|
|
Along the Migration Route Flyovers
As in past years, we HOPE to be able to offer the public and media
opportunities to view flyovers as the cranes and planes depart some of the
locations along the migration route. Because of the change in our migration
route this year, and it being the first time we will use the majority of our
stopover sites, we cannot know ahead of time whether any of the locations
will be suitable for a public viewing.
For this reason we ask that you please be patient and do not email to
request viewing information as we are simply unable to respond to all of
your inquiries.
We will post flyover information in the Field Journal as soon as we
possibly can.

| Date: | January 5,
2008 - Entry 1 | Reporter: |
Liz Condie |
| Subject: | PARTING
SHOT AT ESA | Location: |
Chilton Co. AL |
|
Excerpt from January's THE BIRDING COMMUNITY E-BULLETIN "In the
area of the Endangered Species Act, Secretary of the Interior, Dirk
Kempthorne, announced last month a final rule change that weakens
implementation of the Endangered Species Act. At issue are Section 7
consultations with endangered species experts at the Fish and Wildlife
Service and National Marine Fisheries Service. There have traditionally been
mandatory consultations for any federal agency where actions (e.g., dams,
towers, mining, logging, and road-building) may affect endangered species,
even if no negative impacts are likely.
The Bush Administration's new rule will allow agencies to determine on
their own (i.e., without consultation with outside experts) what effect
their actions will have on endangered species. This could potentially create
huge holes in the safety net that currently protects birds and other animals
and plants in danger of extinction.
The Bush Administration's last minute rulemaking has drawn heavy
criticism from the public, lawmakers, conservation groups, and newspaper
editorialists from across the country. Indeed, over 250,000 comments
opposing the rule changes - including comments from respected scientific and
professional organizations - were submitted to the Interior Department in
the 60-day comment period prior to the announced changes. Regrettably the
weighty public stir seems not to have generated any positive response from
the Bush Administration.
Both President-elect Obama and key Congressional leaders have signaled
that they will oppose the ESA rule change. In addition, a number of
conservation organizations intend to take legal action to stop these
regulations, and at least four lawsuits have already been filed, including
one from the state of California.
It is possible that a federal district court could issue an injunction
against implementation of the new regulation on the basis that no
environmental impact statement was prepared. A new Administration might opt
not to appeal the proposed regulatory changes, which could result in the new
rule dying a quiet death. Alternatively, a new Administration may still have
to restart the lengthy rule-making process to undo the change. As the script
unfolds, expect press releases (pro and con) to continue apace.
You can access an archive of past Birding Community E-bulletins on the
website of the National Wildlife Refuge Association (NWRA) at http://www.refugenet.org/birding/birding5.html |

| Date: | January 5,
2008 - Entry 1 | Reporter: |
Liz Condie |
| Subject: | BIGGER
PUDDLES, BIGGER DRIPS | Location: |
Chilton Co. AL |
| Distance: | 0 miles | Accumulated Distance: |
813 miles |
|
The RV was cocooned in this morning's thick blanket of fog. We could hear,
but not see the cows that were mooing loudly 30 yards away in the adjacent
field. The puddles had grown as the already saturated ground wasn't able to
accommodate the heavy overnight rain, and every indentation, from potholes
to footprints now holds standing water. Along with SE ground winds and SW
winds aloft, today's forecast promises more rain. Yesterday, in anticipation
of the windy, rainy weather, the pilots broke down their aircraft, removing
and stowing the wings, and pushing the trikes into our host's barn for
protection. And there they will stay for at least today - and perhaps
tomorrow as well.
Migration Trivia compliments of Vi White and Steve Cohen
Chilton County, AL.
The 2007 census gives the population of Chilton County as 42,299; 12% in
urban centers and 88% rural. The county covers 694 square miles, 6.8 square
miles of it water. Despite Clanton being the county seat the population is
not centered on it, rather, it is is centered on the town of Jemison in an
area known as Jemison Division. |

| Date: | January 4,
2009 - Entry 1 | Reporter: |
Liz Condie |
| Subject: | PUDDLES
AND DRIPS | Location: |
Chilton Co. AL |
| Distance: | 0 miles | Accumulated Distance: |
813 miles |
|
The rain has let up for the time being, but we've got huge puddles
everywhere and the drips off the trees landing on the roof of the RV are so
large and loud they sound like acorns hitting. It's a shirtsleeve 53F this
morning but the winds are still against us; south 4mph on the ground and SW
15mph aloft. For the fifth day in a row the cranes and planes will not be
flying.
We used yesterday's down day to do some overdue service on vehicles, oil
changes, air filters, new wiper blades and the like. One vehicle, our white
diesel truck left to go.
Our satellite dish doesn't like to work when it's raining and as a
result, the signal is so intermittent it's almost impossible to stay
connected long enough to accomplish much. Today we'll take advantage of the
lull in the rainfall to get the build up of emails sent off and catch up on
our online jobs. However, like the bumper sticker we spotted yesterday said,
"We'd rather be flying."
Migration Trivia compliments of Vi White and Steve Cohen
Chilton County, AL.
Verbena is named for its abundance of indigenous verbena. The town
originally was called Summerfield, but was renamed when it was discovered
that a small town near Selma already bore this name. Although there are
conflicting stories concerning how the name Verbena was chosen, it is
generally accepted that Kate Norton, a relative of one of the first
settlers, suggested the name. Another of the early settlers, Colonel P. T.
Sayre, often wore a sprig of this purple flower in his lapel. It is the only
town in the country named Verbena and is listed on the National Register of
Historic Places. |

| Date: | January 3,
2009 - Entry 1 | Reporter: |
Liz Condie |
| Subject: | STILL
GROUNDED | Location: |
Chilton Co. AL |
| Distance: | 0 miles | Accumulated Distance: |
813 miles |
Strike 1 - 58F and 95% humidity
Strike 2 - SE winds and dense fog
Strike 3 - light rain/mist and 100 foot ceilingToday will be Down Day #4
in Chilton County. AL.
Migration Trivia compliments of Vi White and Steve Cohen
Chilton County, AL.
Alabama Major League baseball player, Minter Carney "Jackie" Hayes, was born
in 1906 in Clanton. His Major League career lasted from 1927 to 1940. During
his last year in Chicago, a cinder struck him and he lost the sight in one
eye. Later he also lost sight in the other eye. He died at age 76 in
Birmingham, Alabama. |

| Date: | January 2,
2009 - Entry 1 | Reporter: |
Liz Condie |
| Subject: | MIGRATION
DAY 67 | Location: |
Chilton Co. AL |
| Distance: | 0 Miles | Accumulated Distance: |
813 miles |
|
When we stepped out side this morning at 4AM we knew from the warm
temperature that the winds had swung around. It was 48F, and sure enough,
the 4mph ground winds were out of the SSE. Even if we could manage the light
ground winds, not so with the plus 30mph SSW winds aloft, and the rain than
began to douse us around 6:30. The second day of the new year will be our
third down day in Chilton County. The dictionary says, "Patience is a noun
describing the capacity or fact of being patient." Until we read, "Patience
emphasizes calmness, self-control, and the ability to suppress restlessness
or frustration when confronted with delay," we thought patience was one of
our virtues.
Now, being two days into 2009, our patience is again being tested. And
with the long range forecast currently calling for unfavorable flight
conditions - potentially for several days - the frustration level is
ratcheted up a notch.
The cliché, "So near yet so far," was heard as we gathered around the
coffee pot. But then, remembering John Christian's story of the Little
Engine That Could, it was followed by, "But yes we can, yes we can." Stay
with us folks. When it comes to safeguarding the Whooping crane, late, truly
is much, much better than never.
Migration Trivia compliments of Vi White and Steve Cohen
Chilton County, AL.
The town of Verbena developed into a popular haven for the more affluent
citizenry of Montgomery, Alabama during the yellow fever outbreaks in the
late 19th and early 20th century. Fearing the disease, people fled big
cities for mountains and resorts, and as a result, the town of Verbena was
born. In the late 1870's and 1880's, prominent families from Montgomery
built summer homes in Verbena to escape the heat and the possibility of
catching the dread disease. Many who came for the summer stayed to become
permanent residents.
|

