Fifteen Years of Aircraft-led Migration
2001-2015
This series of articles features highlights of the historic aircraft-led whooping crane migration that took place in 2001-2015. In fall 2016 a new phase in the restoration of this iconic species began. We are proud to have brought you a front-row seat during the 15 year project that has been called the conservation equivalent to putting a man on the moon. The articles were originally posted during the 2016-2017 migration seasons.
#1: The Beginning
On October 17, 2001, the world's first human-assisted migration of an endangered species took off on the journey south from Wisconsin to Florida.
#2: Year One: Off to a Good Start
The first year's fall migration and spring return proved the value of the ultralight-led migration technique.
#3: Nature Rules Migrations
The duration of aircraft-led migrations over 15 years were always much longer than those of wild cranes. Why?
#4: Unforseen Events
Each of the 15 aircraft-led migrations was full of suspense, and each one met with unforeseen events.
Avoiding people was a critical lesson lesson for the young Whooping Cranes of the eastern flock to learn. Discover why people remain perilous to the reintroduction effort.
What is the goal for the eastern population, and how is it going?
#7: Nesting's Not Easy
For the reintroduced eastern flock nesting in Wisconsin, the scorecard has been more losses than expected. What's going wrong?
The new Eastern Migratory Flock (EMP) celebrated important milestones in its first 15 years of history. Efforts will continue to strive for sustainability!
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