The flight started over three months ago approximately 25 miles northeast of my house. Eight five-month old Whooping Crane Chicks took their first flight away from their secure home pen and started a long, slow, flight to Florida.
Missed the live transmission? Check out earlier flights via YouTube. OM will probably post a video of today’s last flight in a few days, so please check back on YouTube.
If you’re interesting in learning more about Operation Migration and keeping current with news on this year’s eight chicks, check out OM’s often humorous, daily blog journal, In the Field.
The final portion of the flight of eight endangered Whooping Crane chicks raised in Green Lake County, Wisconsin this summer, and trained to fly following a UltraLite, (personal aircraft) has been safely completed. UltraLites, piloted by costumed handlers, serve as surrogate parents to teach the endangered birds their migration route. Destined for a backup to the natural (remaining wild born) Whooping Crane flock which migrate between Canada and the Texas coast, the UL trained birds wintering in Florida, will return north next spring without human intervention. Once taught the migration route it remains imprinted for life.
Now in Florida, the cameras are off. The two live video feeds are:
http://www.ustream.tv/flyingcranes
Live and awaiting the birds arrival at the St. Marks, Fl wintering pen site. This feed will be down until training begins again with new chicks next summer in Wisconsin.
http://www.ustream.tv/migratingcranes
If you missed today’s live transmission check back at this link. The camera feed could be working at St. Marks, Florida while the birds are adjusting to their new home. Next summer it will again be transmitting 24/7 at the Wisconsin pen site.
For more information on the Whooping Crane, one of ten rarest North American birds, please visit these sites:
http://www.operationmigration.org/
The Road Less Paved 