Journey North News

Whooping Crane Migration Update: April 23, 1996

Now that 90% of the whooping cranes have left Texas, we say good-bye and thanks to Tom Stehn of Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. Although the cranes don't return until next November, Tom keeps a watchful eye on their wintering habitat year-round.

Today we introduce Wally Jobman, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Biologist based in Grand Island, Nebraska. For the past weeks he's been busily collecting field reports from observers along the cranes' migration trail for these regular reports. In addition, he shares his understanding of the affect of weather on migration in each update. Thank you, Wally!

Try This!

• Find daily weather maps on the Internet or in your local newspaper.
• Before reading his weekly report, see if you can predict how the weather will affect the cranes' migration. Each day ask: Is this a good day for migration in the Great Plains? Which way is the wind blowing? Is it clear or cloudy? Predict where you think the cranes will be reported next.
• Save the maps and compare Wally's description with the pictures you see. How is the cranes' migration affected by the weather patterns Wally describes?

To: Journey North
From: Wally Jobman, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Three whooping crane sightings have been confirmed in Saskatchewan, Canada! The first sighting was confirmed on April 15 at Blaine Lake (North of Saskatoon).

Since last Monday (April 15) good migrating weather occcurred on April 16 and 17 (warm south wind). A cold front on April 18 brought north winds and cooler temps until April 23 when winds switched to the south. Birds were migrating, but probably made slow progress. There was no severe weather during the week.

Note the large number of family groups which are being confirmed in Nebraska.

As of April 18 about 90% of the whooping cranes had left Aransas and begun migration.

Here are the new sightings reported since last week.

Date............Location...................................# Cranes Reported
04/12/96.......NEBRASKA, Wheeler County (NW of Ericson on the Cedar River) ...............2 +1 Cranes

04/12/96.......NEBRASKA, Rock/Keya Paha County (E and NE of Ainsworth) ...............6 Cranes

04/15/96.......NEBRASKA, Garfield County, North Loup River,(NW of Burwell) ...............4 + 1 Cranes

04/16/96.......NEBRASKA,Lincoln County, East of Maxwell (near North Platte) ...............5 Cranes

04/17-22/96....NEBRASKA, Sherman County,West & north of Loup City, (NW of Grand Island) ...............4 + 1 Cranes

04/18/96.......KANSAS, Stafford County (W of Hutchinson) ...............2 Cranes

04/19/96.......NORTH DAKOTA,Williams County,West & south of Tioga, (near Williston) ...............2 Cranes

04/20/96.......NEBRASKA, Hall County, West & north of Doniphan, (South of Grand Island) ...............2 + 1 Cranes

04/20-21/96....NEBRASKA,Hall County, West & north of Doniphan,(South of Grand Island) ...............2 + 1 Cranes

© Journey North 1996