Today’s flight began as migration departure but turned into a training flight instead. The cranes and planes met strong winds aloft, and these inexperienced colts need near-perfect flying conditions to fly 23 miles to Stopover #1. Will tomorrow (target departure date plus 3 days) bring Migration Day 1?

Today's Report Includes:

• Latest Chick Chat: Almost a Go
• Mile-a-Thon: Fitness and Fun

What a week! The target departure date of Oct. 5 changed and the migration is still at the start line. Stopover #1 was changed from 4 miles away to 23 miles away because wet conditions made it too soggy for planes and pens. The Class of 2010 is down to eleven brave birds after the loss of #11 and #4. And today’s flight was a migration departure that turned into a training flight instead when the cranes and planes met strong winds aloft. These inexperienced colts need near-perfect flying conditions to fly the long distance of 23 miles to Stopover #1. The team hopes tomorrow (target departure date plus 3) will bring perfect conditions! Meanwhile, see Oct. 8 photo gallery for a glimpse of what's ahead!

Weekly Summaries are posted (by email) to registered participants on FRIDAYS: Sep 3, 10, 17, 24; Oct 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; Nov. 5, 12, 19 — or until this year's newest "ultra-chicks" reach their winter home 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 (October 5 is revised target date), 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!