| Date: | January 1,
2009 - Entry 1 | Reporter: |
Liz Condie |
| Subject: | DOWN DAY
#2 IN CHILTON CO. | Location: |
Chilton Co. AL |
| Distance: | 0 miles | Accumulated Distance: |
813 miles |
|
Happy New Year everyone! We'd be considerably happier today if the New
Year had brought us some flying weather. At 27F, the temperature is fine,
but ground winds are out of the east, and aloft the wind is out of the SSE
+20mph - right on our nose.
While the forecast is calling for the day to eventually be sunny with a
mid-fifties high temp, the winds will remain out of the SE bringing us light
rain overnight which the weatherman says is likely to linger into Friday
morning.
The cranes and planes will spend the first day of 2009 (and possibly a
couple more) in Chilton County, AL. Migration Trivia compliments of Vi White and Steve Cohen
Chilton County, AL.
Among Alabama's well-known citizens are two professional baseball
players. Clay Palmer Carroll, born in Clanton, pitched for six Major League
teams during a fifteen-year career, from 1964 to 1978. Overall, he had a
remarkable 1.39 ERA in 22 postseason appearances, allowing just five earned
runs in 32 innings. "The Hawk", as he was known, was elected to the National
League All-Star team in 1971 and 1972, and is a member of the Cincinnati
Reds Hall of Fame. |

| Date: | December 31,
2008 - Entry 1 | Reporter: |
Liz Condie |
| Subject: | RINGING
OUT THE OLD | Location: |
Chilton Co. AL |
| Distance: | 0 miles | Accumulated Distance: |
813 miles |
|
On checking weather modeling sites last evening, our resident weather
forecaster, Chris Gullikson, told us that the prospects for a flight this
morning didn't look very good. He said that the weak cold front moving
through the area in the morning would bring us northwest winds that would
likely be a bit too strong for us. At 6AM today we had a much milder temp,
40F, and favorable NNW winds on the ground. But Chris was right about the
cold front. It was moving through Birmingham just before sunrise and would
reach us before we could get on the ground at our next stopover. As a
result, in the face of the arrival of this system with its strong NNW winds
and accompanying turbulence, prudence called for us to spend the day on the
ground in Chilton County.
Now for a 'Commercial Message'.
The good news is that there are sufficient MileMaker sponsorships to cover
the migration as far as Pike County, AL - two stops ahead of our current
location. The not so good news is that with just 36% of the migration left
to go, there are almost 350 miles that still remain unsponsored.
Today is your last chance to make a tax deductible donation for the 2008
tax year. All contributions received up until midnight tonight via PayPal on
the website, or by calling the office (1-800-675-2618) whether for MileMaker
sponsorships or otherwise, will receive a claimable 2008 tax receipt.
And we do need your help. Wisconsin and Georgia miles are sold out, but
we really need the help of all the new Craniacs we've met at flyovers, and
the many others we hope we've cultivated as we passed through new areas of
Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, and of course, Alabama. The unsponsored miles
in those states number: IL - 75; KY - 30; TN - 43; AL - 137. Hopefully
Floridians will jump on board too and quickly snap up the 63 miles left in
their state.
2008 Migration Trivia compliments of Vi White and Steve Cohen
Chilton County, AL.
Chilton County is often referred to as the true "Reconstruction County."
When established in 1868, it became one of the first new counties formed
after the close of the Civil War.
Peaches are a multi-million dollar industry in Chilton County accounting
for 80% of the annual Alabama peach crop. Peaches were originally grown by
Native Americans at a place near the mouth of Walnut Creek that they called
"Pokana Talahassi" or "Old Peachtree Town." |

| Date: | December 30,
2008 - Entry 5 | Reporter: |
Chris Gullikson |
| Subject: | LEAD
PILOT REPORT - FLIGHT WALKER TO CHILTON | Location: |
Chilton Co. AL |
| Distance: | 58 miles | Accumulated Distance: |
813 miles |
|
I had my doubts about flying Tuesday as a high pressure system was located
directly overhead and forecast to drift southeast throughout the morning.
Ideally, we want to be located to the east of weak high pressure as the
counterclockwise flow around the high gives us gentle north winds. With the
high center drifting southeast, we would be encountering southerly winds on
the back side as our flight progressed. My typical morning begins about an
hour and a half before sunrise. I check various weather sites and decide if
I should get out of my jammies. Experience has taught me to have only one
cup of coffee, and with luck I won’t have an accident during the flight.
(Apologies to Brooke in reference to his flight report from yesterday.)
After gathering up my flying gear, I wandered out to my trike that was
tucked inside a massive heated hangar, and began my routine pre-flight. I
walked around kicking tires, checking bolts and safety pins, cables and all
the other important stuff related to keeping a bunch of aluminum and fabric
aloft.
As the sun broke the horizon we pushed out and fired up our trikes, doing
the customary 5 minute warm-up before blasting off into the incredibly calm
air. I climbed through 1000 feet, comparing my airspeed to my GPS to find
that we had about a 3mph push from the north. Above 1500 feet my groundspeed
began to fall off and at 2000 feet we encountered a headwind of about 5mph.
827 has been slow coming out of the pen for the last several flights, so
for the second day in a row he was coaxed out of the pen before the launch.
As I landed and taxied up to the pen, I could see him standing patiently
beside the costumed ground crew awaiting my signal to open the pen panels.
I spun the trike around, spooled up the engine, and gave the thumbs up
signal. There was a slight hesitation but soon the birds were racing out of
the pen and I powered up, airborne within 200 feet, and began a gentle turn
to the left out over an abandoned gravel pit. Four birds were slow coming
out of the pen so I continued my circle, going back over the four who were
now aloft and racing to climb up to us. A few circles and S turns later and
we were temporarily on course to the south.
There was a public flyover viewing opportunity at a church just a few
miles on course. I had drifted left of track rounding up birds, and had
chosen to fly down a valley that would put me well east of the flyover site.
Richard helped me get a visual on the church, which was a ½ mile to my 2
o-clock position on the other side of the ridge I was paralleling. The ridge
rose in height to the south, and my low altitude would require me to cross
the ridge soon or I would not have altitude to get over.
I was torn, I knew a sharp right turn would likely persuade the birds to
break off and go back towards the pen, but I really wanted to give the
assembled folks a chance to see these magnificent birds. I started to make a
very gentle turn and sure enough, they all broke right and the ensuing rodeo
likely made for an entertaining show.
We passed birds back and forth between trikes, with Brooke and I
eventually getting away with seven each after Richard passed a bird off to
me to keep himself free to pick up drop-outs. Another rodeo occurred a few
more miles on course after Brooke and I found ourselves side by side at the
same altitude, each of us being unable to turn away from the other due to
ridges and an approaching power plant. The cranes, seeing their buddies on
the other trike, were leaving me, while others were leaving Brooke to come
towards me. We again passed birds back and forth and I came out with 13 on
the wing, leaving Brooke with the 14th bird - which coincidentally enough
was 814.
We were slow to gain altitude, only 500 feet high after 30 minutes yet
the air remained glass smooth idespite the steep valleys and ridges below
us. There is a certain point in most flights where the birds settle into a
nice formation and stop thinking about turning back towards their familiar
pen. Today that was at about the 30 minute mark, after our last rodeo.
I was finally able to begin a climb, coaxing the birds along at nearly
100 feet per minute until we got to 1500 feet. It was at this altitude that
I finally got a chance to see why we have moved the route west. The
Appalachian Mountain chain runs from northern Maine southwest through the
Carolinas and northern Georgia. The heavily wooded foothills taper out in
central Alabama and our new route takes us over these foothills that can one
can actually see disappear off the southwest. Several ridges could be seen
rising to the northeast that just tapered away to nothing in the southwest.
It was a beautiful sight to see.
As we continued south, our groundspeed began to drop off, the GPS seeming
to be stuck at 45 minutes to our destination. We adjusted our altitude down
a few hundred feet to pick up a slightly better groundspeed, but we were
also very aware that our reduced altitude would also mean that the thermals
would reach us sooner. The miles slowly ticked by and every now and then we
felt a stray thermal hit us but for the most part it remained smooth.
Thermals are not dangerous to fly in and can even be fun, but the turbulence
makes it very difficult to keep the birds on the wing. Luck was on our side
today and we made it to our destination before the thermals really began to
take hold.
Once on the ground, I led the birds away to let Brooke change out of his
warm flying gear. Richard landed over at our host's farm and met with Brian
to get a plan to setup the pen. Brooke came back to help me hide the birds
and then I slipped away to change out of my flying gear that was now
becoming uncomfortably warm as the sun rose higher. We soon had the pen set
up. I went back to help Brooke walk the birds back to the pen while Richard
and Brian drove the van out of sight. With the birds securely in the pen,
Brooke and I hopped back in our trikes and flew back to land in our host’s
yard where we tied them down and installed the wing frost covers. |

