|
| Date: |
November 30,
2006 - Entry 3 |
Reporter: |
Liz Condie |
| Subject: |
Vote
us off the island |
Location: |
Cumberland
County, TN |
| Distance Traveled: |
Migration Day 57 - 0
Miles |
Accumulated Distance: |
674.8
miles |
I don't
get a chance to watch much TV. I'm more of a channel
surfer than a watcher in any event. But when I do try to
tune in, it seems much of the programming consists of so
called 'reality' shows. To my thinking they appear to be
about as far from reality as one can get, and while I know
that for many they are a 'must see,' they leave me cold.
At one time or another however I've persevered to watch
snippets, or even a whole show of Survivor, The
Apprentice, America's Top Model, etc. Standing in the
morning circle today I thought.....now I know how the
shows' participants must feel; packing up, gathering
together, and waiting with anticipation to find out their
fate. The difference of course being that the shows'
participants hope not to be sent packing whereas we
can hardly wait to go.
Each morning this past week I joined the crew in jumping
out of bed, packing up my bits and pieces to have
everything at the ready in the hope of a departure. Not
that one ever really unpacks. Every night I remove some
clean clothes for the morning from my suitcase which
'lives' in the back seat of my car. Then every morning I
stuff my dirty clothes in a bag in the trunk. So packing
and unpacking isn't what one would call onerous. It pretty
much consists of toiletries, PJs, my laptop, all its
accoutrements, and two good old OM sailcloth totebags with
all my files and papers. Good thing its warm enough for
bare feet in shoes though because I haven't seen any of my
socks in two days.
Chris Gullikson, our resident meteorologist, tells us we
will awake to thunderstorms tomorrow morning, followed by
a chance of light snow by lunchtime – all of which makes
it an unlikely fly day.
On a more cheery note, take a look at the photo below sent
to us by Margaret Black, from the Harriett Todd Public
School in Orillia, Ontario. Her class is in the midst of a
cool project. They are making 18 paper mache Whooping
cranes and so far have five finished. They are (left to
right) 614, 620, 610, 601, and my personal
favorite, little 602. Margaret tells me that the
kids will have all 18 finished in time to join in their
Arrival Event celebrations.
View the photo
here on the Craniac Kids in Action Canada page.
We have another visual treat for you today. More video.
Click the following link to watch - but take note it is a
long clip and takes a while to load.
Class of '06 takes off
|
| Date: |
November 30,
2006 - Entry 2 |
Reporter: |
Liz Condie |
| Subject: |
Wood Buffalo/Aransas Migration Update |
Location: |
Cumberland
County, TN |
| Distance Traveled: |
Migration Day 57 - 0
Miles |
Accumulated Distance: |
674.8
miles |
On his
aerial census done yesterday, Tom Stehn, USFWS Whooping
Crane Coordinator at Aransas NWR reported finding only 208
Whooping cranes - 169 adults and 39 chicks. He said while
he found no new Whooping cranes on yesterday's flight, it
was not unexpected as there had been no favorable
migration conditions at Aransas since his previous flight
on November 22nd.
"Numerous cranes were overlooked including the twin family
at the Big Tree Marsh," said Tom. "The current flock size
estimate is 190 adults + 45 chicks = 235. This includes
224 estimated present at Aransas plus 11 cranes still on
migration. The 11 includes a twin family in Kansas and a
one-chick family seen November 25th in northern Oklahoma."
Tom said he still has a few gaps in the territorial
distribution of cranes at Aransas, so he is definitely
expecting more cranes to arrive.
"Census conditions were somewhat difficult with haze that
kept building up on the windshield, and light conditions
that kept changing from sunny to overcast," reported Tom.
"Thirty-eight cranes were observed in flight or having
changed location during the census, so I struggled with
finding all the cranes and preventing duplicate counts of
the same birds."
Although some new information was gained Tom told us, he
said he wasn’t able to find all the family groups, so its
possible one of the family groups reported last week was a
duplicate sighting.
Tom noted that, "the marshes are getting salty, measured
yesterday at 24 ppt, slightly above the threshold for when
the cranes must seek out fresh water to drink. Ten cranes
were found at freshwater ponds on the flight. Twelve
cranes were found on uplands, 2 cranes on prescribed
burns, and 0 in open bays. A crab count at Aransas done
November 28th found numerous crabs and wolfberries, the
food items the cranes are currently focusing on."
On November 27th, Tom drove to the Lamar Unit of Aransas
NWR where he observed a crane reported having arrived from
migration with a limp. "His limp is very noticeable," Tom
said, "but the crane was covering ground as it foraged and
was alert. I could not see any break in the leg above the
tibiotarsus, and the leg was held in the correct plane as
the bird walked." Tom said that the situation would be
monitored.
|
| Date: |
November 30,
2006 - Entry 1 |
Reporter: |
Liz Condie |
| Subject: |
Word of the Day |
Location: |
Cumberland
County, TN |
| Distance Traveled: |
Migration Day 57 - 0
Miles |
Accumulated Distance: |
674.8
miles |
|
|
| Date: |
November 29,
2006 - Entry 2 |
Reporter: |
Marie Brady |
| Subject: |
Word of the Day |
Location: |
Cumberland
County, TN |
| Distance Traveled: |
Migration Day 56 - 0
Miles |
Accumulated Distance: |
674.8
miles |
The word of the day is Zugunruhe (pronounced
zook-oon-roo-ha). Zugunruhe comes from the German words
zug (move, migration) and unruhe (anxiety, restlessness).
It is used to describe the seasonal increase of activity
in birds and other animals coinciding with the time of
year they usually migrate.
Typical migratory preparations include eating more (birds
rely on fat stores to get them through migration), taking
short practice flights, congregating in flocks, and
increasing activity during the time of day the bird
usually migrates.
Zugunruhe has
been described in both migratory and non-migratory species
of birds. In 1967 Eberhard Gwinner and Barbara Helm
provided the first experimental evidence that innate,
annual rhythms can exist in non-migratory birds.
This suggests that migratory restlessness is a common
avian feature and may help them escape unfavorable
conditions or habitat disturbances even in species that
are not traditionally migratory. For cranes, they become
more active during the day since they use air thermals to
migrate. For migratory songbirds, they are more active at
night when they take the skies, under cover of darkness,
probably to avoid other avian predators.
