Photo Heather Ray, Operation Migration

The weather on Sep. 22 was good for flying. Trying to launch with everybody but #11, Pilot Joe Duff took off with nine crane colts who gave it their all. The flight lasted almost 15 minutes. Then Joe decided to go back because two birds had fallen way behind when they heard "uncle" #509 forlornly calling to them from the ground below. Joe and eight birds landed in front of the pen. Another tired colt landed in the marsh about one-fourth mile away. We can look forward to progress as they build up endurance and learn to fly all in one group.