|
|
| Date: |
July 30, 2008 - Entry 2 | Reporter: |
Joe Duff |
| Subject: |
NEW CRANE BOOK RELEASED! | Location: |
Wisconsin |
|
Whooping cranes are often referred to in conservation circles as charismatic mega fauna. Like wolves and eagles their beauty and scarcity add to the
mystique and they attract more attention than equally important, but less appealing, creatures. This attention takes many forms; since
this project began there have been seven books published about the Whooping cranes’ story.
Several years ago Operation Migration began cooperating with Firefly Books and in September they will release what is accurately described as The
history, habits, life and lore of a resourceful and iconic bird.
It is likely the most complete and well written account of the history of Whooping cranes and the efforts to safeguard them from
extinction. It was authored by Janice Hughes and represents two years of research and hard work. Janice is a biology professor at Lakehead
University. A member of the Society of Conservation Biologists and the American Ornithologists' Union, she is also the author of The Royal Ontario Museum Field Guide to the
Birds of Ontario. She lives in Thunder Bay, Ontario.
CRANES: A Natural History of a Bird in Crisis is now available on the Merchandise page and a portion of the proceeds will help to fund this year’s
reintroduction.
|
| Date: |
July 30, 2008 - Entry 1 | Reporter: |
Joe Duff |
| Subject: |
YOU GAIN SOME, YOU LOSE SOME | Location: |
Wisconsin |
The last cohort of chicks arrived from Patuxent today. The Cessna Caravan, piloted by Mike Frakes and courtesy of Windway Capital
touched down at Necedah Airport at 12:32 PM Central. Within minutes the chicks were loaded into the back of an air conditioned van
and were on their way to the new Canfield site.
As suspected, number 820 was not shipped because of ongoing respiratory problems, and while six birds arrived from Maryland, one went back.
Number 816 was returned to Patuxent because of a wing abnormality. This problem began at Patuxent but it seemed to improve before it was shipped.
Under the stress of heavy blood feathers and taxi training, the right wing can no longer support itself. Let alone carry the bird aloft. It will likely
become a breeder and the flock managers are already discussing who it can be pair bonded with when the time comes.
816 is the second bird to make the return trip to Patuxent. When the last cohort was delivered to Necedah, Windway took number
809 with them to Maryland the day before. After the altercation that killed number 807, its sibling, number 809 become the only living offspring of its
captive parents and too genetically important to risk in the wild. It was brought back into captivity where its breeding can be more easily
manipulated to protect its lineage.
This leaves us with a total of 16 in the Class of 2008; far fewer than the 24 we had hoped for, but it was not a result of lack of effort. The crane
ecology team at Patuxent and the OM training team put in a remarkable effort, but hard work is not always rewarded. Still, we have 16 healthy
birds to work with this year.
|
| Date: |
July 29, 2008 - Entry 1 | Reporter: |
Liz Condie |
| Subject: | EASTERN MIGRATORY
POPULATION UPDATE | Location: |
Main Office |
|
As of July 26th, the estimated maximum size of the Eastern
Migratory Population remained at 39 males and 31 females for a total of 70
Whooping cranes. In the highlights below females are indicated by *. DAR =
direct autumn release. NFT = non functional transmitter.
MICHIGAN
Jackson & Washtenaw Counties - 516
Allegan County- DAR740*
Arenac County – DAR744*
MINNESOTA
Jackson County, 703, 707, and DARs739* and 742*
WISCONSIN
Necedah NWR
101, 102*, 105NFT & 501*
211 & 217*, 213 & 218*, 216NFT
303* & 317, 307, 309* & 403, 310 & W601*, 311 & 312*, 313* & 318
401NFT& 508*, 402, 408 & 519*, 415*NFT & 505
509, 511, 514
DAR627, DAR628
721*, DAR737
Note: 735* was transferred to the captive propagation facility at the Audubon Centre for Research of Endangered Species (ACRES), in New Orleans,
LA. Due to her inability to fly as the result of an injury, she had been held in a top-netted pen on the Necedah Refuge since being shipped north
from Florida in the spring.
Dodge County - 709, 717*, 726*, DAR746*
Wood County - 212NFT & 419*NFT
Juneau County – 412, 512, 710, 716*, 722*, 724
Adams County - 506
Jackson County - 520* remained in Jackson County at least through
mid-June but has not been detected since. However, a bird that may have been
520* was observed in Jackson County July 9.
Marathon County - DAR528*
Location Unknown
209*NFT & 416NFT last reported in Monroe County May 5. The female had a
severe limp due to a right leg injury. Only one unidentified Whooping crane
was seen on this pair’s territory during an aerial survey on July 1.
706, 712, and 713 last reported in Stutsman County, North Dakota June 5/6.
727* last reported departing Will County, IL June 1.
733 last reported in Iowa County, WI June 8.
107*NFT last reported in Fond du Lac & Dodge Counties June 12.
DAR737* last observed on the Necedah Refuge July 10.
Long Term Missing (more than 90 days)
205NFT last recorded at Necedah Oct. 16/07.
DAR527* was last reported in Jackson County, IN March 16-17.
316NFT last observed on the Necedah refuge March 30
420* last reported in Clark County, WI March 30
DAR533* last reported in Mason County, MI April 11.
524NFT last reported departing Fayette County, IN April 16
Update compiled from data supplied by WCEP's Tracking Team
|
| Date: |
July 28, 2008 - Entry 1 | Reporter: |
Liz Condie |
| Subject: | COHORT TWO SHRINKS | Location: |
Main Office |
|
Cohort Two is minus one member as of this morning. 816 was crated for the drive to Sheboygan Airport to meet up with a Windway Capital aircraft for a 10:30am
flight to Baltimore Airport and then back to the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center.
While still a chick at Patuxent, 816 was noticed to have a drooping right wing, a condition that appeared to resolve itself prior to shipping to Wisconsin.
Not long after arriving at Necedah the crew noted that 816's right wing had developed a droop, but otherwise he was healthy and was training normally. A
physical examination July 21 revealed that the problem is at the elbow - the wing angles downward and extends only about 120 of the normal 180
degrees.
In her report, Veterinarian Gretchen Cole noted, “There is a tendon that has rotated over the joint, and while I can manually replace it to the
normal position, it immediately pops back over the joint. There is also contracture of the patagium wing web beginning. This is probably in response
to the wing being held in a downward position. Additionally, the carpus is becoming floppy. I expect this is probably due to the wing being angled
abnormally and the weight of the blood feathers growing in right now. The bird responded negatively to manipulation which is probably painful. It is
currently on a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory for pain and inflammation.”
In the absence of any evidence of injury/trauma, Dr. Cole said her best guess is that the condition was as a result of a developmental
tendon problem. Based on the poor prognosis for full wing function, and her opinion that 816 would not be releasable, the decision was
made to withdraw the bird from the ultralight-led program.
"As 816’s genetic value is in the mid range, he is eminently suitable to become a captive breeder," said Patuxent's Flock
Manager, Jane Chandler. His dam (1167) is ranked at 34 – about the middle. He has two possible sires – 1717 or 1162. The former is
ranked in the middle at 27 and has no offspring in captivity. The latter is ranked at 16 and therefore of relatively high value.”
Based on this data, plans were made for 816’s return to Maryland.
Windway’s aircraft has one more flight to make after today's trip with 816; this next one east to west. They will be picking up the
third and final cohort of chicks at Patuxent tomorrow, Tuesday the 29th. At the conclusion of this trip, all the chicks in the Class of 2008
will be at the Necedah National Wildlife Refuge. OM’s pilots and field team's days are about to get more demanding and a whole lot busier!!
|
| Date: |
July 22, 2008 - Entry 1 | Reporter: |
Joe Duff |
| Subject: | TRAINING UPDATE |
Location: |
Wisconsin |
|
The reward for enduring my third 14 hour drive to Necedah this year was to train the birds this morning. Richard
Van Heuvelen took off to the East site to train Cohort 2 while I taxied with the 4 oldest birds.