| Date: | December
30,, 2008 - Entry 4 | Reporter: |
Liz Condie |
| Subject: | NO
CHILTON COUNTY FLYOVER | Location: |
Chilton Co. AL |
| Distance: | 58 miles | Accumulated Distance: |
813 miles |
|
Regrettably, we have to tell you that we will not be able to have a flyover
viewing when we depart Chilton County. Despite searching virtually, online,
and driving throughout the countryside looking for suitable locations, we
came up empty. We could find no spot near enough to our planned flight path
that would accommodate people and cars and afford a view. 2008 Migration Trivia compliments of Vi White and Steve Cohen
Chilton County, AL
Originally home to the Upper Creek Indians, and then part of several
different territories and political subdivisions, what is now Chilton County
was established in 1868 as Baker County. In 1874, its name was changed to
honor William Parish Chilton, Sr., a lawyer who became Chief Justice of the
Alabama Supreme Court and later represented Montgomery County in the
Congress of the Confederate States of America.
William Parish Chilton, Sr. was acting leader of the Provisional Confederate
Congress. He became a historic figure when, on February 4, 1861, he gaveled
the Confederate States of America into existence. |

| Date: | December 30,
2008 - Entry 3 | Reporter: |
Liz Condie |
| Subject: | EASTERN
MIGRATORY POPULATION UPDATE | Location: |
Chilton Co. AL |
As of December 27 the size of the Eastern Migratory Population was unchanged
at 74 Whooping cranes; 42 males and 32 females. The trackers estimated the
following numbers of birds in each of the states listed.
Florida – 21
Georgia – 4
South Carolina – 4
Alabama – 9
Tennessee – 17
Either still migrating or at unknown locations – 16
The remaining three birds are:
416, which was last observed at Necedah in early October
DAR740* which was last observed mid November in Michigan
205NFT which has not been reported since October of 2007. |

| Date: | December 30,
2008 - Entry 2 | Reporter: |
Brooke Pennypacker |
| Subject: |
YESTERDAY'S FLIGHT REPORT | Location: |
Alabama |
|
The morning began as flight days always do, dark and cold, though not quite
as cold as we’d like. I
amended my usual ritual by adding a coffee cup to the contents of my already
bulging trike backpack. I rolled the cup in my hand, gazing at the name,
'Harry' on one side, and the insignia of his squadron on the other. Harry
flew two tours in Viet Nam, returned a quiet hero, and continued to serve
his country in the Air Force until his retirement. Not long after, he became
manager and flight instructor at the Russellville Municipal Airport. Harry
gave the cup to Bev who gave it to me. It was a Good Luck cup, and to me
represented all the incredible kindness and generosity the folks at
Russellville had blessed us with these past many days. If that’s not luck, I
don’t know what is.
In aviation it is said that a pilot starts out with two cups - an empty
one labeled Experience, and a full one labeled Luck. The hope is that as
time goes on, the pilot accumulates experience and fills up that cup before
the contents of the Lucky cup is used up. My experience has been that both
cups need to be and to stay full. So full in fact, that they spill over onto
the table and puddle on the floor. Getting those birds out of there after
their long stay and their poor performance last time at bat was going to
take lots of both. An hour and seven minutes is what it took just to leave
Hardin County, TN
behind, and by then 4 birds were so tired they just landed. And then another
landed out - -Jack and Brian saved the day by finding locating and retrieving
him.
The whole crew, save Joe, arrived a day early and a good flying
day was forecast, so the move was a no-brainer. The prospect of moving again quickly vanquished the fatigue of my two
long days of driving, the Rip Van Winkle difficulties of visiting an old
life and coping with the realization that though you haven’t, as yet, fallen
from the high wire, you are barely hanging by your toenails.
Besides, sitting is what I do these days, whether in a trike, or in a car,
or in a motorhome awaiting weather.....I sit. So what’s a couple more hours
of the stuff. And so off we went, the birds and I, accelerating down the
field, still in dark shadow, and into the dimly lit sky above.
At first all was well as we sped towards the flyover area where a good
sized crowd had amassed, hoping for at least a glimpse of these magnificent
birds and the reason for our being here. It was a wonderful opportunity for us to
give something back to those folks who gave us so much - - and they loved it.
Besides, what better way to say thank you to everyone who has been so
overwhelmingly kind and generous to our crew.
It wasn’t long before the birds began to tire of the thank you's and
headed back towards the pen. So what appeared to the crowd to be a series of
beautifully planned choreographs of flight were really my desperate attempts
at cutting off their retreat to the pen and coaxing them back in line and on
course.
This aerial tug of war continued for about half an hour when it became
clear we were going to have to split them up between trikes if we were to avoid
the problem of the last stop, which was tiring them out so much trying to
leave that they didn’t have the juice to make it to the next one. I
continued on course with seven, and seven headed back where Richard picked
them up. Soon, two cohorts of seven, each with a trike, were winging on.
Led by my favorite bird, 813, my group was climbing relatively well after
a little coaxing, but Richard’s group chose 900 feet as its ceiling and that
was it. No higher. And that wasn’t high enough to insure the success of a
skip over the next stop. That decision made for us, we headed on for the
remainder of the flight to the first stop.
Soon we were over the field, landed and proceeded with the all familiar
ritual; hide the birds while setting up the pen, leading the birds into it
and becoming airborne again enroute to an airport, in this case the Walker
County-Bevill Field Airport, where we humans roosted for the night.
I was anxious to again see our new friends at the airport, especially the
retired corporate jet pilot Bev and I had the good fortune to meet in the
spring, and who facilitated the details and the success of this stop for us.
Also waiting was our airport host. In addition to being a great guy and
generous friend who runs flight operations there, is an accomplished pilot
in his own right and races his airplane at the Reno Air Races. Being in the
company of these two guys can only be described as Luck.
So trikes tied down and secure, flying gear shed and a sigh of relief
breathed, I reached back into my pack and pulled out the cup. Although it
looked empty, I knew it to be full and was careful to keep it right side up.
I gave it a little rub and placed it carefully back into my pack. Then with
a smile I turned away, looked up and thanked the guy that gave it to us,
“Thanks Harry.” |

