Whooping Crane
 

No Go: Too Much of a Good Thing (+0 Miles)
November 16, 2011: Migration Day 39

Young Whooping crane faces into the wind as it takes flight.

Study this photo to answer today's bonus question.
Image: Operation Migration

The team's wish for north winds finally came true, but those winds are blowing at 30 to 40 mph aloft—way too powerful for the small planes and young cranes. How do you think the team feels today, the 12th day they've been at the Livingston County, Illinois stopover without progress? Meanwhile, choose from the activities below for your journal.

In the Classroom: Journal or Discussion

(a) What causes wind? When does it help to have the wind at your back? When do you like to have the wind in your face? Write a poem or Haikku about wind.
(b-for-bonus) If the chick in the photo is about to take off, would it (a) be facing into the wind or (b) have the wind at its back? How do birds (and planes) position themselves to take off? See How Birds Fly for help in answering this question

Migration Math: Yesterday you calculated the effects of the headwind. With today's tailwind speed, how long would the flight to Piatt County take? Why is it a bad idea for the planes and cranes to fly today?

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

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