No Go: Storms in Flight Path (+0 Miles)
November 14, 2011: Migration Day 37

Young cranes get corn cobs and pumpkins to help prevent boredom on no-fly days.

Image: Operation Migration

Winds are finally right! The bad news is that thunderstorms are popping up along the planned flight path to Piatt County, IL. That means today is Down Day TEN in Livingston County, IL. We have some good questions for you:

In the Classroom: Journal or Discussion

(a) "Enrichment" is how zoo keepers describe improving the environment of captive animals by adding toys and other distractions to relieve boredom. Today's photo shows two things the Operation Migration team adds tothe pen of the young cranes to help prevent boredom. What are they? With the winds being fine today, what else might the team do to let the birds work off some of the stress of being captive?

(b-for-bonus) On this 10th down day, do you wonder what is the longest they've ever been stuck at one stopover in recent years? Investigate by counting: 2008, 2009, and 2010. Which two of those years had the most down days? In which states did they occur?

Super Bonus: If you are really curious, you can count down days for every other ultralight-led migration: 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007.

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