| Date: | December 30,
2008 - Entry 1 | Reporter: |
Liz Condie |
| Subject: | MIGRATION
DAY 64 | Location: |
Enroute |
| Distance: | ? miles | Accumulated Distance: |
? miles |
Another good looking morning. The temp was nice and cold at 31 F and
once again we had 0 - 2mph winds out of the north on the ground on top of
which it looked like we'd have a nice little tailwind aloft.
Today's lead pilot was our weather guru, Chris Gullikson and he took off
with 10 of our 14 youngsters. It took some coaxing by the ground crew to get
the last four out of the pen. It also took a few circles to get all the
birds up and underway and from our flyover vantage point high on a hill
about 2 miles south of the pensite, we could see the trikes and the specks
that were birds performing the first rodeo of the morning.It wasn't long
before the trikes and birds started to grow in size as they came closer and
closer over the tree-topped ridge. At first it appeared as if they
would pass by considerably off in the distance, but as we watched several of
the birds broke off and rodeo number two for the day began. Chris had the
majority of the birds at one point with Brooke picking up the rest with the
exception of one bird that Richard chased down and got on his wing. Then we
had rodeo number three.
The crowd gathered at the flyover site benefited from the rodeo however
as the circling took first one trike and then another almost directly
overhead. There should be some good photos on the many cameras of the folks
who gathered to see the first Whooping cranes flying the skies in Walker
County.
Our last sight of the cranes and planes was watching Richard drop his one
bird off to Chris, who then had 7 if we counted right. Brooke was right
there as well with the other seven. By dropping his one charge off, Richard
was left free to fly in the chase position just in case any others broke off
or dropped out along the way.
A few sales of OM gear later the crowd dispersed and I was able to stand
in what was by then brilliant sunshine, and take in the fabulous view of the
countryside. Gazing out over the little valley below, I tried to imagine the
sight the pilots and birds were experiencing as they zipped along up top
enroute to Chilton County, AL, 58 air miles away.
We are expecting to give you two lead pilot postings later today;
Brooke's from yesterday as well as one from Chris for today. |

| Date: | December 29,
2008 - Entry 2 | Reporter: |
Liz Condie |
| Subject: | ARRIVAL
WALKER COUNTY!! & DEPARTURE FLYOVER | Location: |
Walker Co. AL |
| Distance: | 53 miles | Accumulated Distance: |
755 miles |
|
The planes and cranes are on the ground here in warm, sunny Walker County.
Brooke landed with 7 birds while Richard had the other 7 - including 827 who
apparently was only happy when he had lead position right off Richard's
wing. We all shed our winter gear for sweatshirts or light jackets, and then
they were soon replaced be even lighter clothes. What a treat. And
speaking of treats, after the amazing flyover(s) in Russellville this
morning, dare we hope for as terrific a view for the folks here in Walker
County tomorrow? With 31F and 0 - 5mph north winds forecast, we should be
able to chalk up another migration leg in the morning.
DEPARTURE FLYOVER VIEWING INFORMATION
The site we've found is just west of CR269 and off Hwy
22, also called New Parrish Hwy. On the north side of Hwy 22 there is are
two ball diamonds immediately across from the Parrish Church of the Nazarene. This
spot is just east of where the railway tracks cut under the highway. The
church parking lot is elevated and should make an excellent viewing
location.
While we are reasonably sure we will be able to fly tomorrow morning it
is important to remember that our departure is entirely weather dependent
and you could make the trip for naught should there be a significant change
in what is forecast. You will want to be on site no later than 7AM. If
you're looking for OM merchandise or gifts, it will be available for sale at
the flyover. |

| Date: | December 29,
2008 - Entry 1 | Reporter: |
Liz Condie |
| Subject: | MIGRATION
DAY 63 | Location: |
Franklin Co. AL |
| Distance: | ? miles | Accumulated Distance: |
? miles |
|
This morning dawned with conditions about as good as we could ask for; 32
crisp degrees, 2mph NNW winds on the ground, and although the NW winds aloft
could turn out to be a bit stronger than we'd like, if the cranes and planes
can find some smooth air, they'd have a nice tailwind. With
pilot Joe Duff still back in Ontario and John Martineau finished his
stint as an intern, we all met to review our duties for the morning. Then,
as we sipped coffee and waited for dawn, we couldn't help but wonder how the
birds would respond seeing it was 16 days ago on December 12th when they
last flew a migration leg.
We weren't long finding out what the day's flight held in store for us when
Brooke as lead pilot dropped down by the pen to pick up his charges. I
watched, along with a surprizingly large crowd of onlookers given the last
minute notice of our departure, as in a flurry of wings the birds launched
behind Brooke's trike. At first reluctant, breaking off the trike and
turning, they rejoined the wing as Brooke zoomed past to re-take the lead.
After a few moments they reappeared, and with Brooke's red leading edge
gleaming in the early morning sun, headed straight for us. Three times
Brooke circled past us, one of the turns right overhead, giving those
watching below - including me - a display we won't soon forget. The last I
heard over the aviation radio was that Brooke still had all 14 birds and was
on course for Walker County. More from him later when he has an opportunity
to write his lead pilot report. |

| Date: |
December 28, 2008 - Entry 1 |
Reporter: |
Liz Condie |
| Subject: | EARLY
RETURN!!! POTENTIAL MONDAY DEPARTURE | Location: |
Franklin Co. AL |
Despite standing down for the holidays, the daily weather checks continued.
While we projected Tuesday, December 30 as the resumption date for the
migration, it appears that Monday, December 29 has the potential to be a
favorable flying day. Although a couple of team members have family
commitments that will prevent them returning a day earlier than planned, the
rest of us will be reunited in Russellville before the day/evening is out.
Folks interested in viewing the (hoped for) departure flyover tomorrow
(Monday) should gather at the Russellville Airport's old parking lot. It is
just off Hwy 243, right beside the fuel tanks.Remember, tomorrow's
departure viewing opportunity will be entirely weather dependent. This
viewing opportunity will also depend on the wind direction being favorable.
You will want to be on site no later than 7AM. Keep in mind you could make
the early morning trip for naught it the weather/wind turns out to be
unfavorable for a flight. If you're looking for OM merchandise or gifts, it
will be available for sale at the flyover. |

| Date: | December 25,
2008 - Entry 2 | Reporter: |
Chris Gullikson |
| Subject: | HOME FOR
THE HOLIDAYS | Location: |
Wisconsin |
|
It sure is nice to get back home to see friends and family, (and shovel
snow...NOT) but the thought of missing out on good flying weather always
weighs on the mind. Luckily, we likely have only missed out on one potential
flying day. And this trend is unchanging as a series of storm systems
continue to plague the upper mid-west. Looking into the crystal ball -
otherwise known as computer weather models - the first potential fly day
appears to fall in quite nicely with our planned return to Alabama this
coming weekend.
A powerful storm system sweeping across the nation late this week and
over the weekend will bring freezing rain and snow to the north, and
potentially severe weather to the mid-south. In its wake, high pressure
builds in from the west which should give us the favorable light northerly
winds and cool temps that we seek. As of this moment, both Monday and
Tuesday look favorable for migrating. |

