Whooping Crane

No Go. . .Crosswinds Aloft (+0 Miles) November 10, 2009: Migration Day 26 What are these students showing you? Click on the photo to meet these terrific kids and see what they are doing to help the cranes fly south! Photo Karin Liimatta Well, it's Down Day #5 at Stopover #5 in Winnebago County, Illinois. A high pressure system to the north brought cooler, calmer conditions on the surface. But after checking computer weather models and wind activity, the team found that winds aloft are blowing in an opposite direction at 20 to 30 mph. Such "crosswinds" would cause breezes enough to slow migration speed and progress. The 55-air-mile leg would be longer for the young birds. Hang in there with the team, because things WILL get better. (Take a look at today's questions below to see what else you can discover about flight conditions.) Meanwhile, a few of the flock's older Whooping cranes have begun their southward migration from Wisconsin. Two cranes from the Class of 2003 began their migration last week and are now in Green County, Indiana. Weather is unusually warm in Wisconsin, so the others will probably stay for awhile longer.   On down-days, the camera will be on soon after sunrise for about 3 hours, and and again in the afternoon for 1 hour for roost check (between 3:30 - 4:30). The rest of the time, see the archived clips that are captured each day. (Map|Data) In the Classroom (a) Who are the students in the photo above, and what are they pointing at? Meet a terrific class of craniacs here to find out. (b-for-bonus) In yesterday's updated report, pilot Joe Duff describes the flight in the warm, humid, bumpy air. What did he observe that told him the birds were having a harder time? Why is cool air best? What are some signs that tell pilots the birds are getting tired? Hear (and read along) as Joe Duff explains. Then summarize Joe's answer in your journal. Map Daily News The Chicks The Team Journey North is pleased to feature this educational adventure presented in cooperation with the Whooping Crane Eastern Partnership (WCEP). Facebook Pinterest Twitter © 1997 – 2019 Journey North. All rights reserved.