Many birds, including songbirds, know when to migrate and
where to go without parental help. Other birds, such as
Whooping cranes and geese, exhibit zugunruhe, but have to
be led by their parents or other flock-mates to their
wintering grounds. We all know that is the reason why OM's
job us so important in order to establish a new migratory
population of Whooping cranes.
Birds are not the only animals guilty of zugunruhe. We
too, confined to our stopover in Cumberland County, TN for
seven days are anxikous to get on the road again. Now, if
only the winds would cooperate...
|
| Date: |
November 29,
2006 - Entry 1 |
Reporter: |
Liz Condie |
| Subject: |
Wind, Wind, Wind, Wind, Wind. |
Location: |
Cumberland
County, TN |
| Distance Traveled: |
Migration Day 56 - 0
Miles |
Accumulated Distance: |
674.8
miles |
We are still in the grip of the winds emanating from the high pressure
system sitting off the coast of the Carolinas.
At altitude the winds are out of the southwest at 33mph.
We are grounded.
It's a balmy 54 degrees in Cumberland County this morning.
On the ground we have 6mph winds out of the south,
overcast skies, and the forecast calls for a slight chance
of rain showers.
Since catching up with the crew, I've been working on
downloading photos they have taken from all their cameras
and computers. Some have been posted to the photo journal
already, and hope to have more for you over the next day
or so - as well as some more video!!! Having a bit of
trouble converting the video, but Chris and Joe have been
working on it and we think it is figured out.
Stopover Trivia - State of
Tennessee (by VN (Vi) White)
The state of Tennessee, known for its beautiful scenery
and the Grand Ole Opry, made an important contribution to
international history in World War II. This fact, and the
involvement of the town of Oak Ridge would not be known
until the use of the atomic bomb against Japan in 1945.
Oak Ridge is located near Knoxville in East Tennessee in
the Ridge-and Valley Appalachian area. Major General
Leslie Groves, military head of the Manhattan Project, was
instrumental in choosing it as the secret site of the K-25
gaseous diffusion plant for the separation of U-235 from
U-238. The building itself covered 44 acres, and at the
time, was the largest building in the world.
The Army Corps of Engineers acquired 60,000 acres of land
for the construction of three more plants, S-50, Y-12 and
X-10, in late 1942. Guard towers and a fence surrounded
the entire complex of plants where, working under assumed
names, Enrico Fermi and his colleagues developed the
world's first sustained nuclear reaction leading to the
atomic bomb that ended the war.
After the war, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, as it became
known, shifted its focus to research in medicine, biology,
materials and physics. The term "nano-info-bio" describes
its present expanded research into cross-disciplinary
programs in nano-phase materials, computation sciences and
biology.
|
| Date: |
November 28,
2006 - Entry 2 |
Reporter: |
Liz Condie |
| Subject: |
White
Bird Migration Update |
Location: |
Cumberland
County, TN |
| Distance Traveled: |
Migration Day 55 - 0
Miles |
Accumulated Distance: |
674.8
miles |
Tracking and Monitory Team Report as of November 25
Trackers: R. Urbanek, T. Love, S. Grover, A. Rohde, S.
Kerley, and S. Zimorski
In the highlights below, females are indicated by *.
Locations are in Wisconsin unless indicated otherwise. DAR
= direct autumn release. The eastern migratory population
contains 65 birds (36 males and 29 females).
Wisconsin
208
and 313*, 212 and 419*, 213 and 218*, 312* and 316, DAR
627 and DAR632*, 407 and 508*
Autumn
Migration – last known locations
Excellent migration conditions occurred in the northern
part of the migration route on 19 November, and 28
whooping cranes began migration on that date. At the end
of the week, only 12 whooping cranes (5 pairs and 2 DAR
juveniles) remained in Wisconsin. At week’s end
distribution was: Wisconsin (12), Illinois (2), Indiana
(16), Tennessee (1), Florida (18), and undetermined (16).
101 and 202* - Arrived Citrus County, FL on Nov. 23
102*, 201* and 306 – Daviess County, IN on Nov. 24
105 and 204* - Found in Hernando County, FL on Nov. 24
107* - Jackson County, IN as of Nov. 12
205 – found in Pasco County, FL on Nov. 24
209* and 416 – in Newton County, IN as of Nov. 19
216 – SW Indiana as of Nov. 19
301* and 311 – near Lafayette, IN as of Nov. 20
303* and 317 – 30 miles south of Jasper-Pulaski on Nov. 22
307, 501*, 511, 521, and 519* - Northern IL as of Nov. 9
309* and 520* - Wabash County, IL as of Nov. 22
310, 420, 403, 412 – North eastern IL as of Nov. 19
318 – last detected in Mason County, MI on Oct. 20
401 – detected in flight over Pasco County, FL on Nov. 24
408 and 501* - Greene County, IN on Nov. 22
415* - transmitter nonfunctional. A Whooping crane found
in Madison County, FL during an aerial survey Nov 22 is
believed to be 415* as this is her usual wintering area.
420* - Jasper-Pulaski SFWA, IN on Nov. 11
502*, 503, and 507* - arrived Marion and Levy Counties, FL
Nov. 10
505 and 506 – found roosting near the Halpata Tastanaki
pensite in Marion County, FL on Nov. 24 then detected in
flight in Citrus County with 521* on Nov. 25. The group
roosed in Hardee County, FL.
509 – Lake County, FL on Nov. 22
514 - has not been detected since his stop in Ford County,
IL
516 - Landed briefly at the Chassahowitzka NWR pensite
Nov. 23 before resuming flight southeastward to roost at
an undetermined location.
516 – last detected in Citrus County Nov. 25
523 and 524 – found north of the Halpata pensite, Marion
County, FL Nov. 22
DAR527* - Jasper-Pulaska SFWA, IN Nov. 25
DAR528* - Jasper County, IN Nov. 25
DAR532 – last detected in flight in Dixie County, FL Nov.
22.
DAR533* - Meigs County, TN Nov. 25
DAR626 and DAR628 – Jackson County, IN Nov. 25
The
First Family
The
First Family (211 and 217* and W601) roosted in Vermillion
and Parke Counties, IN and remained there through the end
of the week.