Number 810 had difficulty socializing, and shortly after he arrived in Wisconsin, he started a fight in the pen. Despite being checked
every hour he managed to injure 811 and 807; the latter dying of its injuries. 807 was a genetically important bird along with its
sibling, 809, who was also injured in the fray.
That incident prompted the Recovery Team to return 809 to the captive flock. Since then, the instigator, 810 has been segregated
to prevent further aggression. He has been watched closely for signs of agonistic behavior but has been the picture of compliancy so he
was allowed to return to the flock last week.
|
 |
The oldest two, 803 and 804 are starting to fly in ground effect. (Photo
left)
Flight is achieved by increased air pressure below the wing working
against decreased pressure above. When you fly close to the ground, the air is compressed further between the wing and the surface,
and it is much easier to maintain lift.
Ground effect, or more accurately water effect, is what pelicans use when they skim the waves with hardly a wing flap. The first step for
cranes when learning fly is to use ground effect. They float down the runway and practice their landings at the far end. We charge
along beside them in a high speed taxi and before you know it you forget the long drive.
|
| Date: |
July 21, 2008 - Entry 1 | Reporter: |
Heather Ray |
| Subject: | PROTECTION OF THE BOREAL
FOREST | Location: |
Main Office |
|
On July 14, 2008, Ontario Premier, Dalton McGuinty, announced a commitment to protect a 55 million acre portion of Canada’s Boreal Forest, one of the
largest conservation commitments in history.
McGuinty said 225,000 square kilometres, or 55 million acres - roughly half of Ontario's boreal forest - will be protected and designated strictly
for tourism and traditional aboriginal use such as hunting and fishing.
Read the full article at canada.com
In this increasingly industrialized world, Canada's Boreal Forest is a breath of fresh air…literally. This forest ecosystem, filled with lakes and
wetlands, moderates our climate and produces oxygen. It is home to thousands of species of animals, birds, plants and insects. It is an ecosystem of
astonishing power.
This is fantastic news for migratory birds as more than 30 percent of North America's bird population relies on the Boreal for breeding - including
the only naturally occurring population of Whooping cranes, whose nesting grounds in the Wood Buffalo National Park are situated within the Boreal forest region
of Alberta and the Northwest Territories.
Click to view Mr. McGuinty discussion the importance of the Boreal Forest on YouTube
|
| Date: | July 18, 2008 - Entry 1 | Reporter: | Liz Condie |
| Subject: | CLASS OF 2008 UPDATE | Location: | Main Office |
|
Sadly, we report the loss of another ultralight chick. Cohort Two female, 815, (egg source Calgary) was euthanized on Wednesday following a CT scan performed at the UW-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine. She had a severe respiratory infection.
WCEP vet Barry Hartup said, "This bird was noted to have an intermittent dry cough and slight moist sounding peep July 7th while still at Patuxent. Similar sounds were heard shortly after it was shipped last week, and Robert Doyle found they had worsened and become more consistent
by Monday morning. The CT scan showed a mass in the left lung and a lesion in the left caudal thoracic air sac. Prognosis was deemed to be poor with a high likelihood of progression, and unlikely medically treatable.
This drops the potential number of chicks in the Class of 2008 to eighteen, and the number of 'Canadian' ultralight chicks to six.
The shipment of the last chicks, Cohort Three, from Patuxent to Necedah has been postponed from July 24 to July 29. The Chick Crew at Patuxent requested that the flight be delayed as they are having difficulty socializing some of the youngest birds. The extra few days will give
them more time to work with the chicks, and at the same time, give the Field Crew at Necedah more time to prepare the new Canfield pensite.
|
| Date: | July 15, 2008 - Entry 2 | Reporter: |
Heather Ray |
| Subject: |
TRAINING UPDATE | Location: |
Main Office |
|
The third and final cohort underwent their pre-shipping health checks this morning at Patuxent in anticipation of their relocation to Necedah National
Wildlife next week. At present, seven birds comprise Cohort Three, and while we’re optimistic that all seven will be shipped, we should remind
everyone that this could change, as we have observed with the first two groups.
Bev reports that conditioning and socializing is ongoing and that the latter has been a challenge inasmuch as there are three chicks in the
group that continue to assert their dominance.
At Necedah, Richard van Heuvelen and Chris Gullikson have been training the two groups that are already at the refuge. They report that they’ve
had to stand down a couple days due to heavy rains, but for the most part it’s been going well. As soon as training is finished, they
continue work constructing the new Canfield site, which is where the third cohort will be housed this season.
Richard also reports that 811 seems quite happy now that she's in Cohort Two and that this group was introduced to the wing of the aircraft this
morning. 815 is dealing with a respiratory issue so the team will keep a close eye on her during training.
In Cohort One, 804’s beak has returned to normal after swelling from a bee sting caused it to shift to the side. There was some initial concern
that it may continue to grow this way but that doesn’t appear to be the case. Bees continue to be an issue, however, as chick 810 has since
sustained a sting below its left eye and has had to sit out a couple of training sessions due to swelling, which impaired the vision in his eye.
Patuxent’s Robert Doyle reports that the swelling is beginning to subside.
Whooping crane 735* was relocated today to the Audubon Species Survival Center in New Orleans where her genetic importance will add great value
to the captive population.
I'd like to remind everyone that in just three months we'll be departing with this year's crane chicks and guiding them along a
somewhat new, more westerly, migration course. The 2008 MileMaker campaign is underway and we need your help if we're going to make it to
Florida with these crane-kids. For those that are unfamiliar with the campaign, here's how it goes: Each year we take the total expenses
incurred during the previous year and divide this total by the number of miles that we'll be flying, while leading the new group of cranes
southward to their new winter home in Florida.
This year the cost per mile works out to $208 - And for those that love a bargain, we currently have TWO MileMaker challenges that will see
your 1 sponsored mile automatically double to 2 miles. Frank Hardy is offering to match 1 more NEW MileMaker sponsor from Wisconsin, while
north of the border, Annalise Jorgensen has generously offered to match up to 7 NEW Canadian MileMaker sponsors in recognition of the seven
Canadian Whooping crane chicks in this years group.
It's very easy to sponsor a mile - just click here or on the MileMaker graphic located
on the top-right of this page. You can even select a specific mile that has significance to you, and dedicate it to someone special if you like!
|
| Date: | July 15, 2008 - Entry 1 | Reporter: |
Liz Condie |
| Subject: |
EASTERN MIGRATORY POPULATION UPDATE | Location: | Main Office |
|
As of July 12th, the estimated maximum size of the Eastern Migratory Population was 39 males and 31 females for a total of 70 Whooping cranes. This decrease of two birds from the total given
in the last report reflects the removal from the reintroduction program of
735* who is still penned on the NNWR awaiting disposition to a captive
facility, as well as 201*NFT who has not been found since June of 2007 and
is presumed dead.
In the highlights below females are indicated by *. DAR = direct autumn
release.
MICHIGAN
516 was reported back on his previous summer use areas in Waterloo Township and
Jackson County on July 5th. He was last observed June 24 in
Levy County, FL.
DAR744*, DAR740*
MINNESOTA
703, 707, and DARs739* and 742*left the Necedah area July 3. PTT data
indicated they roosted in Jackson County July 4 and remained in the area
through ~July 11.
WISCONSIN
Necedah NWR
101, 102*, 105NFT & 501*
(molting)
211 & 217*, 213 (molting) & 218*, 216NFT
303* & 317, 307, 309* & 403, 310 & W601*, 311 & 312*, 313* & 318
401NFT& 508*, 402, 408 & 519*, 415*NFT & 505
509, 511, 514
DAR627, DAR628
709, 710, 717*, 722*, 726*, 716*, 721*, 724, DAR737, DAR746*
Dodge County - 107*NFT
Wood County - 212NFT & 419*NFT
Juneau County – 412, 512
Adams County - 506
Jackson County - 520* remained in Jackson County at least through
mid-June but was not found on searches done June 24, 27 or July 3. However,
a bird that may have been 520* was observed in Jackson County July 9.
