October 22, 2003 Day 7 Outta There--On Longest Flight Yet! After flying over the autumn fields, all 16 are in their predator-proof enclosure in Green County, WI. Photos OM/WCEP After four days waiting for the winds to shift in their favor, the cranes and planes were airborne again at 8:10 a.m.! Conditions on the ground were calm with a light fog, and in the air it was even better. A tailwind of 5 mph helped the birds along on a flight that lasted 1 hour and 19 minutes. They're all safely settled for the night in Green County, Wisconsin, with another 46.1 miles added to their journey south. All 15 cranes (#303 went in a van until her leg is better) launched behind pilot Joe Duff, with Brooke Pennypacker flying chase. Upon arrival, Joe (with 3 cranes), Richard Van Heuvelen (with 1 crane) and Brooke (with how many cranes?) air-dropped their birds to waiting handlers and #303. Map the Migration Make your own map using the latest migration data Try This! Journaling Questions In their three flying days, how many miles have the cranes gone since leaving Necedah? If we use 1200 miles for an estimated journey, how many miles are left to fly? How might you explain why Joe landed with 3 birds and Richard and Brooke each landed with birds too? 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