Florida
Confirmed in Florida are 101 and 202*, 105 and 204*, 205,
401, 415*, 502*, 503, 507*, 505, 506, 512*, 509, 516, 523,
524, and 532.
Thanks to Windway Capital Corporation and pilots Mike
Frakes and Gene Calkins, Marty Folk (Florida Fish and
Wildlife Conservation Commission), Jim Bergens (Indiana
DNR), staff of Muscatatuck NWR (FWS), and Wally Akins
(Tennessee WRA) for tracking assistance.
|
| Date: |
November 28,
2006 - Entry 1 |
Reporter: |
Liz Condie |
| Subject: |
No air
time again today |
Location: |
Cumberland
County, TN |
| Distance Traveled: |
Migration Day 55 - 0
Miles |
Accumulated Distance: |
674.8
miles |
We're stuck in Cumberland County for the sixth day. At
3,000 feet we have 25 mph winds out of the southeast. On
the ground there is a smattering of rain - but it is the
kind where you can walk between the drops and not get wet.
No frost this morning. At 47 degrees F it is much warmer
this morning than it has been for the past few days.
The longest the
Team has been held up in Cumberland County was in 2004
when they were grounded for four days. Today, being the
sixth day here, means the record has fallen - another
record we would rather not have beaten.
Where were we on November 28th in previous years?
2001 – South Suwannee County, FL
2002 – Hamilton County, FL
2003 – Meigs County, TN (Hiwassee)
2004 – Walker County, GA
2005 – Meigs County, TN (Hiwassee)
|
| Date: |
November 27,
2006 - Entry 2 |
Reporter: |
Joe Duff |
| Subject: |
Looking forward |
Location: |
Cumberland
County, TN |
| Distance Traveled: |
Migration Day 54 - 0
Miles |
Accumulated Distance: |
674.8
miles |
One of the features I like about our website is the guest
book. It is a great connection to the people that support
this project and after another long, depressing stay in
one spot it helps to spend a few minutes reading the
encouraging words that are often posted there. It's
like a rallying cry or a pep talk when you need it most.
The guest book is also a source of feedback for the
updates we post. We try to explain the logic behind some
of our methods but none of us are writers and oversights
are not uncommon. The guest book is a way to clear up the
misconceptions we have unwittingly created. Please keep
the questions, comments and encouragement coming. It all
helps.
If more than a few people ask the same question in the
guest book we we'll
try to address it in an update. After we posted a close up
photo of one of the cranes looking straight into the
camera we received this comment from a long time
supporter.
"I find it fascinating that the whooper's eyes are not on
the sides of their heads like most birds, but
are kinda human-like and they look you right in the
eye!"
A lot of birds have completely black eyes, little shiny
domes on the sides of their heads that don’t seem to move
except for the odd blink. Cranes, like humans, have a dark
pupil surrounded by a lighter iris and this definition
allows us to see where they are looking. It somehow adds
life and expression to their eyes and helps us relate to
them because they are more familiar. When crane chicks are
young their iris is grey but as they mature it turns a
striking yellow. As a species,
they are no more curious than many other birds,
with the exception of
Corvids (members of the crow family) but with
distinguishable pupils they seem to focus more intently,
leaving the impression they are more intelligent than some
of their actions
attest.
People often make the same mistake with me.
Although it appears that a bird has eye on the sides of
its head, their vision actually overlaps ahead of them. If
you’ve ever had to wear an eye patch, you might remember
reaching for your cup and missing the target. Your grasp
is short or too long and you either grope the air or spill
your coffee. This is because our depth perception is based
on binocular
vision. We use two eyes, looking at the same thing, from
slightly different perspectives to judge distance. It is
simple triangulation and all creature that can move
quickly need binocular
vision to avoid collisions or to target their prey. By the
same token,
there is great advantage in being able to see behind you,
if you are the prey. Some creatures, like us, can only see
forward with limited peripheral vision but others can scan
for threats on either side or behind. Birds, however
combine the best of both allowing them to see in a arc of
250 degrees or better but with overlapping vision in front
so they can
execute
those perfect
landings that make us envious.
"After reading the update from the Aransas/Wood Buffalo
flock, I was wondering. How many Whooping Cranes can the
Necedah area support? Could this flock reach the size of
the A/WB flock?"
The Necedah National Wildlife Refuge is located in the
middle of an 1800 square mile glacial lakebed from the
last ice age that created a natural basin and beautiful
wetlands. The refuge itself is approximately 44,000 acres
and it's surrounded by a much larger area of good habitat.
In fact this part of Wisconsin is home to some of the
countries largest cranberry producers. It could easily
accommodate many more Whooping cranes than it would take
to create a self sustaining population.
|
| Date: |
November 27,
2006 - Entry 1 |
Reporter: |
Liz Condie |
| Subject: |
Staying Put |
Location: |
Cumberland
County, TN |
| Distance Traveled: |
Migration Day 54 - 0
Miles |
Accumulated Distance: |
674.8
miles |
It
promises to be another beautiful fall day on the
Cumberland Plateau, and unfortunately we will all be here
to enjoy it. It is currently 40 degrees F and the flags
are as still as the dead, but aloft, 23mph south winds are
rushing over the ridge. Chalk up Day 5 in Cumberland
County.
|
| Date: |
November 26,
2006 - Entry 2 |
Reporter: |
Liz Condie |
| Subject: |
Great
Theatre |
Location: |
Cumberland
County, TN |
| Distance Traveled: |
Migration Day 53 - 0
Miles |
Accumulated Distance: |
674.8
miles |
Eleven OM'ers make a good size dinner
group. But the gang around the dinner table grew even
larger last night. In addition to Mark Nipper and Angie
Maxted dropping by, ICF's Tracker and aviculturalist Sara
Zimorski and Windway tracking pilot Gene, stopped in, as
did Joan Garland, also with ICF. Joan is doing outreach
along the migration route for WCEP’s Communications and
Outreach Team. Our host also had a few guests over, so we
quickly became a quite a crowd.
Walter was astute enough to realize that not only were we
a crowd, we could also be an audience, and a captive one
at that. So he worked all day refining his slide show
documenting the field trip he made last July to the
Badlands of Montana in search of dinosaur fossils.
