Comparing Ultralight-Led Migrations Photo: Wayne Kryduba Hatch Year of birds 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 Target date for departure October 13 Oct. 7 and then Oct. 10 October 8 October 9 . Actual departure October 17 October 13 October 16 October 10 . Number of birds at takeoff 8 17 16 14 . Number of planes 4: lead, chase, & scout ultralights and one top cover 5: four ultralights and one top cover 5: four ultralights and one top cover  5: four ultralights and one top cover  . Journey's end Dec. 3 Nov. 30 Dec. 8 Dec. 12 . Number of birds reaching Florida Winter Pen 7 16 16 13 (see #406) . Total days en route 48 49 54 64 . Number of no-fly days (grounded or turned back) 24 28 34 (includes 4 days when they turned back and made no progress) 43 . Number of actual flight days (progress made) 24 21 20 21 . Longest flight 2 hours 9 minutes 2 hours 15 minutes 3 hours 4 minutes (200 miles--covering most of GA. New record!) 2 hours 58 minutes (157 miles covered) Shortest flight 38 minutes 44 minutes 41 minutes   43 minutes . Total Miles South (*after OM's final adjustments) *1164.2 *1227.8 *1191 1204.4 . Number of birds surviving winter/returning to Wisconsin 5 16 16 survived but 12 returned to WI 13 returned to Wisconsin  . Days on Wintering Grounds 126 121  117 days *    . NOTES: * 117 days is the average of two numbers (Group A - 113 days, Group B - 121 days.) Read Notes on previous migrations: 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 Journey North is pleased to feature this educational adventure made possible by the Whooping Crane Eastern Partnership (WCEP). Copyright 2002-2006 Journey North. All Rights Reserved. Please send all questions, comments, and suggestions to our feedback form