Whooping Crane
 

Making History! (+ 120 Miles)
 December 5, 2008: Migration Day 50

Crane #827 flew alone with Richard the whole way. Do you see the chase plane in the distance?
Photo Richard van Heuvelen

Hello, TENNESSEE! All 14 birds took off this morning at 7:05, with Chris as lead pilot. Heather reported that Crane #827 was last out of the pen because he wasted time peeping at a gate that didn't exist. As a result, Richard swooped in and once again #827 got an easy ride off the wing air currents of "his own" plane. Two hours and 22 minutes later, they landed in Hardin County Tennessee. WOW!

History was made today: The migration not only entered Tennessee, but also reached their final stop in this state — all in the same day. Never before have they been able to do this, but the new route avoids the delay-causing mountains. Today they passed the halfway point, and the second half of the trip has always gone faster than the first. YIPPEE!

In the Classroom

  • Today's Journal Questions:
    (a) Why do you think Heather described #827's sounds as "peeping?" (Hint: Think about differences in the voices between children and adults.)
  • (b-for-bonus) They're past the halfway point after today's flight. How many of the total miles flown so far have been covered since November 21? What fraction is that? What percentage? How many miles of the 1285-mile journey remain?

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

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