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August 24, 2003
Sixteen
Cranes Mingle and Mix
Today brought poor flying weather, so instead the cranes
got to "come out to play" on the ground. The large group of
cranes will now work out their pecking order, or hierarchy within the
flock. To make sure they didn't fight or harm each other, the costumed
handlers were on hand with puppets in case they needed to break up any
fights. Sara, Heather, Joe and Brook--all in costumes-- released the cranes
for their first chance to mix. Some of the birds took short flights around
their new pen site. Others were content to forage with the costumed handlers.
Cranes #311 and #318 seemed to be the only two bullying birds. They sometimes
challenged the other birds.
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Heather
Ray in costume with whole flock. Photos Joe Duff, WCEP |
Does
this Red-winged blackbird wonder about this strange-looking group?
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#311
and #318: bullies? |
Try This! Lessons and Journaling Questions
- Merging the cohorts is not as easy as it may sound. Find out why:
- Play a pecking order simulation game with this lesson:
- We humans have many things in common with animals, including an urge to fit into a social hierarchy. Discuss how school classes are "cohorts" too, with a large number of students all close to the same age.Think about the way kids in a class sort themselves out socially. How is their "pecking order" similar to that of a whooping crane cohort? How is it different? Write your thoughts in your journal, or discuss as a class.
Journey North is pleased to feature this educational
adventure made possible by the
Whooping Crane Eastern Partnership (WCEP).
Copyright
2003-2004 Journey North. All Rights Reserved.
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