Walt, who in his 'real life' is the Assistant Director of
the North Carolina State Museum of Natural Science, was
one of ten people on the expedition. He treated us all to
a slide show presentation documenting their trip and their
work at the various sites.
It is one thing to watch TV shows and documentaries
featuring archeologists and paleontologists on digs around
the world. It is entirely another to listen to someone you
know personally, tell the story of their adventure, and
see the photo record of their explorations. That it all
took place right here in our 'own backyard' made his story
even more intriguing.
Walter told us that not only did they dig up one dinosaur,
an Edmontasarus, they found 5 new dinosaurs of various
specious. 80% of the Edmontasarus (about 2,600 pounds) was
shipped back to the museum for study by their
paleontologists. Walt, the lucky devil, will be going back
again this coming summer to resume the dig. Amazing people
in this little OM crew.
|
| Date: |
November 26,
2006 - Entry 1 |
Reporter: |
Liz Condie |
| Subject: |
Going
Nowhere |
Location: |
Cumberland
County, TN |
| Distance Traveled: |
Migration Day 53 - 0
Miles |
Accumulated Distance: |
674.8
miles |
Winds at altitude are out of the
south at 19mph this morning. Grounded - again.
My body clock is out of whack it seems. I've gone from
waking up 4ishAM to 3ishAM. Despite the early hour, by the
time I was cleaned up, dressed and on the computer, I had
company. Walter, the Team's unfailing early riser joined
me and we worked while we waited for the rest of the crew
to make an appearance.
One by one they all emerged from their warm beds to join
the morning circle - which had two extra faces this
morning. Mark Nipper and Angie Maxted dropped in to camp
last night on their way back from visiting relatives in
Illinois for Thanksgiving. It was great see them and to
catch up on their news.
Wind Trivia
Wikipedia defines Wind as the horizontal
movement of air caused by uneven heating of the earth's
surface. The heating of land surfaces generates local
breezes, and where there is a difference in barometric
pressure between two air masses, a wind arises between the
two. Winds always flow from areas of high to areas of low
pressure, merging until they achieve the same pressure.
'Synoptic winds' are winds associated with large-scale
events, such as warm and cold fronts, and are a part of
what make up our everyday weather. Winds in the northern
hemisphere always flow clockwise around a high pressure
area, and counter clockwise around a low pressure area.
This morning, a high pressure system
off the coast of the Carolina's is generating a wide
swathe of wind - ergo we have winds out of the south.
|
| Date: |
November 25,
2006 - Entry 3 |
Reporter: |
Brooke
Pennypacker |
| Subject: |
The
Cumberland Challenge |
Location: |
Cumberland
County, TN |
| Distance Traveled: |
Migration Day 52 - 0
Miles |
Accumulated Distance: |
674.8
miles |
Another down day. We sit around the
table sipping our cups of frustration as the strong and
contrary wind conditions aloft again deny us access to a
safe corridor over the Cumberland Ridge, and our next stop
at Hiwassee. As we sit in the shadow of the ridge in
company of flags displaying not the slightest quiver, we
hear it calling out to us - taunting us, "Come on up here
you frail humans in your fragile flying machines, and
bring your birds. Come On. Make my day!"
Again today we have chosen not to heed its siren call, for
we well know the trap that awaits. It is true that if the
inevitable rodeo bull ride would end in only 8 seconds, we
might attempt it. But the ridge is not so merciful. The
ridge unleashes its arsenal of invisible forces on us,
pounding us right then left, up then down, the horizon
spasming almost to vertical and back while we struggle to
maintain flight control and avoiding hitting a bird.
But your mind instinctively knows what it must do; how it
must shift its gears to cope and defy these turbulent
forces. It knows such battles are won by strength of mind
and not of body. The mind repeats its zen-like mantra over
and over, "Be here now, " for any thoughts of having to
battle these forces other than in the pure instant of the
present would only weaken its resolve allowing fatigue,
doubt, and fear to intrude, perhaps fatally undermining
the effort.
At such times, the body is transformed into a mass of
adrenalin, sweat, and fatigue, and it is the mind - always
the mind, that takes command and guides us to a safe
outcome. Later, sometimes days later, we talk about such
experiences, but not much, and not often, for there is
simply no reason to. Each of us knows our experience was
shared by the others. It is not a macho thing. It is just
that we don’t have the words. And don’t need them.
Today we chose not to challenge the ridge; not to
foolishly stick our chins out in defiance of forces over
which we know we cannot prevail, for we hear and heed the
wisdom in the old pilots' adage; 'It is far better to be
on the ground wishing you were in the air, than in the air
wishing you were on the ground.'
|
| Date: |
November 25,
2006 - Entry 2 |
Reporter: |
Liz Condie |
| Subject: |
Wood
Buffalo/Aransas Migration Update |
Location: |
Cumberland
County, TN |
| Distance Traveled: |
Migration Day 52 - 0
Miles |
Accumulated Distance: |
674.8
miles |
Below is
the latest report on the migration progress of the Wood
Buffalo/Aransas population from Tom Stehn, USFWS Whooping
Crane Coordinator at the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge.
On his aerial census conducted in ideal conditions
on November 22nd, Tom found 182 adults and 42 chicks for a
total of 224 Whooping cranes. This is an increase of 16
birds (13 adults + 3 juveniles) since the last census. The
new arrivals, which included 3 family groups, are believed
to have arrived with favorable migration conditions at
Aransas November 15-16 and November 19-20.
"The flight was long, but very rewarding," Tom said. "The
total of 224 cranes is the highest ever made at Aransas
including counts going back to 1938." He said, "In
addition to the 224 cranes already at Aransas, there are 8
cranes in migration still being monitored in Kansas,
including one pair with two chicks."
This brings the current projection of the size of the
Aransas/Wood Buffalo flock to 232, twelve more than last
winter's peak population of 220. The 42 chicks currently
at Aransas is also an all-time high. The previous high was
34 chicks in 2004. Six sets of 'twins' are also present,
causing the previous record of four sets in 1958 to fall.
