Whooping Crane
 

No Go. Tried But Air Too Bumpy (+0 Miles)
 December 29, 2009: Migration Day 67


Photo Heather Ray, Operation Migration  

Everyone was eager to make it to the next stopover after holiday breaks, and today we start counting official days again at 67. A flight looked promising when Chris found smooth air at 3,000 feet. But Chris had to climb through trashy (bumpy) air to reach that smooth air. That was today's problem. Lead pilot Brooke tried, but could not get the unwilling birds to climb through the bumps to 3,000 feet. After several tries, Brooke could see the birds breathing through their open beaks; they were getting tired. On the last try, Brooke and the Class of 2009 sailed over the big crowd gathered to see the departure flyover. It was a glorious sight, but Brooke had to turn around and lead them back to the pen when the now-tired birds would not climb. Even more disappointing is the outlook for a flight tomorrow: hardly a chance, thanks to coming rain and wrong-way winds. Hang in there. Soon the weather will allow them to be on their way.

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) How many days have the birds been at this location? (TIP: See the "Data" link under the map to find the date they landed in Franklin County, Alabama. Count the number of days from then till now.)
  • (b-for-Bonus) What problems could arise when the birds are too long at one location? Why do you think the team doesn't just crate the birds and drive them to the next stop when they have long delays between flights? Think about your answer, then visit our Resources page (click "Resources" on the navigation bar at the top of this page). See if you can locate what the experts at Operation Migration say about the topic.

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

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