Marathon County - DAR528*
Location Unknown
209*NFT & 416NFT last reported in
Monroe County May 5. The female had a severe limp due to a right leg injury.
Only one unidentified Whooping crane was seen on this pair’s territory
during an aerial survey on July 1.
706, 712, and 713 last reported in Stutsman County, North Dakota June 5/6.
727* last reported departing Will County, IL June 1.
733 last reported in Iowa County, WI June 8.
Long Term Missing (more than 90 days)
205NFT last recorded at Necedah Oct. 16/07.
DAR527* was last reported in Jackson County, IN March 16-17/08.
316NFT last observed on the Necedah refuge March 30/08.
420* last reported in Clark County, WI March 30/08.
DAR533* last reported in Mason County, MI April 11.
524NFT last reported departing Fayette County, IN April 16.
Update compiled from data supplied by WCEP's Tracking Team
|
| Date: |
July 11 2008 - Entry 1 |
Reporter: |
Liz Condie |
| Subject: |
WOOD BUFFALO/ARANSAS POPULATION UPDATE |
Location: |
Main Office |
|
Between June 17 to 22, pilot/biologist
Jim Bredy, flying USFWS’s Partanavia Observer aircraft, assisted biologists
Brian Johns of the Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS) and Tom Stehn of USFWS
perform the 2008 Whooping crane Production Survey in Canada’s Wood Buffalo
National Park.
The trio were able to confirm the hatch of 64 Whooping crane chicks,
including 12 sets of twins from the record number of nests (66) located in
May by CWS. In 2007 one less nest (65) produced 84 chicks, 20 more than this
season. And versus last year’s 28 sets of twins, there are only 12 sets this
year.
"The 20 hours of aerial surveys were scheduled right after most of the
chicks had hatched to try to maximize the number of chicks observed," said
Stehn. "The survey’s timing that was delayed one week this year due to a
late spring worked out well with only 3 pairs still sitting on overdue eggs
at the end of the surveys."
Brian Johns said, "Fifty-two of the 66 nests (79%) produced one or more
chicks compared with 2007’s 86% success rate - consequently, the very good
chick production in 2008 resulted from both high productivity and a large
number of nests."
"Fourteen nests failed to produce any young," reported Tom. "An estimated
six known adult pairs failed to nest but were sighted on their territories.
Thus, there are an estimated 72 breeding pairs in the population. This
number matches the 72 adult pairs identified present at Aransas during the
2007-2008 winter."
Approximately 165 (62% of the flock) of the total maximum population of 266
white-plumaged Whooping cranes were sighted on the June surveys.
Brian noted that, "Habitat conditions in Wood Buffalo in June were better
than expected with water levels rated as good. One wildfire was ignited by
lightning in the Park during the June surveys but was small and not a
factor," he said. "The weather during the June production surveys was warm
with no cold, wet weather. The moderate weather conditions favored the
survival of the young chicks early on."
Jim Bredy noted that, "One of the highlights of the trip was finding one
Whooping crane pair with twin chicks and then spotting two wolves less than
a mile distant from the cranes. The crane family was re-checked 5 days later
and both chicks were still alive with no sign of the wolves."
"The high level of production is expected to raise the size of the Wood
Buffalo/Aransas population to a record 280+ in the 2008-2009 winter," stated
Tom Stehn, Whooping Coordinator at Aransas. "An increase of the population
is anticipated," he said, "since it is in the growth portion of the 10-year
population cycle that has occurred during the middle of every decade. |
| Date: |
July 10 2008 - Entry 2 |
Reporter: |
Joe Duff |
| Subject: |
TWIN ENGINE-SIZE MOSQUITOES |
Location: |
Main Office |
|
After the heavy rains and flooding
earlier this year most of the area around Necedah has returned to normal.
Typical July weather means calm mornings and cool air so we have been able
to train on most days and a few evenings. One of the remnants of a wet
spring is still here to torture us however.
This has been a banner season for mosquitoes. Some are so big they are
required to file a flight plan and many are of the twin engine variety. They
swarm around us like chips from a chainsaw and haul away gallons of blood.
Reaching over to flat hand someone on the forehead is no longer a social
faux pas, but a courtesy.
Not only do the mosquitoes affect everything we do, they also harass the
birds. They are mostly protected by a layer of feathers, but their legs are
susceptible. Just above the hock where there is more flesh, you can see a
circle of mosquitoes all bloated and translucent red.
 While
Chris was training with Cohort One last week, three of the birds dropped to
lie in the grass next to the aircraft. They first go down on their hocks
with their feet sticking out in front of them. Then they lower their bodies
to cover their legs. It takes a couple of seconds and is reminiscent of the
way a horse goes to its knees and it is very unusual behaviour.
This is a vulnerable position and they are not normally that relaxed outside
the pen. In fact, both Chris and I stared for a few minutes baffled by this
posture. We checked to make sure they weren't over heated and trying to cool
themselves. We watched for the depression that is evident in a bird too sick
to stand. We even taxied the aircraft away and watched them chase after it,
checking their gait and steadiness on their legs. As soon as we stopped,
they were back down on the ground and we realized it was likely an attempt
to protect their legs from mosquitoes. They poked at the ground and seemed
happy enough enjoying the momentary relief.
This is the latest I can recall the mosquito season lasting. Let’s hope it's
over soon or we will all be laying down on the job. |
| Date: |
July 10 2008 - Entry 1 |
Reporter: |
Chris Gullikson |
| Subject: |
update from
necedah |
Location: |
Wisconsin |
|
Cohort Two arrived safely at the Necedah airport yesterday compliments of
Windway Aviation. After a quick check by Barry Hartup and the ICF health
team we made the slow drive out to the West site with our delicate cargo. As
usual, the birds were quick to adapt to their new surroundings and were soon
drinking from the water pans and investigating their new home.
|
 |
 |
| On their best behavior, the Cohort Two chicks parade
into the pen at the West site on the Necedah NWR. The adult dummy
imprint model can be seen in the background. |
The chicks check out their new habitat, and are quick to visit
one of the water pans placed in their pen. |
811, who received some superficial injuries by an aggressive 810, is now
back at the refuge. We decided to put this bird at the West site where its
older status should allow it to quickly integrate into the younger group.
811 has lost some feathers on its back and has a slight bending of the lower
mandible, but seems to have made a speedy recovery thanks to ICF's health
team and daily exercise by Robert Doyle. All 8 birds were brought out onto
the runway this morning and did quite well as a group.
Training at the North site is going well and 810 seems to be behaving much
better. We train the 4 birds in Cohort One together as a group, but we keep
810 isolated from the others in the divided pen. At least once a day one of
us goes out to let 810 socialize with the other birds for about an hour
while we monitor for any signs of aggression.
Now it's back to work. We have birds to socialize and a new pen site to
build before Cohort Three is shipped later this month. |
| Date: |
July 9 2008 - Entry 1 |
Reporter: |
Liz Condie |
| Subject: |
COHORT TWO
MOVES WEST |
Location: |
Main Office |
|
Early this morning, the chicks designated as members of Cohort Two were
crated and transported from the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center in Laurel,
MD for transfer Windway's waiting aircraft at the Baltimore airport.
Comprising Cohort Two are chicks 812, 813, 814, 815, 816, 818, and 819 and
Brooke said, "they are a great group of birds and shouldn't present any
problems for handlers or trainers." Brooke was able to report that although
he hadn't yet seen 809, it had arrived back at Patuxent.
Chris Gullikson called at 1:45pm to let us know that Cohort Two had arrived
safely and the chicks were already making themselves at home at the West
site. Although penned separately, 811 was also delivered to the West site
today from ICF where she was being treated subsequent to being attacked by
810.
804 is getting checked over by Dr. Barry Hartup this afternoon. 804 is
suffering from a bad bee sting which has resulted in a slightly a crossed beak.