In Tom's remarks he noted, "The ideal census conditions
allowed us to concentrate on looking for color-banded
Whooping cranes. Eight more banded birds were confirmed
present. A family group that is stained brown on the legs
and bellies that may have walked into a pond containing an
oily substance sometime during the migration was located
on their territory on Matagorda Island.
One of the adults was banded YbY-Y in 1987 and was last
observed on November 7th at Salt Plains National Wildlife
Refuge in northern Oklahoma. This family was believed
present at Aransas on the November 15th flight, but on
that day we were unable to fly low enough to see the
staining on the legs. Although the discoloration is
clearly evident, it is difficult to see from the air
because we are looking down on the birds. From my brief
look from the air, the family seemed to behave just like
any other cranes."
"On this flight, 3 cranes were sighted at fresh water
sources and 4 were on uplands. Salinities have risen
recently, measured November 20 at 25 ppt in the refuge
boat canal and 29 ppt in the adjacent marsh. The upland
use included a family group foraging on areas uprooted by
feral hogs on Matagorda Island. They were located very
close to the dunes on Matagorda Island, the furthest away
from the salt marsh I have ever seen cranes on Matagorda.
Tides had dropped noticeably since last week, with 10
cranes observed in open water on today’s flight compared
to none last week. Most of the rest of the cranes are
currently foraging on blue crabs and wolfberries."
"Several territorial chases were observed as established
pairs defend their territories and usually are able to
keep all other cranes out of their territory. There appear
to be a few territorial pairs that have not yet completed
the migration, although this involves uncertainties as
sub-adult duos usually seem to occupy these areas until
pushed out."
Tom's thanks, and ours, go to pilot Dr. Tom Taylor who has
come out of retirement to conduct crane flights this fall.
|
| Date: |
November 25,
2006 - Entry 1 |
Reporter: |
Liz Condie |
| Subject: |
Ditto Yesterday |
Location: |
Cumberland
County, TN |
| Distance Traveled: |
Migration Day 52 - 0
Miles |
Accumulated Distance: |
674.8
miles |
The shortest way to describe today's activity is to
say,"ditto yesterday". Looking up as I walked down the
long driveway from 'bed to coffee machine', the sky was so
clear it looked like a giant crystal studded pincushion.
But even I could feel that the wind at ground level had
picked up noticeably from last evening. At altitude it was
worse and from the wrong direction. There will be no
movement again today. Drats!
Now that I am in the field with the crew perhaps the whip
that I try to crack from the office will have more effect
at close range. Assuming I can get them all trembling in
fear in their rubber steeled-toed boots, (ya, like that's
gonna happen) there may be both photos and video for you
to see late today.
|
| Date: |
November 24,
2006 - Entry 4 |
Reporter: |
Joe Duff |
| Subject: |
Time Zones and Tests |
Location: |
Cumberland
County, TN |
| Distance Traveled: |
Migration Day 51 - 0
Miles |
Accumulated Distance: |
674.8
miles |
During the two months it takes us to lead the birds from
Wisconsin to Florida we probably cross the line between
the Eastern and Central time zone about six times. Add in
daylight savings, or the lack of it, and we are left
comparing watches to GPS units to cell phones with no real
conclusion. Some of the locals refer to is as "fast time
and slow time". This morning was a classic example of the
confusion that results. Some of the crew were up an hour
too early and others had to be rousted out of warm beds.
The predawn air was calm and cold and seemed perfect for
flying. But Chris checked the websites for weather models
and reported that the winds at 3000 feet were blowing out
of the east at 30 knots. The Cumberland Ridge just south
of us reaches up 2800 feet and we generally have enough
altitude to clear it at tree top level. That would put us
in the same conditions we faced yesterday - only the
mountains are higher and we have farther to go.
The last thing any of us wanted to do was repeat
that horrendous journey. We fought with the control bars
of our aircraft so hard that we were left with stiff
muscles. Last night on the phone I told my wife that my
arms were sore from flying. She said that after this many
years I should finally have it right and she reminded me
one more time - that we are supposed to fly the airplanes
and the birds are supposed to follow behind.
You know when you get together with close friends and the
next day your cheeks are sore from laughing so much? Well,
this morning I had the same feeling, only it was my other
cheeks that hurt from being squeezed so tight during our
last flight.
According to the forecast, the wind gradient should widen
tomorrow meaning calmer winds over the ridge. Let’s hope
they’re right.
|
| Date: |
November 24,
2006 - Entry 3 |
Reporter: |
Liz Condie |
| Subject: |
First Whooping crane arrival confirmed on Chassahowitzka NWR |
Location: |
Cumberland
County, TN |
| Distance Traveled: |
Migration Day 51 - 0
Miles |
Accumulated Distance: |
674.8
miles |
Intern Tally Love tracked yearling 516 to Chassahowitzka
NWR yesterday. He landed and stayed at the pensite in the
late afternoon and then carried on southeastward to roost
at an undetermined location.
516 was one of the twenty-eight Whooping cranes that began
their migration November 19th. Richard Urbanek said, "For
most of that day he flew in a large Sandhill crane flock
that also contained 216 and 532. He roosted that night at
an undetermined location in southwestern Indiana and by
November 21st he was in southern Georgia. He reached
Madison County, FL November 22 and roosted there. His
arrival at Chassahowitzka was completed 5 consecutive
flight days after beginning migration."
516 missed several legs of the 2005 ultralight-led
migration south due to an injury he suffer in flight.
Richard noted that he showed flight impairment over the
winter, but that it was no longer evident when he migrated
north in the spring.
"He and 522 migrated on an easterly track which placed
them in Lower Michigan where they separated," said Urbanek.
"516 was retrieved and released at Necedah in May and in
June he moved into Dane County where he stayed until
migrating."
|
| Date: |
November 24,
2006 - Entry 2 |
Reporter: |
Liz Condie |
| Subject: |
Wild602
remains found |
Location: |
Cumberland
County, TN |
| Distance Traveled: |
Migration Day 51 - 0
Miles |
Accumulated Distance: |
674.8
miles |
Dr. Richard Urbanek of the USF&WS reported that remains of
the missing wild-hatched Whooping crane chick were found
yesterday on an island in East Rynearson Pool on the
Necedah NWR. It was last seen the evening of September
12th foraging alone in the First Family's territory.
