No Go. Grounded by Rain (+0 Miles)
December 18, 2009: Migration Day 64

Yesterday's flight was tiring. What do you notice about the beaks of two of the birds? See today's "In the Classroom."
Photo Operation Migration

More miles and Alabama Stopover #2 will have to wait. Rain began there last night, so the cranes will stay in Franklin County, Alabama today. But when they leave, the public can watch! The departure flyover will be the old airport parking lot of the Russellville Airport, just off Hwy 243, right beside the fuel tanks. Operation Migration's Liz Condie reminds us: "You will want to be on site by 7 a.m. Also remember that you could make the early morning trip for naught it the weather/wind turns out to be unfavorable for a flight tomorrow morning."

And here's more fun news from Liz: Departure morning at every county throughout Alabama, the first 100 flyover viewers at each site will receive a gift compliments of Southern Company, one of the terrific sponsors of the migration.

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.


(Map|Data|Animation)

In the Classroom

(a) What do you notice about the beaks of two of the birds? (See photo above.) What might explain this? TIP: Look for clues as you read Richard's story of yesterday's flight to Franklin County, AL. (b-for-bonus) Pilots watch the birds carefully for signs they are getting tired in flight. What four signs or behaviors are clues? Write what you think, then see this lesson to compare you thoughts and edit your answer if necessary: Look and Listen: How Can You Tell a Bird is Getting Tired in the Air?

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