| Date: | December 25,
2008 - Entry 1 | Reporter: |
Liz & Heather |
| Subject: | HOLIDAY
GREETINGS | Location: |
Alabama |
|
To our readership, and Craniacs far and wide: We are sincerely grateful to
you for your support this past year, especially given the difficult economic
times. We are proud to have been the recipient of your trust as you
committed your charitable dollars - dollars that have made, and are making a
positive difference in the world. We hope you will carry that commitment
into the new year as we work to achieve the goal 125 Whooping cranes in the
reintroduced Eastern Migratory Population. With the 'delivery' of the Class
of 2008 to Florida we'll be 70% of the way there!
We hope that your holiday season is filled with loving times with family
and friends, and that having helped safeguard a species and contributed to
making world a better place, will number among the things you celebrate this
festive season.
A Christmas Story
As many of you know, one member of the OM Team or another can often be found
in a Wal-Mart store along our migration route. Because the stores are
usually along the highway, they are easy to find, easy to maneuver our large
vehicles in and out of, and invariably have most everything we might need on
any given day, from milk to batteries to a replacement for a broken clamp.
At one such Wal-Mart visit a shopper spotted Brian Clauss in his
distinctive OM shirt. He came over to speak to Brian, and they chatted
briefly about the ultralight-led migration. As they parted, the gentleman
said, "I came in here to gift shop, but I think you can put this to better
use." He shook Brian's hand, slipped him a hundred dollar bill, and walked
off.
To this unidentified, generous and thoughtful man, and the many
other folks who have helped us and touched us in one way or another on our
journey south, (too many to mention but you know who you are) we have no
adequate way of thanking you. We can only hope that having 88 magnificent,
wild Whooping cranes migrating in the eastern flyway will be enough.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to ALL from the OM Team and the Class of
2008!! (click this link) |

| Date: | December 24,
2008 - Entry 1 | Reporter: |
Liz Condie |
| Subject: | ANOTHER
PIECE PUT IN PLACE | Location: |
Alabama |
|
Along with all the preparations taking place at the St. Marks NWR, folks
have been busy doing the same to ensure the pensite at the Halpata-Tastanaki
Preserve in Marion County is also ready for visitors. Check the
Photo Journal for pictures of the results
of the efforts of Mary Barnwell (Southwest Florida Water Management
District), Donna Bear-Hull and Katie Aldridge (Jacksonville Zoo), Mary
Dowdell (volunteer), and Todd Mecklenborg and Billy Brooks with the USFWS.
The work of these individuals exemplifies the depth and breadth of the
commitment to the Whooping crane's recovery. This reintroduction project is
like a giant jigsaw puzzle and it takes many pieces in order to form the
picture. Our thanks to these five hard working people for ensuring one more
piece of the puzzle is fit in place. |

| Date: | December 22,
2008 - Entry 2 | Reporter: |
Bev Paulan |
| Subject: | EXERCISE
DAY | Location: |
Franklin Co, AL |
|
This morning dawned clear and that means cold. After a front moves through
it quite often clears out with the unhindered sky allowing any residual heat
to be radiated heavenward. The cold we had wasn’t as bad as up north, but by
Alabama standards it was downright frigid. 10 degrees to be exact. And that
was Fahrenheit, not Celsius. I quickly filled a jug of water to take out
to the pen and drove out to check the birds. On the walk to the pen, which I
tried to do quickly to warm up, I passed several miniature ice sculptures
that were lying in the grass all around the pen. I’m not sure what created
them, perhaps elves (it is Christmas time, after all) or they were just a
result of small puddles of water, wind action and the plummeting
temperatures. Whatever the cause, it lent a magical ambience to the
brightening morning. And what a funny color the sky was, too. It was
actually blue. Not the gray, dark gray and light gray we had become
accustomed to. It was going to be a beautiful day. The winds were blowing a
might hard, maybe too hard for the trikes, I tried to reassure myself
anyhow.
The birds were energized by the cold temps and there was much flapping
and jumping in the pen as I broke up the ice in the water buckets. I stood
for awhile, shivering and trying not to let my teeth chatter too loudly, and
just watched the chicks. They were so enthused, that I knew as soon as I got
back to camp and thawed out, Brian and I would be coming back to let them
out.
And out they came; like a shot out of a cannon. They were airborne almost
before they were out of the pen and almost all of them retracted the landing
gear for extra warmth. They flew and flew and were gone for quite awhile.
Staying true to form 827 stayed in the pen peeping loudly, while the rest of
the cohort disappeared beyond the trees. Brian soon got him out of the pen,
and, he too zoomed skyward. Eventually they returned to field, lowering
their legs an instant before touchdown. Some even stood with one leg tucked
up for extra warmth.
We walked as one flock to a small creek and the birds began their ice
skating lesson for the day. Some did quite well, while others slipped and
slid across the surface. We ended the lesson early like worried young
parents, and moved the flock to a hay pile to let them forage. They all
eagerly attacked the hay, tossing it about as if searching for their missing
mitten. They almost seemed to say “Where is my mitten? I can’t fly without
my mitten.”
We encouraged them to fly one more circuit by running across the field
flapping an arm. They became airborne and flew a couple of more circuits
when Brian signaled me. I walked over to him and whispered, "What's up?" He
pointed to his ear, then skyward. Sandhills were flying over and we didn’t
want our young charges getting any ideas. Luckily, the chicks all landed
around us, and with much grape tossing we got them into the pen, all the
while they were looking curiously up at the sky. Soon, chickies, soon, I
promise we’ll get going. But not this week, you might get run over by a
sleigh full of toys being pulled by some funny looking cranes. |

| Date: | December 22, 2008 | Reporter: | Heather Ray |
| Subject: | MileMaker Campaign Update | Location: | Alabama |
|
Though we haven’t exactly had continual access to televisions and the nightly newscasts, we are certainly aware of the current economic picture and realize things are a bit tougher this year for everyone. We can’t help but feel a bit guilty asking everyone that follows along through this Field Journal to do whatever you can to help us reach our MileMaker goals and get the Class of 2008 cranes all the way to their winter home in Florida.
With just a couple of weeks left in 2008 we want to remind you that you will receive a tax-deductible donation receipt for each contribution made to the MileMaker campaign and that a mile, or half, or even a quarter mile sponsorship would make a very thoughtful and lasting Christmas gift!
Currently, there are a total of 403 miles left unsponsored in the 2008 MileMaker campaign. Here’s the breakdown of the remaining miles by state:
| State |
Total Miles |
Unsponsored |
| Wisconsin |
117 |
SOLD OUT!!! |
| Illinois |
338 |
85 |
| Kentucky |
93 |
31 |
| Tennessee |
109 |
49 |
| Alabama |
324 |
146 |
| Georgia |
76 |
6 |
| Florida |
228 |
186 |
| Total miles available |
403 |
Click
here to select your mile, ½
mile, or ¼ mile
Thank you VERY much to those of you that have already
sponsored miles! Many of you have selected multiple miles, and have
issued challenges to encourage others to step up – for this we are most
grateful.
|