Earlier that day its parents and sibling had flown south
off the refuge and the parents did not return to their
territory until September 20.
The island where chick remains were found was frequently
used as a roost site by the First Family during the
summer. Its remains were approximately 330 feet from the
location were it was last seen. "The chick was likely
killed by a predator shortly after that observation," said
Richard Urbanek, "probably on that night." Richard went on
to say that,"The remains were more visible today because
of seasonal degradation of obscuring vegetation and the
scattering of the remains by scavengers."
As with all the other birds in the reintroduced
population, the two wild-hatched chicks were given
identifying numbers. The larger, dominant chick was
referred to a W601, and the smaller chick as W602. The
survivor is the larger chick, W601.
W601 and its parents, 211 and 217*, started their
migration from Necedah November 19th. As of
yesterday they were still at their first migration stop in
Parke County Indiana.
|
| Date: |
November 24,
2006 - Entry 1 |
Reporter: |
Liz Condie |
| Subject: |
Strong
Headwinds = 0 Miles |
Location: |
Somewhere in
Georgia |
| Distance Traveled: |
Migration Day 51 - 0
Miles |
Accumulated Distance: |
674.8
miles |
There will be no movement today. The Team woke to clear
skies, but aloft there were 24 mph headwinds. They will
wait until tomorrow and hope for conditions that will
allow them to tackle the Cumberland Ridge - the 'Beast'.
Public Viewing Opportunity in Meigs County
Once again this year, Craniacs and the public will have an
opportunity to view a departure flyover from the Gazebo on
the Hiwassee Refuge.
Currently, the earliest potential for this would be
Sunday, November
26th.
As always, please remember the day's weather determines
our ability to fly, so keep in mind it may or may not
happen. Watch the Field Journal for updates and info. To
see any 'hoped for' departure we suggest you be on site by
7am.
The Hiwassee State Wildlife Refuge is between the towns of
Dayton and Cleveland Tennessee. To reach the refuge from
I-75 take exit number 25 onto Highway 60 and go north on
60 toward Dayton passing through the small town of
Birchwood. Brown signs will lead you east (right) on to
Shadden Road, then right on to Blythe Ferry Lane, and left
onto Priddy Road. Priddy Road is a one lane road with
two-way traffic, so drive with caution as you go to the
parking area and gazebo.
Stopover Trivia - Cumberland
County, TN (by VN (Vi) White)
Located between Knoxville and
Nashville, Cumberland County lies on the Cumberland
Plateau, named for the mountains that, curiously, were
named for the Duke of Cumberland, a younger son of King
George II of England.
75% forested and at elevations of 1700 to 1900 feet, (with
some mountains over 3000 feet) Cumberland County is
relatively unoccupied compared to other parts of Tennessee
because of the ruggedness of the terrain.
The impassable high bluffs of the eastern face of the
Cumberland Plateau daunted settlers wanting to move west.
After the discovery of the Cumberland Gap, bands of
settlers headed for places beyond the plateau making
Cumberland County "The Road to Somewhere Else". Today
Interstate 40 follows much of the original route.
Crossville, the county seat of Cumberland County was
founded in1890 and now has a population of about 9,000.
The area offers much for outdoor enthusiasts, golf,
canoeing, horseback riding, hiking and backpacking. It is
known as the Golf Capital of Tennessee for the 17 golf
courses in the area, including Bear Trace, a Jack Nicklaus
signature course.
|
| Date: |
November 23,
2006 - Entry 3 |
Reporter: |
Liz Condie |
| Subject: |
In my
next life…. |
Location: |
Somewhere in
Georgia |
| Distance Traveled: |
Migration Day 50 - 0
Miles |
Accumulated Distance: |
674.8
miles |
A Day in the life of a 'migrating'
Snowbird
Up and on the computer by 4:00am, but that’s usual during
migration season so not a particular hardship – other than
the sad and guilty feelings at leaving my puppy at a
kennel last night kept me from catching much sleep.
Serious Internet separation anxiety set in at 5:00am when
I had to shut the computer down and get it and all the
peripherals packed up. Time for a fast shower, a few gulps
of coffee while I donned my warpaint, and pulled on layer
on layer of clothes in anticipation of having to peel them
off as the day went on.
At 6:00am it was out the door to brave the commuter
traffic enroute to the airport for an 8:00am check-in for
my 10:00am flight. Hah! Just because your ticket says
United Airlines, doesn’t mean they are actually
going to fly you I discovered. But they were ever so nice
about telling me where to go. Air Canada check-in? Over
WHERE? Good thing I wore running shoes I thought to
myself. About half way there I was thinking I should have
worn hiking boots and hired a Sherpa guide and a pack
mule. (I’m not known for packing light.) PLEASE bring back
curbside check-in!!
Late boarding, late take-off - what else is new at
airports these days? The medical emergency some poor soul
had on the plane caused the pilots to turn on the
afterburners though and we landed a few minutes ahead of
schedule.
I've got to say that Orlando International is a one great
airport. Maybe I'’ve always been lucky, but boy they sure
know how to do things right - and fast. The shuttle zipped
me from the gate to the main terminal. As I walked toward
the baggage pick up area the conveyer started moving and
in less than five minutes I had my luggage and was out the
door.
By 2:15pm I'd been shuttled to the off-airport car rental
site, completed all the documentation, papered the
passenger seat with maps, my driving atlas, and printed
out directions, and was on road. Toll booth, toll booth,
toll booth, toll booth - count 'em, four, in the space of
a few miles. Ah - Chris, clever girl, remembered to armed
me with a baggie full of US change.
The balance of the afternoon was spent on the I-75 headed
north. The idea is you see, to try and have my arrival at
Hiawassee coincide with the Team's. I had hoped to log
two-thirds of the 605 miles today, but my backside gave
out a few miles short of the halfway mark. Okay, okay
then, I'll tell the truth. I also needed a 'computer fix',
AND I knew you folks would be waiting and wondering what
had gone on today.
In the morning, once I get the 'word' and get the
EarlyBird e-bulletin off and an entry posted here, I'll
hit the road again. So look out Tennessee. There are
still 59 unsponsored miles in your state - and I’m
coming to get them! I’ve also got some OM gear with me
you all will look just terrific in, trust me. (Did you get
that – the 'you all'? I’m practicing.