Chris has promised to send us new photos of the chicks in Cohort Two later
today or tonight so they should be available for viewing on the
Class of 2008 page by tomorrow. |
| Date: |
July 8 2008 - Entry 1 |
Reporter: |
Liz Condie |
| Subject: |
Chick UPDATE |
Location: |
Main Office |
|
Sadly, we have to report that 825, which was suffering with severe hock
rotation, was euthanized today.
This week when the Windway Capital aircraft leaves Wisconsin for the
Baltimore, MD airport to pick up Cohort Two it will have chick 809 on board.
Being the only surviving chick of a 16 year-old captive female that produced
eggs/chicks for the first time this year, 809 will be kept in the captive
population at Patuxent to boost genetic diversity.
With the loss of 825 and the withdrawal of 809 from the ultralight program,
the maximum size of the Class of 2008 is now down to nineteen - five short
of our hoped for 24 chicks to lead south. |
| Date: |
July 4, 2008 - Entry 1 |
Reporter: |
Liz Condie |
| Subject: |
Happy 4th!!! |
Location: |
Main Office |
|
 We
think some firecrackers must have gotten loose in the system as we've been
trying to post a Happy 4th of July greeting here all day.
It's now early evening, and we hope all our American Craniacs had an
opportunity to relax and visit with friends and family - or, whatever your
activity (or lack thereof) that you enjoyed a super Independence Day. |
| Date: |
July 2, 2008 - Entry 1 |
Reporter: |
Liz Condie |
| Subject: |
Cohort two
NEWS |
Location: |
Main Office |
|
Bev called to let us know that by the end of the day,
all the chicks that will comprise Cohort Two will be housed in the White
series pens. Yesterday, 812, 813, 814, and 815 were moved out of the chick
building and into the pens where they spent the night. Today, these four
chicks will be joined by 816, 818, 819. Cohort Two will be shipped to
Necedah either Wednesday or Thursday, July 9 or 10. |
| Date: |
July 1, 2008 - Entry 3 |
Reporter: |
Liz Condie |
| Subject: |
Whooperthon results |
Location: |
Main Office |
|
In the spring of
2007, OM's Migration Trivia 'editor-in-chief', Vi White of IL, held her
first Whooperthon. She sought pledges for bird species she sighted on the
specific day she planned for her outing, and as a result, raised $3400 for
OM. The event was such a success that she repeated it this spring and the
2008 results are in. Vi's Whooperthon '08 raised $3700!!! (Well, actually,
it was $3696 but that bugged Vi so she kicked in an extra $4 to round up the
total.)
Both this and last year's Whooperthon totals include a very special match
contribution from someone Vi refers to as 'an anonymous angel'. We send our
sincere appreciation to all those who made pledges, and most especially Vi's
generous 'angel'.
To Vi - who in addition the Whooperthon and collecting and editing our
migration trivia, is now also our volunteer coordinator for gathering
and assembling info for a new FAQ page that will be added to OM's website -
we say a heartfelt Thank YOU!! Once again Vi…..you rock! |
| Date: |
July 1, 2008 - Entry 2 |
Reporter: |
Liz Condie |
| Subject: |
EASTERN MIGRATORY
POPULATION UPDATE |
Location: |
Main Office |
|
As of June 28th, the estimated maximum
size of the Eastern Migratory Population was 39 males and 33 females for a
total of 72 Whooping cranes. In the highlights below females are indicated
by *. DAR = direct autumn release.
Florida
516 Levy County as of June 22.
Michigan
DAR744*, DAR740*
Wisconsin News
735* remains unable to fly. Richard Urbanek advised, “… specific
diagnosis. was unavailable. She “is currently awaiting disposition to a
captive facility."
Location Unknown
DAR533* last reported in Mason County, MI April 11.
524NFT last reported departing Fayette
County, IN April 16.
209*NFT & 416NFT last reported in Monroe County May 5.
212NFT & 419*NFT possibly in Wood County, WI May 12.
727* last reported departing Will County, IL June 1.
706, 712, and 713 last reported in Stutsman County, North Dakota June
5/6.
733 last reported in Iowa County June 8.
Long Term Missing (more than 90 days)
205NFT last recorded at
Necedah Oct. 16/07.
201*NFT last recorded in WI June 9/07 and suspected dead.
DAR527* was last reported in Jackson County, IN March 16-17/08.
316NFT last observed on the Necedah refuge March 30/08.
420* last reported in Clark County, WI March 30/08.
IN WISCONSIN
Necedah NWR and nearby
101, 102*, 105NFT & 501*,
211 & 217*, 213 & 218*, 216NFT
303* & 317, 310 & W601, 307 & 721*, 309* & 403, 311 & 312*, 313* & 318
401NFT & 508*, 408 & 519*, 402, 415*NFT & 505,
509, 511, 514,
DAR627NFT, DAR628
703, 707, 709, 710, 717* 722*, 726*, 724, DAR737, DAR739*, DAR742, DAR746*
Dodge County - 107*; Adams County – 506; Juneau County -
412, 512; Jackson County - 520*; Marathon County -
DAR528*; Fond du Lac County - 709, 710, 717*, 722*, 726*, DAR746*;
Columbia County - 716*.
Update compiled from
data supplied by WCEP's Tracking Team. |
| Date: |
July 1, 2008 - Entry 1 |
Reporter: |
Liz Condie |
| Subject: |
HAPPY CANADA DAY! |
Location: |
Main Office |
|
 To
all our Canadian Craniacs we send out a wish for a safe, fun-filled and
happy Canada Day holiday. Here in Port Perry, Ontario at 7:45am we have
clear, blue skies and a temp of 59 degrees with a promised high of 78.
Perfect for that traditional July 1st BBQ celebration. |
| Date: |
June 30, 2008 - Entry 1 |
Reporter: |
Liz Condie |
| Subject: |
516 IN FLORIDA |
Location: |
Main Office |
|
  Thanks
to an email message (and photos) from MaryHelen P, we can report that 516
had moved to Levy County from his usual wintering territory in Marion County
by late June.
In the spring of 2007 he tied the record for staying the latest in Florida
before leaving on his return migration. In the fall of last year he again
migrated south to Marion County but it seems he is not going to return north
to Wisconsin this year.
From observations of 516 both in flight and on the ground he displays no
apparent health issues. The reason he has not headed north is a mystery. |
| Date: |
June 27, 2008 - Entry 1 |
Reporter: |
Chris Gullikson |
| Subject: |
UPDATE ON COHORT
ONE |
Location: |
Necedah, WI |
|
The first cohort
arrived safely on Wednesday compliments of Windway Capital. The Health team
from ICF was on hand to give the birds a quick visual inspection before we
loaded the crates onto the van for the ride out to the North Site. The
chicks all looked in great shape and seemed to adapt well to their new
surroundings, enjoying a cool drink after their long trip.
 The
Chick Team at Patuxent had forewarned us that 805 and 810 were both
aggressive birds; particularly 810. Written on its crate was a note to us
saying, “Good luck”. We had the pen divided into 3 separate areas to allow
the 2 aggressive birds their own space. While 805 seemed to have no apparent
aggression issues, 810 (pictured to the left) quickly went to work attacking
every bird within reach and was ushered into a separate area of the pen.
Thursday morning Robert and I let the birds out onto the runway to get used
to their new surroundings. We walked them up and down the runway a few
times. 810 seemed to behave a bit better, but still had to be separated from
803 a few times as they tried to settle out their dominance. We took them
back into the pen and introduced them to the wet pen for about half an hour
before bringing them back into the dry pen for the day.
 This
morning we introduced the birds to the wingless trike (photo to the right)
and they seemed quite happy to see and hear the familiar contraption. They
all followed along well and I only had to break up a scuffle between 810 and
803 on one occasion.
 After
their training session on the runway (photo to the left) we led them back
out into the wet pen and Robert and I observed an interesting sight.
