Whooping cranes and Operation Migration
Whooping cranes could take off tomorrow from Lasalle county which is only 70 miles from Chicago. Operation Migration, which is in charge of this unique migration that raises chicks in order to reintroduce them to the wild, reports on their website that between 6:50 and 7:00 am CST tomorrow the ultra light aircraft will attempt to take off. They also have reported on their website that there is a possibility of delay if there is early morning fog.
There are less than 400 whooping cranes in the wild, so a chance to see the class of 2009 consisting of 20 cranes in flight so near to Chicago is definitely a unique event. Operation Migration has posted directions on their website where the public can view the birds in flight in the town of Sheridan, Illinois.
The next stop over for the cranes is Livingston County only fifty miles or so south, so there will be other chances to view the birds as they make their way to Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge about 65 miles north of St. Petersburg, Florida.
Operation Migration is a non-profit organization and could use your support. They have several options for donation on their website including one option of being a mile maker where you can pay for a mile, half-mile, or quarter-mile of this amazing migration.
Take an impromptu early morning trip and see the whooping cranes fly over or check it out on their webcam or as they refer to it on their twitter page the crane cam.
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Comments
Best of luck to the Cranes as they fly south. I will have to watch the news to see if they come somewhere close to me so I can see them.
That would be a terrific sight to behold. Wish I could see them.
Ted, you continue to prove that the most satisfying travel is that with a purpose beyond just marching around the usual points of interest. You always sweep me up in the spirit of adventure that most of us forget is waiting for us to explore.
I just loved this...Crane #906 is my favorite. I need to adopt him. I am really in love with birds, so thanks for the info. Wish I were closer to see them in person. Cheers!
i hope to see video of this.
This is a wonderful success story that's fun to read about. That photo of the big "mother bird" is cute.
What a sight that must be! Wish I could be there. Thanks for sharing!
Early morning fog, high humidity, cold, and first day of deer season did the migration in today. Migration staff was concerned the high humidity would make it hard for the birds to breathe and did not want to have to make an emergency landing in the middle of deer season.
Interesting read about a worthy activity..nice job.
Cheers..
I really enjoyed this article. Thanks!
It's very touching to read about human aid to these magnificent birds. You are very blessed to have an opportunity to witness such events.
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