to Migration: September 15, 2006
Since last Friday, several rainy and windy days slowed
flight school in Central Wisconsin, so the chicks had little
flying time with the ultralight airplanes. But the two new
wild chicks (below) are both airborne!
Find 2 chicks and 2 adults. Click the photo for more.
Photo Chris Gullikson, Operation
the team hopes to move cohort 1 (the oldest 8 birds)
to the larger pen site where their 10 flock mates have
fairly peaceably. Blending the 3 training/age groups
into one flock is an important step before migration. (Last
this step happened on September 17.) All
birds are flying well and getting used to their new leg
bands with radio transmitters. Target date for migration
17 days away!
Flock: Getting to Know the Cranes
How wide is the age span between the youngest and the oldest
chicks this year? How do you suppose age difference affects the chicks'
training and flying ability? You'll find each chick's birth date
on its life history page. Click to see your favorite chick's birth
date and biography here:
While you're on the biography pages, look for some answers to three
new questions at the link below. It's Crane Quiz #2 as you meet the flock:
Week's Booklet to Build Background Knowledge: "Who
Am I? Imprinting"
Why must everyone in eyesight of the baby cranes hide in
baggy white sacks and always keep silent? How do these baby cranes
are whooping cranes and not another kind of bird? Find out how
experts help these baby cranes imprint correctly on their species
think about how these cranes are being trained and raised. That's
of the second booklet of our pre-migration series of six titles.
Plan on another booklet each week as a great way to build background
the coming migration. Each booklet comes in .pdf format, ready
to print, fold, and enjoy.
Invited: 6th Annual Whooping Crane Festival
Are you lucky enough to live anywhere near Tomah, Wisconsin? If so, come
to the Whooping Crane Festival on the grounds of the nearby (17 miles away)
Airport on September 16. It's your chance to see the ultralight planes
and meet the migration team
at the festive outdoor event!
to Migration: Posted
Summaries are posted to registered participants on FRIDAYS: Sep 1,
8, 15, 22, 29; Oct 6, 13, 20, 27; Nov. 3, 10, 17. . .or until this
Eastern whooper chicks reach their winter home in Florida!
Friday, a brief e-mail notice gives current newsy tidbits and announces
a downloadable booklet for building background.
During migration: When migration begins (target date
is October 1), the Friday e-mails will summarize the DAILY Highlight
Updates that were posted daily on the Web during
the week. You'll
want to go to the Web for the latest
maps, facts, photos, and fun)
You Next Friday, September 22!
North is pleased to feature this educational adventure presented
in cooperation with the Whooping
Crane Eastern Partnership (WCEP).
2006 Journey North. All Rights Reserved.
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