803 seems to be the dominant bird of the cohort - but 810 had not read the
memo yet. While out in the wet pen, 810 decided to get into 803’s space and
before I was able to move in to break up the imminent fight, it was over.
803 stood its ground, trying to be as tall as possible and made 810 back off
with no contact even made. For the next 30 minutes we observed the birds and
were delighted to see that 810 had lost its bully status.
 Meanwhile
outside the pen, the adult pair of 310 and W601 decided to pay a visit,
(Photo to the right) as did our old nemesis 101 who has been evicted from
his territory by this newly formed pair. I had the cool experience of
watching this pair successfully defend their territory by repeatedly chasing
off 101 who would fly from one end of the runway to the other before finally
leaving for good.
 We
left all 7 birds in the wet pen and will be checking on them periodically
during the day to make sure they are adjusting well and that there are no
further aggression issues.
We have a lot of work to do in the next several weeks. Besides getting the
West Site ready for the Cohort Two, we need to build a new site to replace
the East Site. As part of their moist soil management plan, the staff at the
Necedah Refuge routinely allow pools on a rotating basis to remain dry
during the summer, simulating natural wetland cycles and allowing vegetation
to grow. The pools are then filled in the fall providing food for migrating
waterfowl. This water manipulation cycle keeps the pools healthy by reducing
sediment build-up and proving poor habitat for many invasive species.
Because of the need for water at the East Site during the summer months,
East Rynearson Pond has been held at a constant water level since 2001. This
pool is becoming unhealthy and needs to have a dry cycle to restore the
natural wetland function. A plan is in place to build a new site for the
third cohort of birds, and the draining of East Rynearson is now well under
way. |
| Date: |
June 25, 2008 - Entry 2 |
Reporter: |
Liz Condie |
| Subject: |
COHORT ARRIVED
SAFELY |
Location: |
Main Office |
|
Richard and Chris report that Cohort One arrived safely
and after having a quick vet examination, were released into the pen at the
North Site on the Necedah National Wildlife Refuge. Having been alerted to
the aggressive behavior of 810, they kept a close eye. Sure enough, the
minute it was released it turned on its nearest classmate. As a result, 810
was penned 'next door' where it can see the rest of the Cohort, but not
interact physically. They said that 805 seemed to be behaving fine and it
was left in the pen with the others. |
| Date: |
June 25, 2008 - Entry 1 |
Reporter: |
Liz Condie |
| Subject: |
NECEDAH BOUND |
Location: |
Main Office |
|
Cohort One is on its
way to Necedah. 803, 804, 805, 807, 809, 810, and 811 were all carefully
crated early this morning and were on their way to the Baltimore airport for
their flight to Wisconsin compliments of Windway by 8 o’clock. The surprise
news is that the decision was made to release both 807 and 809 for the
ultralight program. We had thought one or the other could be a genetic
holdback.
Due to its health issues, Bev advised that unless it improved the plan was
to hold 808 back until Cohort Two shipped to see how it got along. She said
that while it was being treated for respiratory problems, it seemed to be
doing okay. In fact, she had it out in the White series pens on Monday for
some outside exercise and she said it did just fine. Then yesterday it took
a sudden turn for the worse and couldn’t even stand up and unfortunately had
to be euthanized later in the day.
According to Bev and Brooke, the chicks in this Cohort have been the dickens
to socialize. To quote Brooke, “810 is a monster bird, aggressive and
hostile toward everyone.” And 805, which was a quiet little chick, second
from the bottom of the pecking order, recently turned into an aggressor. The
Chick Crew has been having such a time with the Cohort One chicks that they
never had enough confidence to leave them together overnight as a group.
Richard van Heuvelen, Chris Gullikson, and Patuxent's Robert Doyle will be on hand at the Necedah airport for
the chicks’ arrival. They will transfer the crates from the aircraft to
trucks for the slow, careful drive to the North Site (Site 4) where they
will be checked by vet Dr. Barry Hartup before being released into the pens
there. The pen at the North Site is divided into two sections so 810 can be
kept apart but in sight of his classmates. Bev suspected that the team might
have to rig a three way divide to also segregate 805.
To help keep costs down, the testing to determine the genders of the Class
of 2008 was postponed until the last egg hatched and they could all be sent
to be done at once. Hopefully we will have that information for you before
long.
Pre-shipping photos of some of the chicks will appear shortly on the
Meet the Class of 2008 page. And photos of the rest of the Cohort should
follow in a day or two. |
| Date: |
June 24, 2008 - Entry 1 |
Reporter: |
Liz Condie |
| Subject: |
FLORIDA NON-MIGRATORY POPULATION (FNMP)
UPDATE |
Location: |
Main Office |
|
Marty Folk of the Florida Fish &
Conservation Commission wrote to advise that the Leesburg pair lost their
chick. One of the landowners adjacent to where the birds nested heard a
ruckus Sunday morning. He saw that the chick was missing and observed four
raccoons in the area.
"This wraps up our 2008 breeding season," Marty said. The FNMP's total nests
for the season was five, (two of which were re-nests) by three pairs. "Three
of the nests hatched five chicks, but none survived past 25 days of age," he
noted. "Most marshes are still dry, or nearly so," Folk said. "We’ve been
getting some scattered summer showers, but I fear we’ll never catch up on
rainfall without a major tropical system."
Too bad they couldn’t figure a way to pipe some of the 'overflow' from
mid-west Florida's way. |
| Date: |
June 19, 2008 - Entry 2 |
Reporter: |
Liz Condie |
| Subject: |
Training progresses |
Location: |
Main Office |
|
In a quick call
today, Bev told us that all the chicks with the exception of the last three,
828, 829, and 830, have been taking part in circle pen training and are
doing well. 828 has been introduced to the stationary trike and Bev expects
the same introduction to take place by the weekend for 829 and 830.
The team has been working to socialize the chicks that will form Cohort Two.
812 and 813 have been training as a pair as have 814 and 815, 816 with 818,
and 819 with 820. Bev described the training session they tried with four
chicks, 812, 813, 814, and 815, as a squabblefest. Just like a bunch of
toddlers in their 'terrible two’s' they pecked and pushed each other around
but the costumes were there to perform interventions.
According to Bev, 815 is a happy-go-lucky little bird and usually friendly
to his classmates. 820 is the class slowpoke, and 818 the class go-getter,
is always scurrying around like a little mouse. She assures us new chick
photos are imminent – hopefully before the weekend is out. |
| Date: |
June 19, 2008 - Entry 1 |
Reporter: |
Joe Duff |
| Subject: |
LOGISTICS |
Location: |
Main Office |
Have you even seen one of those mammoth 18 wheelers on the highway with
words emblazoned on the side like Shipping Solutions or Freight Logistics? I
always thought they were grandiose words for a guy in a truck but I’m
beginning to get an inkling of what they deal with on a daily basis.
The motorhome that Deke Clark loans us every year is stored near their home
in Maryland. Richard Van Heuvelen had to drive our pickup truck from Ontario
to Necedah pulling our big trailer with all the aircraft onboard. From there
he caught a flight to Washington. After a short visit with Deke and Rebecca,
he made the long trip back to Necedah by road. With the motorhome in place,
we now have accommodation for Richard and Chris so they can begin the site
repairs in preparation for the arrival of the first cohort.
Thanks to continued support from the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund we
were able to purchase a new migration vehicle this year. It’s a Ford diesel,
350, 12 passenger van that will be able to pull our 32 foot aircraft
trailer, haul the crew around and track drop-out birds. It is also large
enough to carry up to 10 birds in crates if it all goes to hell in a hand
basket. That vehicle is here in Ontario and needs to get to Necedah.
We are very grateful to Jane Stedman and Sandy Blakeney who generously
loaned us their motorhome each year, but with the high cost of gas and the
wear and tear we inflict, its time we found another source. So this spring
we bought a used slide-in camper for the back of our pickup. That camper is
also here in Ontario and needs to get to Necedah. I’ll drive to Wisconsin
later this week, drop off the new van and help out for a few days before
driving the pickup back to Canada. Once the slide-in camper is fitted, I’ll
head back to Wisconsin.
