Today's Report Includes:

• Chick Chat: Ready, Set, Almost Time to Go

• Meet the Team: Crane Quiz #6

• Booklet: "Meet the New Eastern Flock"

• CraneCam: Ringside Seat

• Weekly Migration Summaries: Posted Fridays

The class of 2009 is all in one pen now, and getting along great! No training for the past several days of bad weather meant all 21 birds had never flown together—until today. It was chaos! The pilots had wanted to lead them to a distant part of the refuge to spend “migration eve” in the portable travel pen but they just wouldn't leave. They will try that important move again tomorrow instead of leaving on migration. (See Timeline.)

Meanwhile, the migration team has hustled to update two travel pens to hold this year’s larger flock, find supplies for both birds and people, grease wheel bearings, fill propane tanks, load bird feed and treats, pack bags with personal gear, and more. Are they excited? Yes!

The migration covers about 1,285 miles in seven states. It's a grand adventure for birds only four to seven months old. When will they take off? The weather will decide! We’ll post a news flash and daily Web reports on Migration Day 1. Go cranes!

How many kids can say their dad flies with Whooping cranes? You'll find out when you meet the dedicated team that will lead the chicks on their first journey south. Click on photos that lead to the facts, here:

• Operation Migration Team 2009
• Meet the team in CRANE QUIZ #6
  (The quiz page includes a link to answers.)
  

Photo Mark Chenoweth

Some of the Team

You’ve met this year's chicks, but who are the 77 older birds (the ultralight "graduates") in the new Eastern flock? The flock includes braves and bullies, rebels and sweeties, heroes and cranks. One was expelled for being so mean and dangerous. One made headlines two years ago when he was lost for six long days on his journey south with the ultralights.

Every bird has a story! Meet a few more in the next of our pre-migration booklet/slide show series: “Meet the New Eastern Flock." See the Teacher Guide to extend your discoveries.

Click to see the chicks LIVE on the NEW Operation Migration CraneCam! >>

Weekly Summaries are posted (by email) to registered participants on FRIDAYS: Sep 4, 11, 18, 25; Oct 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; Nov. 6, 13, 20— or until this year's newest Eastern flock chicks reach their winter homes in Florida!

Pre-migration: Each Friday before migration, a brief e-mail notice gives current newsy tidbits and announces a downloadable booklet for building background knowledge.
During migration: When migration begins (expected October 10), the Friday e-mails will summarize the DAILY Highlight Updates that were posted on the Web during the week. You'll want to go to the Web for the latest maps, facts, photos, and fun!