Whooping Crane
 

Onward to Pike County, AL (+ 52 Miles)
 January 12, 2009: Migration Day 77

It was a long, rough flight.
Photo Heather Ray, Operation Migration

All RIGHT! They added another 52 miles today as all 14 birds took off behind Joe's ultralight for the flight to Pike County, Alabama. They got off to a late start (8:10 am) because they waited for the fog to go away. But tougher challenges were ahead. The pilots faced not only fog but also frost, rough air, headwinds and military helicopters that scared the birds. After two long, hard hours, they are one stop closer to the goal. Tomorrow's weather forecast looks good for a flight. How many total miles have they gone?

In the Classroom:

  • Today's Journal Questions:
    (a) How many stops are left for the group going to St. Marks? (See Data link under the map at the right.) How many left for the Chass group?
  • (b-for-bonus) Today it took 2 hours to cover 52 miles. All 14 birds took off with Joe but the air was rough. It was hard to gain altitude. The other pilots flew near enough to tempt some birds to break away from Joe and follow them instead. Why do you think they did that? Think first, then check this page: How Does the Trike Help the Cranes in Flight?

 

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

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