Garry and Claire Foltz are working hard at Patuxent right now but will be
leaving for Necedah around the time we move the first cohort on June 25th.
The refuge will provide accommodation for them in the new bunk house they
built over the winter. This weekend Robert Doyle from Patuxent will drive
out in the USGS truck to begin his summer duty and deliver the first
shipment of crane chow. Around July 15th, when the second cohort is
scheduled to arrive, Brooke will drive our other pickup, pulling the Sierra
house trailer, from Patuxent to Necedah and Bev will join us after the last
birds leave Maryland on July 24th.
Staff, trucks, aircraft, trailers and accommodations all have to arrive in
Wisconsin at various times to coordinate with the delivery of birds. I can
see why they call it logistics. Part of the problem this year is a necessary
restriction that was placed on the refuge. Over the years, manager, Larry
Wargowsky assembled a collection of surplus FEMA trailers. His ingenuity
allowed us to spread out a little over the summer months. The interns had
their own trailer, as did Chris Gullikson. Richard had Deke's motorhome to
himself and Brooke got some privacy as well.
There is only one door on the surplus trailers and that presents an
unacceptable fire safety hazard that can’t be ignored, so the FEMA trailers
had to go. The new bunk house at Necedah can accommodate our interns. There
is also space for volunteers and interns who will be working at the refuge
and with the tracking team. The existing bunk house will be for DAR
aviculturists and the rest of the tracking team so we have had to provide
most of our own housing this year. It will be a little tighter, but nothing
we’re not used to. |
| Date: |
June 18, 2008 - Entry 1 |
Reporter: |
Joe Duff |
| Subject: |
A little help from our
frieNDS |
Location: |
Main Office |
When Richard van Heuvelen arrived in Necedah to start preparations for the
shipping of cohort one, he called and said he was standing on a new asphalt
apron in front of the hangar. He asked how that came about and I had to say
I didn’t know.
Before this project started, back in 2000, we found a hangar at the Necedah
Airport that looked abandoned. It was owned by the widow of a pilot who
lived in Idaho and we set up a rental agreement. We had doors built to close
it in and made a few minor repairs. Terry Kohler of Windway Capital stepped
in to help us arrange something a little more secure and he purchased the
hangar in 2001.
Terry Kohler was one of the first to realize that using ultralights to lead
birds might work to establish long lost migration routes. He called Dr.
George Archibald to encourage him to watch a video tape of Bill Lishman
flying with Canada geese. George contacted Bill and thus began the long road
to Whooping cranes.
Terry is a pilot himself although his hardware is more impressive. He used
his Jet Ranger helicopter to help us collect Sandhill crane eggs for the
preliminary study and every year his Cessna Caravan (10 passenger turboprop)
makes three trips to Baltimore and back to deliver the birds to Necedah.
On June 25th they will make their 21st
flight. Terry came to visit us a few years back and noticed that our hangar
had a sand floor. Dust would get everywhere and we were constantly cleaning
radios and air filters to keep things in good repair.
The following spring a crew showed up and paved the hangar and an apron out
in front. They hooked up the power so we had lights and installed a lock so
our equipment was safe. The steel roof would collect condensation in the
early morning and by noon it would rain inside the hangar. So Terry’s crew
insulated the roof and now our aircraft are safe, clean and dry.
As a small gesture of our gratitude we took Mary Kohler flying with the
birds last year on one of our training flights. During their visit, Terry
noticed that the asphalt apron didn’t extend all the way to the road and
sand was still tracked into the hangar. Over the winter that was corrected
and Richard was the first of the OM crew to see Terry’s surprise.
In 2006 I bought a cheap sewing machine and a bolt of fabric. In my amateur
way I hacked together a cover that required 30 yards of material and 75 feet
of Velcro. Although sloppy, the cover worked well. During the migration it
protected the wing from the early morning frost that delays our takeoff by
an hour or more. The problem was that we needed 4 covers and we were in the
process of making them in the hangar when Terry and Mary came to visit.
Terry is an accomplished sailor and also the owner of
North Sails. He looked at the yards
of material spread out on the hangar floor and simply shook his head. He
told us to bundle up a pattern and within a week we had five sets of
perfectly sewn, professionally designed, wing covers delivered to the
hangar. I wrote this note of thanks to him.
"Terry, I wanted you to know
that the covers you had made for us last year work better than I could have
imagined. The new strut based wings that Disney bought for us are less
floppy in the wind when they are tied down, so we don’t need to remove them
from the aircraft and secure them to the ground.
The covers collect all the frost and fit so securely that we can prepare the
aircraft in the morning and even start the engines with them in place. Then
when we are ready to go, we simply rip apart the Velcro, dip each wing in
turn and let the covers slip off the tips. We can do this while sitting in
the aircraft after taxiing to the threshold.
One at a time we deposit our covers on either side of the runway and are
airborne within seconds with wings as clean and dry as if they were hangared
all night. The ground crew collects them and when the camp is set up at the
new site, we simply hang them to dry for 30 minutes and we are back in
business. Thanks to your covers we can take advantage of the calm air
earlier in the mornings."
Terry, there are not enough thank you’s for all you have done. |
| Date: |
June 17, 2008 - Entry 2 |
Reporter: |
Liz Condie |
| Subject: |
CATCHING UP ON CHICK NEWS |
Location: |
Main Office |
Belatedly, we report that the last egg at Patuxent hatched. Chick 830
emerged from its shell on June 15. Chick 830 came from the Calgary Zoo's
Devonian Wildlife Conservation Centre and Nat Christie Whooping Crane
Breeding Facility, and brings the total 'Canadians' in the 2008 population
to a record seven. (Pardon our national pride.) Congratulations to
Zookeeper, Dwight Knapik, and way to go Calgary!!!
On a recent call Brooke advised that 808 was having health problems. This
little bird has respiratory problems and scoliosis, on top of which Bev's
early suspicions that it was deaf turned out to be true. As a result of its
health issues, 808 has been pulled from the project.
The six chicks that will comprise Cohort One are – 803, 804, 805, 810, 811,
and either 807 or 809 (one or the other will be a genetic holdback). All had
their pre-shipping health checks on June 13. Cohort One will leave Patuxent
for Necedah via Baltimore Airport and will be flown to Wisconsin June 25.
These shipping flights are once again this year compliments of Windway
Capital. |
| Date: |
June 17, 2008 - Entry 1 |
Reporter: |
Liz Condie |
| Subject: |
EASTERN MIGRATORY POPULATION (EMP) UPDATE |
Location: |
Main Office |
|
As of June 14th, the
estimated maximum size of the EMP was 39 males and 33 females for a total of
72 Whooping cranes. In the highlights below females are indicated by *. DAR
= direct autumn release.
Spring Migration
727* was in Vermillion County, IL in mid May, then was reported in Will
County, departing there June 1. No subsequent reports have been received.
Florida
516 was still in Marion County as of June 16.
Michigan
The retrieval of DAR744* was unsuccessful and she travelled to Saginaw, Bay
and Tuscola counties before roosting in Huron County on June 15.
DAR740 was in Mason County before moving to Allegan County.
DAR533* was last reported in Mason County April 11.
North Dakota
706, 712, and 713 were reported in Stutsman County June 5/6. No
subsequent reports have been received.
Wisconsin News
735*, who was
being held in a top netted pen on the refuge, was allowed some access to a
larger enclosure at Site 3. There was no apparent improvement to her wing
function and she is still unable to fly.
209*NFT &416NFT were last observed during the previous report period. 209*
had a severe limp due to an injured right leg.
212NFT & 419*NFT were not observed during this report period. Due to the
location of their preferred habitat - in Wood County - they can only be
tracked from the air.
703 and 707 were reported in Freeborn County, MN May 26 where they remained
at least through June 9. They returned to Necedah June 14 and joined 710 and
722* in flight before landing south of the refuge where they associated with
DARs742* and 746*. Photo by R. Urbanek below
DAR737 was retrieved from
Tuscola County, Michigan on June 2 and released on the Necedah refuge.