| Date: | December 20,
2008 - Entry 1 | Reporter: |
Liz & Heather |
| Subject: | THE
UPSIDE OF STAYING BEHIND | Location: |
On the Road |
|
We've received many emails, calls, and have read your GuestBook entries
regarding those of us who have stayed behind for the holidays. Your kind
words and compliments are appreciated, but you give us too much credit.
I'm sure I speak for the four of us who volunteered to carry on rather than
make the trip home, when I say that we don't look at our choice as being a
'sacrifice.' The simplest way to sum things up is with an expression that
has almost become a motto when it comes to acknowledging what it takes to
accomplish our mission - "It's what we do."
And there are benefits of this unexpected extra time without the workload
and pressures of migration. Heather and I had a wildly successful visit at
the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. We were delighted with what we
accomplished, and were invigorated by the excitement and enthusiasm of the
St. Marks staff and volunteers. Can you believe they have had more than 100
volunteers helping them with the preparation of the pensite and the
construction of the pen!!
Getting a firsthand glimpse into the underbrush that had to be cleared
just to make a path from the nearest road - into the blind - gave us a very
small indication of the enormity of what they've been able to accomplish in
a few short weeks with the help of a very cooperative and dedicated group of
people. The questions most often asked of us since they agreed to provide a
winter haven for half of the Class of 2008 is 'what more can we do' and 'how
can we help you'? We really can't thank them enough for their enthusiasm and
cooperation and hope that when we do eventually deliver seven of the young
cranes to them that this is thanks enough. After visiting the pensite we
can't help but wonder if the cranes will even want to return north in the
spring!
Now as we've begun to ever so slowly work our way back west before
picking up Gerald and then turning north toward Alabama, we're taken
advantage of the relief from migration pressures to visit some conservation
areas and wildlife preserves. We've had an opportunity to talk with others
working with endangered turtles, and picked their brains for ideas for
everything from outreach and fundraising to merchandising.
Effective very shortly, other than a potential couple of outreach visits
we hope to firm up for next week, we are going to have a special treat - a
weekend off - something that we rarely have whether we are on migration or
not. The first of the week we will be back on station in front of our
computers as well as resume our 'road trip'.
We haven't been in communication, but Bev and Brian are undoubtedly
enjoying their stretches of downtime. While Heather and I are considerably
to the south and the beneficiaries of vastly more pleasant weather, they
still have to visit the pen each morning and afternoon to do the twice daily
pen checks. Of course, lucky them, they have the rest of the day and evening
to tuck up somewhere warm, or do some exploring, touring or visiting.
All this is to say dear Craniacs, don't feel badly for us. "It's what we
do." And we wouldn't trade a minute of it for anything. |

| Date: | December 18,
2008 - Entry 2 | Reporter: |
Liz Condie |
| Subject: | DOWN THE
ROAD A WAY | Location: |
St. Marks Refuge, FL |
|
On this first ‘non-migration day’ of the 2008 Migration, this posting is
coming to you from St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge in Florida. Yesterday,
after leaving the Class of 2008 in the capable hands of Bev and Brian who
will be doing the usual down day pen checks in the morning and afternoon,
Heather and I mounted up and headed out in our RV for Florida. It was
around 9PM when we arrived at the refuge last evening and it sure was good
to get out and stretch our legs and backs after almost 10 hours on the road.
In no time at all we had the RV set and the power hooked up. I must admit
that it wasn’t much more than an hour later before we too were tucked up for
the night.
At 7AM this morning we met up with Refuge Manager, Terry Peacock, and
Supervisory Refuge Ranger, Robin Wills, to organize our plan of attack for
the day. We started off with an orientation tour conducted by Robin of the
most frequented parts of the refuge, and a visit to the St. Marks
headquarters and offices -where Heather and I couldn’t resist checking out
their gift shop. A couple of t-shirts later, we were back on the road headed
for the Work Center and a pit stop to shed jackets etc at our RV.
Next, with Terry taking over as our escort, we scouted out several potential
landing areas for the ultralights once they had dropped the birds at their
wintering site. The final decision will be the pilots’ of course, and they
will check the alternatives out themselves a few days in advance of the
actual flight into here. Our last stops of the morning were to check out
potential flyover sites for folks to gather to view the arrival of the
cranes and planes as they approach St. Marks. More news on this will be
posted soon.
Terry returned us to the Work Center at lunch time where the refuge staff
was putting on a pot luck lunch. The good food was only surpassed by the
good company as we and the friendly folks here enjoyed our meal outside on a
oversized picnic table behind the Fire Center Office. Thanks to all for
including us and for the delicious meal.
Now, while I’m back on ‘computer duty’, Terry has taken Heather for a drive
out to the pensite for a look-see, and to take some photographs which she
will undoubted post later today or tomorrow. Next on my agenda is a meeting
with Lori Nicholson, St. Marks Education and Outreach specialist to discuss
school programs and presentations, as well a meeting with Robin to
semi-finalize arrangements for the first ever Flyover Event in the Big Bend
area.
It’s likely we’ll be here at St. Marks at least for the rest of the day and
evening. Then, as we wend our way back to Franklin County, Alabama, we will
detour here and there to pass by some of our stopover locations so we can
scout out potential flyover viewing sites. (It’s in the high 70’s here as
the south is receiving some unseasonably warm weather. Hmm, think we’ll
drive considerably slower going back north than we did coming south.) |

| Date: | December 18,
2008 - Entry 1 | Reporter: |
Joe Duff |
| Subject: | XMAS
BREAK | Location: |
Ontario Bound |
|
There seems to be a parade of low pressure systems all stacked up and
waiting their turn to spoil our fun. This area of Alabama has suffered from
a multi-year drought but it’s been wet ever since we arrived, and it isn’t
going to dry out any time soon. Not that I begrudge the State some much
needed rain, but I wish it hadn’t coincided with our first use of this
migration route. Long range forecasts predicted that we wouldn't be able to
move until next week, and even then it wouldn’t be perfect flying weather.
We depend heavily on volunteers to make this migration work but there is
only so much we can ask. We knew that if the migration ran long again this
year we would have to break for Christmas. The bad weather only reinforced
that decision.
So we imposed on our hosts who have generously allowed us to stay even
longer that we intended. They have provided us with a hangar for the
aircraft, and the birds are in a safe and secluded spot. Over the last few
days the team packed up and headed out in all directions. Some won’t be
coming back in the New Year. They’ve already been with us for two months and
used up all their relationship credits at home. The strain of missed social
events, Sunday dinners and birthdays chafes against the patience of even the
most tolerant of spouses.
Like everything it’s all a compromise. A wildlife reintroduction run on a
shoestring budget must balance the well-being of the project against its
limited resources, whether they’re financial, or the generosity of a
volunteer. We will take a break now, regenerate our souls with friends and
family over the Christmas season, and hope that the New Year brings us Peace
on Earth - and maybe some calm winds. |

| Date: | December 17,
2008 - Entry 1 | Reporter: |
Liz Condie |
| Subject: | STANDING
DOWN | Location: |
Franklin Co. AL |
| Distance: | 0 miles | Accumulated Distance: |
702 miles |
|
Last year it was December 17 and Day 66 on the road when we we looked ahead
at the adverse long-range weather forecasted and called a temporary halt to
the migration. This allowed most of the crew an opportunity to drive home in
time to spend Christmas with their families. Now it's December 17, 2008 -
Migration Day 62 - and it appears that two weather systems moving in, one
after the other, will keep us on the ground for days, and yet more days.
As a result, for the second time in eight seasons, we've decided to break
the migration and stand down. Before the day is out, most of the crew will
have departed for their respective home turfs. We know you join with us
wishing the them safe travels as they variously head for: Virginia, North
Carolina, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Tennessee, Florida, and Ontario.
Bev Paulan, Brian Clauss, Heather Ray and I will stay behind in Franklin
County, AL with the Class of 2008. The entire team will reconvene on the
28th and 29th in anticipation of what we hope will be flying weather on
December 30th.
Between Franklin County, AL and the staging area in Jefferson County, FL
(where we will split the Class of 2008 in order to lead half to their
wintering grounds on the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge) we have 6
stopover locations: Walker, Chilton, Lowndes, and Pike Counties in Alabama,
and Clay and Decatur Counties in Georgia. We are working with the folks at
the St. Marks Refuge on arrangements for an Arrival Flyover in the town of
St. Marks and hope to have the details ironed out before too long.
After we've left 7 of the 14 youngsters in the Class of 2008 at St.
Marks, we will return to the Jefferson County staging area and depart there
on the next day we are able to fly with the remaining 7 juveniles. Stopover
sites from that point on include Madison and Gilchrist Counties before we
reach Marion County and the Arrival Flyover event at the Dunnellon Airport.
That just leaves the final leg of the migration which takes us to the
Chassahowitzka NWR in Citrus County.
Of course it’s anybody’s guess as to how long it will take us to get from
Franklin County, AL to Citrus County, FL once we resume. In years past we
have completed the second half of the migration in as few as 11 days and as
many as 42.
Postings to the Field Journal may be sporadic between now and December
28th/29th as we take advantage of the hiatus to catch up on some long pushed
aside and overlooked tasks. Be sure to check here periodically however, you
never know what tidbits and photos we may find to entertain you in the
interim. |

