Failed Attempt: Six Crated to Stopover #1
October 11, 2011: Migration Day 3

Photo Operation Migration CraneCam

Six of the Class of 2011 were willing to take off but NOT to leave familiar territory! After more crane rodeos on the third day of trying, the pilots and planes landed and the crates came out. One by one, the six reluctant crane-kids were crated before the temperature warmed the day. Standing in their boxes, they were slowly driven the 5 bumpy miles to stopover #1. All ten are together again. Not to worry! Pilot Joe reminds us: "I don’t recall once when all the birds followed us on the first leg of the migration." Think about that as you dig into today's questions, below.

In the Classroom: Journal or Discussion

  • (a) What story could you tell by studying today's photo? Give your story a beginning, middle and end as you describe the sequence of events. (b-for-bonus) Why do you think these birds kept turning back? Think about the site, the birds' experience and their training. Then read what pilot Joe Duff says and edit your answer if you wish.
  • Migration Math. If the cranes on average weigh 6.0 kilograms when they start migration, how many pounds is that?


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