However, he left the refuge June 5, was in Juneau County June 6, but has not
been observed since. On June 10, DARs739*, 742*, and 746* were also
retrieved from Michigan and subsequently released on the Necedah NWR.
Current Location
Unknown
316NFT last observed on the Necedah refuge March 30.
420* last reported in Clark County, WI March 30.
524NFT last reported departing Fayette County, IN April 16.
Long Term Missing (more than 90 days)
205NFT last recorded at Necedah Oct. 16/07.
201*NFT last recorded in WI June 9/07 and suspected dead.
DAR527* was last reported in Jackson County, IN March 16/17. An unconfirmed
sighting in Fond du Lac County on April 17 may have been this bird.
Update compiled from data supplied by WCEP's Tracking Team. |
| Date: |
June 12, 2008 - Entry 2 |
Reporter: |
Joe Duff |
| Subject: |
DISNEY WORLDWIDE CONSERVATION FUND
APPROVES OM GRANT |
Location: |
Main Office |
|
 Disney's
Animal Kingdom first opened on
April 22,
1998. It is the largest single Disney theme park in the
world, covering more than 500 acres. Visitors to the park can donate to the
Disney
Worldwide Conservation Fund (DWCF), and over their ten year history they
have contributed 11 million dollars to conservation projects on a global
scale.
DWCF has helped to purchase critical habitat in
Guatemala, assisted in the
protection of dolphins in Florida, and funded studies on the interaction
between elephants and bees in Kenya. The
Disney
Worldwide Conservation Fund has also supported Operation Migration since
the beginning of our work on the Whooping Crane reintroduction project.
They have helped us purchase one of our specialized aircraft. A DWCF grant
in 2006 enabled us to install new wings on all of our aircraft. The new
design eliminated the need for the many flying wires that supported the old
wings and trapped birds that flew too close. With their help we have
virtually eliminated the danger of mid-air bird collisions.
We recently learned that our grant application for 2008 was approved. Thanks
to DWCF's assistance we will be purchasing a new vehicle for hauling
migration equipment and tracking wayward birds en route. Their overall
commitment to OM and Whooping cranes now totals more than $140,000!
Not only has Disney supported us financially through their
Worldwide
Conservation Fund, their team of experienced veterinarians provide
medical care for the birds whenever they are in Florida. Aviculturists from
the Disney Team are also helping out this year to train birds at Patuxent
and have offered to assist with winter monitoring.
Beyond the support and expertise provided by Disney, we are very proud of
our association with an organization that has done so much for worldwide
conservation. |
| Date: |
June 12, 2008 - Entry 1 |
Reporter: |
Liz Condie |
| Subject: |
ONE MORE CHICK HATCHES |
Location: |
Main Office |
|
Just before 6:30 this morning an email bonged in from Bev announcing the
arrival of newly hatched chick number 828 from a Calgary egg. She also
advised the egg source of the recent hatches. 827 was also from an egg from
Calgary and 825 and 826 were Patuxent eggs. |
| Date: |
June 11, 2008 - Entry 2 |
Reporter: |
Liz Condie |
| Subject: |
THREE MORE HATCHES |
Location: |
Main Office |
|
825 and 826 hatched out yesterday, June 10 and were joined in ICU by 827
who hatched just this morning. We should know the egg source for these
chicks very soon.
This brings the total of surviving chicks (less genetic holdback 817) to 20.
It is likely that one of the sibling chicks 807 or 809 will also be a
genetic holdback, dropping the current number of potential ultralight birds
to 19. There are just three eggs still incubating at Patuxent. Their
anticipated hatch dates are June 13 (two eggs) and June 15 (one egg). |
| Date: |
June 11, 2008 - Entry 1 |
Reporter: |
Liz Condie |
| Subject: |
FLORIDA NEST ABANDONMENT |
Location: |
Main Office |
|
In his first report of the 2008 breeding season in February, Marty Folk
of the Florida Fish and Conservation Commission advised that despite very
dry conditions, and low expectations for breeding, the Kissimmee pair had
laid two eggs and were dutifully attending to the nest. Subsequently, he
reported that the pair had successfully hatched 2 chicks, but on March 21st,
while the parents and one chick were foraging, crows took the other chick
from the nest and ate it.
April rains somewhat replenished water in the marsh where the parents
continued to raise their remaining chick, but it too was lost mid-month. The
pair eventually re-nested in another location, but in an email received this
morning, Marty said they inexplicably abandoned their nest yesterday. The
two eggs that were recovered from the nest were sent for necropsy. |
| Date: |
June 9, 2008 - Entry 2 |
Reporter: |
Heather Ray |
| Subject: |
A LOSS... |
Location: |
Main Office |
|
It saddens us to report that number 801 was euthanized late this
afternoon. Bev reports that this little chick had been dealing with some
minor health issues over the weekend but this morning it was discovered with
one of its legs bowed out at an exaggerated angle. After examining the chick
and exploring options it was determined that recovery, if at all possible,
would be slow and the decision was made to not subject the little bird to
any further discomfort. |
| Date: |
June 9, 2008 |
Reporter: |
Heather Ray |
| Subject: |
CHICK AND MILEMAKER UPDATE |
Location: |
Main Office |
|
Bev reports that one chick hatched out very early yesterday
morning. This Patuxent chick will now be referred to as "number 824" and
will very likely be the first chick in the third cohort. Now before you
start wondering "why the gap in chick numbers"??? Numbers 821, 822 and 823
were assigned to Sandhill crane chicks, which will each be raised by a pair
of captive Whooping cranes.
In the captive breeding population, egg production is increased by
pulling the eggs once they are laid. This will often prompt the female to
re-clutch and produce more valuable eggs. Using this technique it is
possible to get as many as ten eggs per season from one female crane;
however not all of these will be fertile. As the breeding season winds down
captive pairs will be given a chick to raise - this not only helps the
pairbond process, but also, ensures that the female will form an emotional
attachment to the egg. If all she ever did was produce eggs with no pay-off
she could become disinterested and not produce any.
In MileMaker news - a hearty welcome goes out to new MileMaker sponsors
Teresa Hull, Jimmy & Cynthia Wilkerson, and Lawrence Neumaier, each of whom
rose to the challenge issued last week by our very own Nancy Drew. Nancy
promised to match three new sponsors - to a total of 3 miles, which means
that her challenge generated a total of 6 miles.
Remember I mentioned that Craniacs are a competitive bunch? Well, another
matching challenge has been issued - this one is from Annelise Jorgensen,
who, like Nancy wishes to see some more NEW MileMakers join the flock, so
has promised to match up to 7 miles. This is fantastic news for anyone that
loves the BOGO (buy one, get one) concept of shopping, because if you've
never sponsored a mile of the southward migration before, you will get 2
miles for your 1 mile contribution! Thank you Annelise!
To date, we're sitting at slightly less than 10 percent of the route
sponsored and as expected, Wisconsin is sitting in first place in terms of
total miles spoken for. Illinois and Alabama are tied for second place and
Florida rounds out the top four. |
| Date: |
June 6, 2008 |
Reporter: |
Heather Ray |
| Subject: |
TRAINING UPDATE |
Location: |
Main Office |
|
Four eggs arrived at the
Patuxent
Wildlife Research Center on Wednesday from the Calgary zoo… This brings
the total of Canadian cranes in this year cohort to seven – YAY Calgary
Zoo!!!
In a rushed phone call, Bev reported that 812, 813, 814 and 815 have each
been spending time with the trike during circle pen sessions and all are
doing well. Crane 817 is a definite genetic holdback so has been removed
from the daily training schedule.