| Date: | December 16,
2008 - Entry 2 | Reporter: |
Liz Condie |
| Subject: | STILL ON
THE GROUND | Location: |
Franklin Co. AL |
| Distance: | 0 miles | Accumulated Distance: |
702 miles |
|
All of you folks have to be as tired of receiving weather reports instead of
flying updates as we are sending them. The cranes and planes will be
ground bound for the fourth day here in Franklin County, AL. Once again we
have rain and unfavorable winds. In fact, our satellite dish is also
objecting to the inclement weather. We've been fussing and babying it all
morning trying to get it to allow us to make a connection and uplink so we
can post here. Sorry for the delay.
2008 Migration Trivia compliments of Vi White and Steve Cohen
Franklin County, AL
The Roxy Theater in downtown Russellville once showed current movies but
today is primarily used for local events, most notably, country music artist
Ronnie McDowell's annual return to his hometown. McDowell made his debut in
1977 with the song "The King Is Gone", a tribute to Elvis Presley, who had
died not long before the single's release. From then on McDowell has charted
more than thirty Top 40 hits on the Billboard country music charts. Two of
them, "Older Women" and "You're Gonna Ruin My Bad Reputation," reached
Number One on the country charts, and eleven more were in the Top Ten.
|

| Date: | December 16,
2008 - Entry 1 | Reporter: |
Liz Condie |
| Subject: | EASTERN
MIGRATORY POPULATION UPDATE | Location: |
Franklin Co. AL |
| Distance: | 0 miles | Accumulated Distance: |
702 miles |
As of December 13th, the estimated size of the Eastern Migratory Population
(EMP) remains unchanged at 74; 42 males and 32 females. In the report below,
* = females and DAR = Direct Autumn Release birds.
INDIANA
Greene County: 212NFT & 419*NFT, 313* & 318
Vermillion County: 401& 508*
Perry County: 408 & 519*
Gibson County: 412, 511, 512, 716*, 724, 810, DARs 746*, 837*
TENNESSEE
Meigs County: 105*NFT, 501, 402, 107*, 316, 415*NFT & 505, 420*NFT, 506,
533*, DARs 527*, 528*NFT, 737
Lawrence County: 216, DARs 831, 832*, 836, 838*
SOUTH CAROLINA
Colleton County: 311 & 312*
GEORGIA
Lowndes County: 703, 707, DARs739* and 742
ALABAMA
Morgan County: 213 & 218*, 524,
Jackson County: 509, 514
FLORIDA
Citrus County: 101
Putnam County: 703, 721*
Marion County: 516
Pasco County: DARs627NFT and 628,
Polk County: 706, 712, 713, 733
Hernando County: 709, 710, 717*, 722*, 726
LOCATION UNKNOWN
211 & 217* last recorded in Tennessee Dec. 7
303*NFT & 317 last detected in Indiana Nov.21
309* & 403, 520* last detected in Tennessee Dec. 6
310 & W601* last observed in Indiana Dec. 7
727* last observed in Kentucky Dec. 2
DAR744* last detected in Ohio Nov. 18
416NFT last observed at Necedah Oct. 10.
DAR740* last observed in Allegan County, MI Nov. 17 A ground search was
conducted Dec. 8 when the area was under 1.5 feet of snow but the bird was
not found. Mortality is suspected.
LONG-TERM MISSING
205NFT last observed at Necedah Oct. 2007
Report compiled from data supplied by the WCEP Tracking Team. |

| Date: | December 15,
2008 | Reporter: |
Liz Condie |
| Subject: | WINDY,
WINDY, WINDY | Location: |
Franklin Co. AL |
| Distance: | 0 miles | Accumulated Distance: |
702 miles |
This morning it is a very mild 54F, and on the ground we have 8mph winds
straight out of the south with 25 to 35mph aloft.
The wind direction and velocity are merely strike one this morning, as in
addition to the warmer temperature the southerly system is producing, it is
also bringing light rain.Not hard to guess that Migration Day 60 will be
spent on the ground in Franklin County, AL.
Tomorrow (Tuesday) the forecast is currently calling for 'right-way' 6mph
ENE ground winds but 'wrong-way' SSW 15 to 20mph aloft. Far from promising. |

| Date: | December 14,
2008 - Entry 1 | Reporter: |
Liz Condie |
| Subject: |
Migration Day
59 | Location: |
Franklin Co. AL |
| Distance: | 0 miles | Accumulated Distance: |
702 miles |
|
In addition to the +40mph winds aloft, we had strong enough winds on the
ground through the night and this morning to make the RV feel like we're on
the high seas. There'll be no planes and cranes in the air this morning, but
everything that isn't nailed down around here will undoubtedly be flying
today. 2008 Migration Trivia compliments of Vi White and Steve Cohen
Franklin County, AL
In 1814 the Alabama Territorial Legislature named a large tract of land in
Northwest Alabama Franklin County in honor of Benjamin Franklin. The land
was once home to several Indian Tribes - Chickasaws, Creeks and Cherokees.
After the War of 1812, the U.S. government appropriated money to improve a
route from Nashville to New Orleans. It was named Jackson's Military Road
after Andrew Jackson. It passed through Russellville, the town that was to
become the Franklin County Seat. The town is named after Major William
Russell, an early settler in the area who helped in the construction of the
road. |

