Whooping Crane
 

No Go. Misty, Moisty Weather (+0 Miles)
December 7, 2009: Migration Day 53

The birds are rested and ready to go again after the weekend's 200-mile gain.
Photo Captured from Operation Migration TrikeCam

Misty weather is dampening Down Day #2 in Carroll County, Tennessee. But for your enjoyment, here's part of Brooke's flight report from their awesome December 4 flight when he (and #906) led all the birds from Illinois to Kentucky:

"I'm enjoying the ‘906 Show,’ as he flies a foot or two to my right, then my left, then just ahead, obviously playing the "Who’s Leading Who?" game. Perhaps he’s considering applying for my job next year. After all, he knows you learn to fly a trike from the back seat in the beginning, and it appears to me that I am now sitting in his back seat.

"As he elevates up to wing level, each of his wing beats is directly transmitted into the palms of my hands as they grasp the control bar which pulses in perfect synchronous rhythm. “This is what real flying is all about, ” he seems to be saying. And just as I never ceased to marvel at the trust in me he showed as a tiny chick back at Patuxent when he walked so confidently only inches away from my potentially crushing, lethal footsteps, he now flies only inches away, reassured by a re-awakened trust that lethal contact with the trike is not in the order of things this morning 3,000 feet over Illinois."

 

CraneCam is live each day from about 6:30 to 10:00 a.m. and again from 3:30 to 4:30 in the afternoon. TrikeCam is live during migration flights.

In the Classroom

  • (a) Study the photo in today's report. The cranes are now 6-7 months old. Notice their coloring. Then click on the photo to observe what they'll look like as adult cranes. What differences do you see? Write, or draw and color your observations in your journal. How have YOU changed since you were born? (b-for-bonus) October 22, 2008: Check out pilot Chris's story about tickling #814's feet with his mitten during the previous flight! What's your reaction?
  • Migration Math: How many miles have the birds covered in the last 3 flights? What fraction is that of the miles covered so far? What percent? Name the states in which this migration travels.

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

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