Our Whooping cranes only have to fly 50 or so miles a day.
They have friends to travel with and someone to show them
where to go. They get room service, pumpkins to play with,
and others truck all their luggage for them. Snowbird...?
Whooping crane...? In my next life.....
|
| Date: |
November 23,
2006 - Entry 2 |
Reporter: |
Laurie Lin |
| Subject: |
Happy Thanksgiving!! |
Location: |
Cumberland, TN |
| Distance Traveled: |
Migration Day 50 - 0
Miles |
Accumulated Distance: |
674.8
miles |
The sky was clear, the tree branches weren’t moving and it
looked cold outside. Using the 'Weather for flying 101'
rules, I thought it would be a good day to fly. I quickly
geared up and was eager to join the 'morning circle'.
Surprisingly, only Richard, Charlie and Joe were there.
The wind was blowing at a speed equivalent to 36 mph above
the ridge where the pilots and birds need to fly, so while
it became a down day it allowed us to celebrate
Thanksgiving with our current host.
The 'early birds' got to check the cranes. Joe and I
headed to the pensite while Charlie and Richard started in
on their vehicle maintenance project. On the way to check
the chicks, we stopped by the hangar where he trike used
by Bill Lishman in the movie '‘Fly Away Home' is stored.
Having watched this movie several times, it was a treat to
meet the aircraft. (Of course, working with Joe and
Richard is quite nice too.J)
All the chicks looked fine. A few of them have started to
show the reddish color at the base of their bills. 618 is
one of them. Others have started to show the blackish
'mustache' like wedge on their faces. It is most obvious
on 602 and quite evident on 604.
We often find a layer of ice in the water bucket during
the morning check. This morning, we found pieces of ice on
the ground next to the water buckets. It looked like
somebody picked out the ice and piled the pieces up on the
ground. After we dumped the water with ice into the
footbath, 606 went right up to it and started to play with
the ice. Now we knew who might have been involved in the
ice removal activity.
Residual water in the hose had also turned into ice. Joe
dealt with the hose away from the pen, while I checked on
each bird. From the sound, I could only guess what Joe was
doing out of sight. The swinging sounds he was making
caught the attention of a few chicks. When he stopped
making tapping noises, the sound suddenly came from the
opposite direction. There was 615 pecking on a wooden
panel making a rhythmic woodpecker noise. She and Joe made
their musical début in the sunny Thanksgiving morning
light.
When we walked from the pen back to our vehicle we found
two of our host's neighbors waiting. Their mother is a
birder who is very interested in our project. We chatted
and got to know each other, and before we departed they
told us that they will become MileMakers. YES! We thanked
them and wished each other Happy Thanksgiving. Indeed, for
us, it seems that everyday is a day to give thanks. Thank
you to everyone for the food, shelter, and your support!!!
|
| Date: |
November 23,
2006 - Entry 1 |
Reporter: |
Liz Condie |
| Subject: |
Thanksgiving in Tennessee |
Location: |
Somewhere in
Georgia |
| Distance Traveled: |
Migration Day 50 - 0
Miles |
Accumulated Distance: |
674.8
miles |
The Migration Crew spent Thanksgiving
Day on the ground in Cumberland County, TN. They had
strong cross winds at 3,000 feet, which is the altitude
they need to be at to make across the 'Beast' - the
Cumberland Ridge.
When we spoke late this afternoon, Joe thought that with
the current wind projections, there was a reasonable
chance they would be able to tackle the Beast tomorrow
morning. If so they will be headed for the Hiwassee Refuge
in Meigs County, TN.
Happy Thanksgiving to all our
American friends. All of us, no matter where we live on
this continent have much to be thankful for. We hope
your holiday was filled with fun and family and lots of
turkey of course.
|
| Date: |
November 22,
2006 - Entry 4 |
Reporter: |
The OM Team |
| Subject: |
Making It Happen |
Location: |
North America |
| Distance Traveled: |
Migration Day 49 - 63.4
Miles |
Accumulated Distance: |
674.8
miles |
the good news:
The Class of 2006 has logged 675 of their 1,228 migration
miles. They are 54%, more than half way to their Florida
wintering grounds.
the not so good news:
So far, only 801 of the 1,228 migration miles have
MileMaker sponsors. That's the equivalent of just 65% of
the way there. Check out green line on the
2006 Migration Map and you can see where the money
runs out – just past our first stopover site in Georgia in
Gordon County.
If you enjoy following the migration and reading our Field
Journal, and haven't yet opened your heart and your wallet
– now is the time. As we've said before, we at OM
have the will and the skill, but we simply cannot
do it without your help.
We need:
427 people
to sponsor one mile, or
854 people
to sponsor a half mile, or
1,708 people
to sponsor a quarter mile,
or any combination of the above.
517,855,730 people live in North America, the world's
only home of the endangered Whopping crane. Surely among
them there are 427 more who care enough to help us
ensure they survive.
|
| Date: |
November 22,
2006 - Entry 3 |
Reporter: |
Chris
Gullikson |
| Subject: |
Memorable Flight 2 years running |
Location: |
Cumberland
County, TN |
| Distance Traveled: |
Migration Day 49 - 63.4
Miles |
Accumulated Distance: |
674.8
miles |
A
year ago yesterday we arrived in Cumberland County
Tennessee which was the most memorable flight for me to
date. On this particular flight we took advantage of a
nice tailwind and were able to skip a site, flying nearly
120 miles. We flew through rain, landed in a thick viscous
red mud, and stood for hours with the birds in a soaking
cold rain waiting for the ground crew to arrive. The
hardships of the day were rewarded in the evening by a hot
shower, a wonderful meal, and excellent company with our
generous hosts. Today’s flight will undoubtedly go down as
the most memorable flight of this year, hopefully.
Each of us four pilots take turns being lead pilot and
today was my turn. Yeah!! The trikes were covered in a
very heavy frost, it was so thick we chose to sweep our
wings off with a broom before applying the de-icing fluid.
