No
Go. Winds Deflate Plans (+0 Miles)
This morning's cold temp (22F) and okay surface winds out of the north (1 - 4 mph) were promising. Alas, hopes were dashed by flying conditions too poor to attempt. The flight path from Hardin County, TN to Franklin County, AL goes northwest to southeast. Today's strong NNE winds could create crosswinds and a wild ride. So, this becomes Down Day #5 in Hardin County, TN. But you can join everyone in hoping for Alabama tomorrow. Chances look very good for a GO. There IS good crane news elsewhere. From the Texas wintering grounds of the Western (natural) flock Tom Stehn sends word: "Since my last census flight on 12/10/09, I have received confirmed reports of six more Whooping cranes in the Aransas-Wood Buffalo population, including two more chicks. So the estimated flock size of 238 has now been increased to 244 (223 adults + 21 chicks). The 21 chicks accounted for indicate very good survival from the 22 that fledged in Canada this summer." (Come spring, you can track with Journey North all the world's migratory Whooping cranes, including these 20 ultralight-led chicks) on their spring returns to the nesting grounds.)
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