Winds Aloft Blow Flight Plans (+0 Miles)
October 22, 2008: Migration Day 6

Check out pilot Chris's story about tickling #814's feet with his mitten during yesterday's flight!

Photo Chris Gullikson, Operation Migration

Flight conditions on the ground were perfect this morning, but it was a different story aloft. Winds blew at 12 to 16 mph out of the southeast. Flying into such a strong headwind (see Journal Questions below) would tire the young birds and make progress too difficult. The team is standing down at Stopover #2 in south Juneau County, Wisconsin.

NOTE: Yesterday's distance has been adjusted to 19 miles gone; the total journey on the new route is an estimated 1285 miles.

In the Classroom

  • Today's Journal Questions:
  • (a) What do you think a headwind is? Why do the pilots avoid flying on days with strong headwinds?
    (b-for-bonus) After writing your ideas, listen to Joe Duff in this audio clip about headwinds, tailwinds, and crane flight. What did you discover?
  • Record Keeping: On your printout of the migration comparison chart make a tally mark to record another no-fly day. What's the ratio of fly days to no-fly days now?
   

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