Weekly updates will be posted here on Mondays:

• September 17: Countdown to Migration
  Target date for departure is September 25, 2012!
• September 24: Countdown to Migration
  Slight delay: Watch for departure news flash later this week!
• September 28: Migration Begins!
  Six young Whooping Cranes made it to Stopover #2!
• October 1: Off to a Great Start
  Starting the week at Stopover #3—two stops from Illinois!
• October 8: Whooping Cranes in Illinois
  Starting the week at Stopover #5—first stop in Illinois.
• October 15: Whooping Cranes Advance in Illinois
  Starting the week at the second stop in Illinois, 175 miles gone.
• October 22: Whooping Cranes Still Stalled at Stopover #6
  They haven't flown since Oct. 12. Why?
• October 29: Cranes and Planes Gain 114 Miles
  The week brought a loss as well as a gain. Rest in peace, #10.
• November 5: Cranes Now Crossing Kentucky!
  Three more stopovers and 164 miles gained = a great week!
• November 12: Cranes Pass Halfway Mark
  Only one stop remains in Tennessee, with 569 miles gone!
• November 19: Migration Soars: Under 200 Miles to Go!
  A week of spectacular progress leaves 187 miles to the finish.
• November 21: One Flight to Go!
  The young cranes may complete migration Friday or Saturday!
• November 23: They're Home!
  After flying the final 28 miles the journey south is complete.
• December 5: A Big Week at St. Marks NWR
  Final health checks and banding take place the end of this week
• December 14: "Fab Five" Released to Freedom!
  Their gates were opened on Dec. 12: The cranes are flying free!

Fall 2012 Migration
(map | stopovers)

Daily Field Journal
Operation Migration posts migration updates daily so you can follow along.

Meet the Cranes
Get to know this year's six young chicks by reading their life histories.