With two weeks to go, nine birds have now flown together. The rest are making progress in keeping up, but #11's wheezing is a worry. Life at "Camp. O.M." means tricks, treats, water roosting and even report cards for the cranes. A new slideshow reveals why wild chick W1-10's mom is ready to attack in this photo as migration prep continues.

Today's Report Includes:

• Latest Chick Chat: Flying Together
• Meet the Flock: Crane Quiz #4
• Journal: A Hard Decision
• Slideshow/Booklet: "Life at Camp O.M."
• Report Cards: Give Cranes a Grade
• Mile-a-Thon: Fitness and Fun

Good news! Two days of good flying weather meant the young colts have now launched together as a group — well, sort of. Wheezy young #11 wasn’t included because the pilots wanted to fly him alone to see how he did. Three others decided to stay back with Brooke and #11-10 on the runway. No matter: It’s still progress for blending two cohorts into one group. Click on the photos for more about this week’s flights. As departure day gets closer, more flying will build the young birds' endurance. Hope for good weather!

Meanwhile, in the central flyway a few of their wild whooper cousins from Canada have crossed the border on their way to the Texas Gulf Coast. The frist confirmed Whooping crane sighting in North Dakota came this week. "The first cranes could be about three weeks away from reaching Aransas NWR," says biologist Tom Stehn from the flock's winter home. Migration is calling, and the new Eastern Flock is getting ready.

"When it comes time to fly, it is hard to know what will happen with a young chick with a slight wheeze. The team took a chance sending him to Wisconsin and we are still hoping it was the right choice," says pilot Joe Duff. Despite a number of attempts, this week chick #11-10 only flew far enough to land in the marsh next to the pen. Before this week is over, he will see doctors in Madison, WI for an exam. “By then,” continues Joe, “we should be able to evaluate his condition and know better if he will be able to join us or end up as a display bird at a zoo.”

Journal Question:
“ What do you think would be the best for crane #11-10: Should he try migrating with his class, or become a display bird at a zoo? Explain your thinking.”

Photo: Heather Ray

Photo: Trish Gallagher

Compare Your Thoughts
Last week we asked: “What advantages could a baby bird have from its eye color being different than the adults of the species?” Compare your answer with the expert's.

Are you discovering that the chicks are a lot like us? Click on each photo to find the chick's "Baby Book" and life story (bio page):

• Meet the Hatch Year 2010 Chicks

While you're on the bio pages, take this week's Crane Quiz challenge:

• Crane Quiz #4
  (The quiz page includes a link to answers.)

Answer this week's quiz question #1 and you'll see who "the Champ" is.

About two weeks remain until migration starts! What important lessons are the chicks learning in flight school at Wisconsin's Camp O.M.? (O.M. stands for Operation Migration and the team of experts who lead these cranes south.)

You already know the chicks get report cards for their performance and behavior. They are now old enough to be called something other than chicks. What is the other name for them? What makes them safer from predators? For answers, view this week's selection as a Web slideshow or click on the matching booklet to print, fold, and take home to share.

Weekly Summaries are posted (by email) to registered participants on FRIDAYS: Sep 3, 10, 17, 24; Oct 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; Nov. 5, 12, 19— or until this year's newest "ultra-chicks" reach their winter home in Florida!

Pre-migration: Each Friday before migration, a brief e-mail notice gives current newsy tidbits and announces a downloadable booklet for building background knowledge.
During migration: When migration begins October 5 is revised target date), the Friday e-mails will summarize the DAILY Highlight Updates that were posted on the Web during the week. You'll want to go to the Web for the latest maps, facts, photos, and fun!