August 25, 2003 First Group Flight Hooray! Today marked the first time all sixteen chicks formed up to fly with the ultralight as one large group. Seven birds flew off the left wingtip and nine off the right wingtip, just like they knew exactly what to do. They performed beautifully for their first flight as a large group. Last year the cranes didn't fly in one large group until September 22! First flight for all 16! Photos Heather Ray, WCEP   Try This! Journaling Question What are the advantages of flying as a group earlier in the training process? Why might this step have been delayed for the 2002 flock? 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. Please send all questions, comments, and suggestions to our feedback form