Yesterday’s stopover site is located near the Wolf Creek
Dam, in a river valley surrounded by high bluffs. The only
way out is to head south and out over the top of the Dam
wall, a 200 foot climb in just 2 miles. A flyover event
was scheduled for this morning and this site promised
excellent viewing opportunities as we flew low over the
top of the dam.
Getting airborne we were greeted by very calm conditions
and just a slight push from the northeast. Broken fog
covered some of the valley, but we had plenty of room to
make a safe departure with the birds. I landed at the pen,
motioned to the waiting ground crew to release the birds,
and took off with 17 birds, who quickly formed on my wing.
One bird was late leaving the pen and Joe was able to drop
in and pick up the straggler.
I was fully expecting to have to fly a few circuits in the
valley to gain the needed altitude to climb over the dam,
but the birds were flying quite strongly and we quickly
were able to gain enough altitude to clear the wall by
just flying straight out on course. It was a beautiful
sight going over the top of the dam with 17 chicks in tow,
the rising sun illuminating these beautiful birds with an
incredible backdrop of fog, water, and towering bluffs.
Had this been Indiana, this would have been the end of
this write-up. However, we are just entering Tennessee and
a long climb awaited us to get over the very hilly terrain
that lies north of the Cumberland ridge.
Just a few miles on course we started to get the first
hint of what kind of flight we were in for. It was windy
aloft and the rotors coming off the leeward side of the
hills were making it a turbulent flight and not allowing
me to climb with the birds. Gaps kept forming in the line,
and the birds in the back would drop down low, losing the
benefit of the vortex that comes off the wing.
With precious little altitude to spare to keep the birds
on the wing I eventually had to allow 6 birds to drop off
at about the 20 mile marker. After several tense minutes,
Richard was able to move in on these 6 birds and pick them
up on his wing while I continued to fly on with the
remaining 11.
I was now able to initiate a slow climb through the
turbulent air while Richard struggled below me with his
six birds who were obviously worn out from trying to catch
back up with me.
During one of the many encounters with turbulent air, I
found myself surrounded by birds. They were out in front
of me on either side, and two birds were flying just off
the nose of my craft. I gingerly backed out and away from
these two birds then climbed above them, all the while
being tossed around in the unstable air. During all of
this excitement, six more birds dropped back behind me,
this time opting to drop down to Richard instead of
waiting for me to pick them back up.
Now, with 5 birds on my wing, I was able to do a much more
aggressive climb and finally broke out of the rough air.
It was Richard who now had a battle on his hands. He had
12 birds down low in the turbulence and was struggling to
climb them. One bird dropped off his wing and quickly fell
too far below him for him to do anything about it. Brooke
went down to pick up this bird -who was now riding the
lift along the side of the hills - but it was just way too
rough and he had to climb out of the trash. As Richard
continued to struggle in the rough air with his 11 birds,
Brooke kept watch from above on the one lone bird that was
slowly making progress south in a very jagged line.
I know that all of us were having thoughts of birds
landing somewhere on this very hilly and forested terrain,
making it very difficult to locate them, much less be able
to get to them. Eventually we broke out of the hills
though and found ourselves out over more hospitable
terrain with actual fields to land in if need be.
Richard was still struggling to climb with his 11, but now
had smoother air to work with. Joe watched from above with
his single bird while Brooke lagged behind us continuing
to watch the other lone bird slowly make progress
southward behind us. At long last we had the field in view
where our travel pen was setup. I began a slow decent from
3,000 feet, my five birds glad to finally have a rest.
At 1,500 feet, I was once again buffeted in trashy air.
With my trike pointed east into the wind I hung nearly
motionless as I descended towards the ground, my five
birds spread out above and behind me. At 200 feet above
the runway, it was time to stop worrying about the birds
and concentrate on getting my butt safely on the ground.
Zooming down through the turbulence, I lined myself up
along the very narrow path that led to the pen, my arms
pumping madly to cancel out the wild gyrations. I managed
to keep the shiny side up, pinned my windward wing to the
ground, and climbed out of my trike and looked about. My
birds were nowhere in sight!! It seems they decided to
circle back to Richard, for when I spotted him he had 13
birds with him, with another group of 3 back behind him.
Richard was soon safely on the ground, followed by Joe
then Brooke. The lone bird that Brooke was keeping track
of managed to fly nearly half the distance without
assistance from the trike.
After putting the birds into the pen and getting the
perimeter hot wire in place, we retired to the safety of
some trees a few hundred yards away. Our view of the pen
blocked, we pulled off our helmets and in low voices
recounted the wild journey we had just made.
It was decided to just leave our trikes near the pensite
instead of flying them off to our hosts private strip
where he allows us to keep our aircraft. This evening,
when the wind dies down, we will go back for our trikes,
and hopefully have a much more enjoyable flight.
I am looking forward to a nice hot meal this evening and
sharing this story amongst ourselves – along with a well
deserved beverage or two.
|
| Date: |
November 22,
2006 - Entry 2 |
Reporter: |
Liz Condie |
| Subject: |
Glad to be on the ground! |
Location: |
Main Office |
| Distance Traveled: |
Migration Day 49 - 63.4
Miles |
Accumulated Distance: |
674.8
miles |
Wild, rough, and scary, was how Joe described today's one
hour and forty-one minute flight. "It was the worst flight
this year," he said.
Chris was lead pilot today and took off with all the
birds. Joe reported that they flew directly over the new
flyover viewing spot, but with the low lying fog
he said they
couldn’t tell if the people on the ground there could see
them or not.
They had a difficult time getting the birds to climb, and
at one point the winds were so strong out of the east that
they were 'crabbing sideways, their speed down to 6mph. In
Joe's words it was a rockin' rollin' wild ride.
The cohort was eventually broken up with all of the pilots
each having some birds. From what Joe said, it appears
that Brooke may have had the worst time of it, but the
details will undoubtedly be in Chris's lead pilot update
expected later today. Sounds like it will be quite a story
- think they may have kissed the ground when they got
down.
The two good things are - cranes, planes and pilots are
safely on the ground, and we have passed the half way mark
of the 2006 migration. Yea!
Public Viewing Opportunity
At the
moment, tomorrow is not looking promising for flying, but
if they do, they will be headed for the Hiwassee Refuge in
Meigs County, TN.
As in past years, the Hiwassee stopo | |