They’ve also been working hard this week to socialize the Cohort One chicks
at the White Series Pond – Chicks 803, 804 and 805 have spent time together,
foraging in the shallow water and seem to get along. Chicks 807 and 809
(full siblings) are both little screamers and just keep peeping/yelling at
each other, and 810 and 811 have been getting along the best. Where is 801
-- you ask? This little bird apparently has anger management issues that
need to be worked on before he can be allowed to play with the others…
This socialization process is a significant stage of their upbringing, since
this first cohort will soon begin sharing accommodations once they arrive at
the Necedah National Wildlife Refuge later this month.
Now before you start thinking ‘well that’ll lighten the workload at Patuxent
somewhat’ – not so fast… Those four eggs mentioned above? We need to add
three final eggs produced by Patuxent breeders this year for a total of
seven chicks still left to hatch between June 8–15, which will comprise the
third and final cohort, so the workload will not be letting up anytime soon. |
| Date: |
June 4, 2008 |
Reporter: |
Heather Ray |
| Subject: |
A CHALLENGE IS ISSUED! |
Location: |
Main Office |
|
No sooner had we posted the launch of the 2008 MileMaker campaign when we
received our first official challenge - Craniacs can be SO competitive. It's
GREAT!
This match invitation is being extended by long-time supporter Nancy Drew
who would like to give up to three NEW MileMaker sponsors even more
incentive. Nancy has pledged to match three individual miles, so for anyone
out there that has not yet supported the southward migration since we
launched the campaign five years ago, now is your chance to double your
support!
All you have to do is select which mile you would like to sponsor by
clicking
here
- Then, once Chris has a chance to validate that you are indeed a new
MileMaker; Nancy will sponsor a second mile in your honor! |
| Date: |
June 3, 2008 |
Reporter: |
Heather Ray |
| Subject: |
TRACKING UPDATE & MILEMAKER CAMPAIGN |
Location: |
Main Office |
|
We received a tracking report today, which very closely resembles
the report summarized by Liz on May 20th with the
following exceptions:
The only '07 ultralight-reintroduced crane that has not yet returned to
Wisconsin is #727* - She was confirmed in Vermillion County, IL two weeks
ago but has since moved north, and until yesterday, was located southwest of
Chicago.
And it would appear the romance between 107* and 506 has been shelved as
the report states that a whooping crane believed to be no. 107* was reported
near Horicon NWR, Fond du Lac and Dodge Counties, beginning May 21st. Crane
107* had last been reported with 506 in Adams County on May 14th.
In other news, the 2008 MileMaker campaign is now live and accessible
online! To reserve YOUR selected mile just click on the graphic on the top
right of this page. You can also see which miles have already been sponsored
by some very caring Whooping crane fans. We hope you'll join us this year as
MileMaker sponsors - every dollar raised through the MileMaker initiative
supports the southward journey. We can't do it without your help... |
| Date: |
June 2, 2008 |
Reporter: |
Heather Ray |
| Subject: |
ANOTHER FLUFFY BUNDLE |
Location: |
Main Office |
|
Crane chick #820 broke free from the confines of its egg earlier
today - and is ready to begin life as a
WCEP bird!
This chick is the third of our ultralight class produced by The
International Crane
Foundation in Wisconsin. |
| Date: |
June 1, 2008 |
Reporter: |
Joe Duff |
| Subject: |
UNVEILING THE NEW MIGRATION ROUTE |
Location: |
Main Office |
|
At long last we are able to reveal the new, more westerly migration route
to be used for the first time this coming fall. Bev and Brooke covered
countless miles in the air and on the road to bring this project to fruition
– all of which was made possible through the generosity of an anonymous
donor from southern California.
Flying her Cessna 182, Bev and Brooke traveled from Illinois to Florida and
back. They studied countless maps and aeronautical charts, used GIS mapping
systems, Google Earth and the advice of locals. Their primary objective was
to find a way around the Appalachian Mountains, but there were other
considerations. They had to avoid large areas of forest that limit the
number of emergency landing sites, and built up areas where hiding the birds
from people would be impossible. They had to circumnavigate controlled
airspace around major airports, restricted zones near military installations
and steer clear of the five mile no-fly zone around nuclear power stations.
Once the basic pathway was mapped they circled endlessly at 50 mile
intervals looking for perfect fields. The best ones are clear of cross-county power lines, rivers that produce early morning fog, forests that are
reserved for deer hunting in the fall, corn fields that may or may not be
harvested when we pass through and ridges that we would have to cross
shortly after take off. They took hundreds of digital photos, punched in
myriad GPS waypoints and scribbled pages of notes so they could match one to
the other, all the time flying in circles.
They eventually returned to Wisconsin and began the ground work. Finding
landowners was the most difficult part. Mostly they asked neighbors,
followed leads, checked the phone book and used the internet when they could
get connected. With each inquiry they had to explain the project, answer the
questions and make friends with the people who may be hosting us. It’s not
easy to knock on a door and ask a complete stranger if we could invade their
property with four motorhomes and a crew of 12 people. It takes some fast
talking to convince them to let us tap into their power, restrict their use
of their own property and invite the media. Invariably the first
questions are “when are you coming and how long will you be here.” And you
all know how good we are with those answers.
We hope that moving the route to the west will help reduce the days the
migration is grounded due to headwinds. Most of the weather systems we
encounter are low pressure areas that move east and up the coast. They
rotate in a counterclockwise direction and we are often along the leading
edge. Our hope is that moving west will give us wind at our backs instead of
in our faces. We are encouraged by the many pilots that Bev and
Brooke met in their travels who thought we could expect better weather along
this route. Even if the new route is not faster, it will be safer for both
the birds and the pilots and that, in the end, is the primary objective.
Although I still secretly dream of a 40 day migration.
We have named the new, more westerly route, “Deke’s Way,” in honor of former
OM pilot Deke Clark. Like the Whooping crane, Deke has embarked on his own Come Back Tale. In 2002 he suffered a stroke, and while he is gradually
recovering, he is still engaged in a heavy physiotherapy regime.
Highly respected and much loved, Deke and his partner Rebecca remain good
friends of Operation Migration, and of all of us on the OM Team. While Deke
won’t be along when we fly the new, westerly route, we know that he will be
with us in spirit and we could not have anyone better watching over our
shoulders.
As with the previous migration route, we will travel through seven
states. "Deke's Way" will take us through Wisconsin, Illinois, Kentucky,
Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, and Florida. Instead of turning east into
Indiana near the top of the route, we will hold a direct heading until we
reach the southern end and start the bend to the east in Alabama.
Below is the 2008 Migration Map, and a chart showing the miles in each
state. In a day or two, both will be accessible for reference via links on
the top right of this Field Journal page. Any day now the MileMaker
Sponsorship pages will be completed and also posted to the website. We will
put an announcement in the Field Journal just as soon as we have them ready
for you.
|
STATE |
FROM
MILE |
TO
MILE |
TOTAL MILES
IN STATE |
RUNNING
TOTAL MILES |
| Wisconsin |
1 |
117 |
117 |
117 |
| Illinois |
118 |
455 |
338 |
455 |
| Kentucky |
456 |
545 |
93 |
548 |
| Tennessee |
546 |
651 |
109 |
657 |
| Alabama |
652 |
970 |
324 |
981 |
| Georgia |
971 |
1043 |
76 |
1057 |
| Florida |
1044 |
1269 |
228 |
1285 |
 |
| Date: |
June 1, 2008 |
Reporter: |
Heather Ray |
| Subject: |
Good News - Bad News |
Location: |
Main Office |
|
Generally, I prefer to leave field journal entries on a hopeful
note, so I'll begin with the bad news... Bev reports that we lost 806
overnight :-( This water-loving little chick was collected as an egg from
the nest of the First Family early last month and would have been a full
sibling to W601. As time permits, a necropsy will be performed to determine
the cause.
On a happier note - Two more chicks have been enlisted to the
class of '08! Chicks 818 and 819 both
hatched overnight. 818 is our second crane chick from
The International Crane Foundation
and 819 is the fourth provided by the
Calgary Zoo
in Alberta. Bev also advised that a third ICF egg, which arrived yesterday
should hatch out tomorrow. |
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