Took
Off, Turned Back (+
0 Miles)
December 6, 2008: Migration Day 51
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Photo
Heather Ray, Operation Migration
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After
take-off, the birds resisted flying into the winds they met. After
30 minutes of trying, the pilots took the hint and wisely turned
back. Everyone is safe at
the Hardin County (Tennessee) pen site where they arrived yesterday.
The migration
is 645 miles gone,
and the pilots are pretty sure they will gain miles tomorrow. Stay
tuned!
Watch
Them Depart
Thanks
to Horse Creek Wildlife Sanctuary and Animal Refuge in
Savannah, TN, folks can watch a departure
flyover. Go to 13780 Hwy 69 South, Savannah, TN. Use the
entrance marked “North Gate” and follow the
road in and to the right, down the hill. Turn right
where
the sign says "Watermelon Hill" and proceed up the hill
to the viewing stands. Be thre by sunrise, dress warmly,
and
remember: The weather has the final say in whether they
fly.
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Eastern Flock Wild Whoopers Migration Update
Fourteen
birds are safely in Florida. A total of 18 birds completed
their migration to Florida, but for some unknown reason four
whoopers headed back north and are in southern Georgia.
Sara is now back north, tracking the Whooping cranes that are
migrating through Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee.
Five biologists are currently tracking the older whooping cranes and the
2008 DAR (Direct Autumn Release) birds along the eastern flyway. Considering
there are 74 free-flying cranes in this population, it’s not easy!
Photo
and Story: Joan Garland, ICF |
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The
Tracking Team: Richard, Eva, and Sara. Missing: Tom Czubek and Rosemary
Hartman, ICF Tracking Interns. |
In
the Classroom:
No
Activities Today (Saturday)
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Journey
North is pleased to feature this educational adventure presented in
cooperation with the Whooping
Crane Eastern Partnership (WCEP).
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