migration's Liz reported: "After an extended crane rodeo, we watched as the cranes and planes disappeared from sight. Next stop: Lowndes County, Alabama." Well, after two hours and 28 minutes in the air, seven birds made it to the stopover site where Brooke waited for a travel pen to arrive. The other 7 birds were down in a field with Chris and Joe, who also were waiting — for Brian to appear with enough crates to box up the birds and bring them the last 8 miles. Those dropouts included #824 plus the three oldest and the three youngest birds!

In the Classroom:

  • Today's Journal Questions:
    (a) Soon the team will be dividing the cranes for final flights to their two winter homes. What do you think are some important guidelines for dividing the cranes? Try to think of at least three. Then see this page for the team's guidelines. Edit your journal answer as necessary.
  • (b-for-bonus) See the Data link under the map to study the remaining stopover lists. Which seven birds would you put in a group for St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge group? Which seven would you put in the group for "Chass" NWR? Explain. This information will also be helpful:

    Facts about the Class of 2008: Until today, four birds had been crated and driven on one day of the flight, missing 55 miles of flying the route. They were 819, 828, 829, and 830. On the same day, 803 grew tired after such a long start and dropped out 20 miles short of the new destination. The class has one pair of siblings (male 803 and female 824) plus two sets of triple siblings: male 813, male 827 and female 828; and male 819, male 829 and female 830.

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

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