| Date: | December 13,
2008 - Entry 3 | Reporter: |
Joe Duff |
| Subject: | THE HERO
IN RICHARD | Location: |
Franklin Co. AL |
| Distance: | 0 miles | Accumulated Distance: |
702 miles |
|
To some people, this project epitomizes all that is good about conservation.
We work with a highly endangered species; one of the most beautiful birds in
North America, made even more precious by its rarity. We dress in costumes
to interact with them on their own level, and even get to fly with them
fulfilling, what for some, is a lifelong dream. Some of those people are
so enamored with this project that they often refer to us as, 'wildlife
heroes'. None of us take the accolade seriously. It's not like we are
risking our lives or defending our country like the real heroes in the
Middle East. But once in a while, when things get tough, there is a little
hero in some of us.
Yesterday morning the birds were penned in a little valley, and the wind
rolled over the hills to cause what is known as mechanical turbulence down
low. It was Richard’s turn to lead and I wasn't envious as he landed on the
frosty grass and prepared to launch. All but one bird came out of the pen,
and off Richard went fighting the wing to keep it as steady as possible so
the birds could follow it. About a mile out and two or three hundred feet up
he hit another turbulent layer and the birds broke up. First one, then
another turned back and he circled to pick them up.
The one bird that stayed in the pen was 827. The ground crew managed to
shoo him out, and he took off in pursuit of his flock mates. I was flying
chase and dropped in to pick him up just as Richard made his turn. I led 827
to the south and began to climb. It's far easier with only one bird, and it
wasn’t long before we reached the smooth air at over 800 feet.
The winds up high were strong out of the north, but I didn’t want to get
too far away so I turned back to wait for the rest. Heading into the wind
our progress slowed to only 12 miles per hour as we watched Richard
struggling below. For over an hour we circled above, working our way north,
then tuning south to blast back.
For that entire time Richard collected the birds and turned them on
course only to have them break again. He passed over the pen at least 5
times while the ground crew blew their air horns and paraded the Swamp
Monsters. He would get them a few miles away and then have to chase them
back.
The aircraft we fly are called weight-shift control because you actually
move the weight of the aircraft under the wing to make it turn. That’s easy
in calm air, but when it’s rough you struggle with the wing, pulling on it
like a windsurfer in heavy seas. It’s hard enough at normal speed, but
becomes a real challenge when you slow the aircraft to the point of falling
so the birds can catch up.
As the morning progressed the turbulence increased, while Richard
repeated the same scenario. He’d intercept the flock, get them settled on
the wing, turn them on course and then have to chase them as they tried to
go back to the pen.
There is a point when frustration and fatigue finally beat the optimist
out of you, and it’s time to give it up; but just as we reached that
juncture the birds broke once more - but this time they split into two
groups. Six birds formed on Richard’s wing and slowly began to climb. Brooke
dropped in to pick up the others and manage to collect 3. Chris tried to
lead the remaining 4 birds, but after an hour and six minutes, they'd had
enough and they landed in a field a few miles from the starting point. Chris
circled until Brian arrived, then he took off the catch us.
Richard’s climb was slow. He banged around just above the trees for
another 20 minutes before finally reaching calm air. Brooke was off to the
right and climbing well, while number 827 and I watched from above.
803 was flying at the back of the line and not getting much benefit from
the wing. After an hour and 20 minutes airborne he decided it was time to
quit and started to drop. Richard lost most of his precious altitude trying
to retrieve him, but finally just had to let him go. 827 and I dropped down
to see if 803 would follow us, but he was determined to land.
Chris managed to catch us by then and he took over the care of 803 while
827 and I tried to regain the altitude we'd lost. We flew up a valley and
through some air so rough that I left the seat several times, giving me
sense of what Richard had experienced for an hour. 827 seemed to sense the
seriousness of the situation and stayed close to the wing. We found some
lift and circled four times to gain altitude. With each rotation it became
smoother and we finally turned on course again at 2200 feet. With 20 miles
to go we listened to Chris relay coordinates to the top cover aircraft so
they could tell the tracking van where number 803 had landed.
As we passed into Alabama, the snow accumulation on the ground increased
until everything below us was white. I knew the ground crew back behind us
would have a tough time moving our trucks and trailers over snow covered
roads.
After 2 hours and 17 minutes we landed with nine birds on crusty snow
over wet grass. For a time we thought we would have to turn back and wait
for another day, but the hero in Richard pulled us through. |

| Date: | December 13,
2008 - Entry 2 | Reporter: |
Liz Condie |
| Subject: | WOOD
BUFFALO-ARANSAS POPULATION UPDATE | Location: |
Franklin Co. AL |
Tom Stehn, Whooping crane coordinator at the Aransas National Wildlife
Refuge, advised that the third aerial census of the season was completed
December 5. Once again USFWS observers, Tom, and Carey Strobel were flown by
pilot Gary Ritchey of Air Transit Solutions out of Castroville, TX.
The third census turned up 229 Whooping cranes, 37 fewer than the previous
one conducted November 25. Heavily overcast skies reduced visibility making
it difficult to spot the cranes throughout the 8 hour flight. (198 adults
and 31 young) “Experience indicates that only 85-90% of the flock can
usually be located when skies are a thick overcast,” said Stehn, “and this
was definitely the case on December’s census.”
“For the second week in a row, only 2 family groups were located on Welder
Flats,” he said. “This makes me postulate that the 4 family groups seen at
Welder Flats on the November 14th flight may have cranes that had recently
arrived and later moved on to other parts of the crane range. Thus, I cannot
add two family groups on to the estimated flock size as I had done after the
November 25th flight. Therefore, the current estimated flock size is 230
adults + 40 juveniles for a total of 270. I expect to confirm a record
number of Whooping cranes at Aransas this winter, but the flock will
probably experience additional mortality.”
Tom noted that his numbers are estimates only, and that the current
estimated population total is lower than his previous estimate of 275. He
said that future flights would focus on determining the number of juveniles
present and total flock size. He also noted that more birds were still in
the migration flyway.
Tom told us he picked up a very emaciated whooping crane from near a water
hole by the refuge boat ramp on December 1. The crane died while he was
driving it to a veterinarian in Port Lavaca. The remains were shipped to the
National Wildlife Health Center in Madison, WI for necropsy. The crane was
an extremely emaciated 2-yr-old sub-adult male with a bad left ‘knee’. Stehn
said that organisms were being cultured from the knee to see if it was so
badly infected that it could have been making the bird very sick and
limiting its food intake. Apparently there were no other indication of
disease, although additional tests are being conducted. A Whooping crane
observed in Saskatchewan in the fall migration with a severe limp of the
left leg could have been the bird that died at Aransas.
Talking about sightings near Aransas, Tom said that, “Whooping cranes are
showing up in unusual places this fall, presumably related to food shortages
and the need to seek fresh water to drink.” He reported that 14 different
Whooping cranes had been reported at wild game feeders so far this fall.
“Food sources for Whooping cranes seem very low this winter, primarily due
to the summer drought,” said Tom. A blue crab count conducted by refuge
volunteer Katherine Cullen on December 1st found only one crab in an hour of
walking through the marsh.” Tom said that observations by the tour boat
captains during the first week in December noted some blue crabs were still
available for the cranes, however, only a few wolfberry fruits and flowers
were seen during the crab count, and follow-up searches that this year’s
wolfberry crop was lower than normal. |

| Date: | December 13,
2008 - Entry 1 | Reporter: |
Liz Condie |
| Subject: | IF AT
FIRST YOU DON'T SUCCEED | Location: |
Franklin Co. AL |
| Distance: | 0 miles | Accumulated Distance: |
702 miles |
When we checked the weather sites this morning conditions were not all that
great: 23F, 2mph out of the SSE, partly cloudy skies. Aloft it showed that
the SSW winds blowing 10 to 15mph.
Not the most favorable conditions to say the least, as a result the pilots
decided to put a test trike up. Shortly after sunrise, in front of the large
crowd gathered in the frosty cold hoping to see the departure, all four
trikes took to the air. It was only minutes before the bad news came down to
us over the radio. "Tell the folks we're going nowhere," said Chris. "We've
got at least an 18mph headwind up here and we're coming down."Joe and
Chris landed and taxied their trikes up to the parking lot gate to give
folks a close look at their aircraft and to talk and answer questions people
had. Brooke and Richard did the same for some other folks at the other side
of the airport parking lot.
It certainly was rewarding for us to see the great interest people in
Alabama, and Franklin County in particular, showed by turning out so early
on a shivery Saturday morning. This is in no small part due to the efforts
of Mr. Bill Pugh, and Mr. Harry Mattox, both with the Russellville Airport.
They've anxiously kept in touch with us every day for more than two weeks,
and have done a terrific job of putting the word out locally, both
individually and through their contacts with local media. Thanks fellas!
Chris Gullikson, our resident weather guru, says he's not optimistic for
our chances of a flight tomorrow (Sunday). In fact he said he wouldn't lay
odds on our being able to depart before Tuesday. That doesn't mean we won't
be trying; if at first you don't succeed..... |

| Date: | December 12,
2008 - Entry 3 | Reporter: |
Richard van Heuvelen |
| Subject: | LEAD
PILOT REPORT | Location: |
Franklin Co. AL |
| Distance: | 57 miles | Accumulated Distance: |
702 miles |
|
The past week brought a whole new meaning to the term "wind dummy." As
you may recall, last Saturday we flew with the birds in rough air for 30
minutes before deciding to give up and try another day. Then we got airborne
on Sunday, and wisely decided again that it was too rough - albeit this time
without the birds' input. Well this morning, after sitting on the ground
for a week, we decided to try yet again. With calmer but not perfect air, I
landed in the valley, turned on the vocalizer, gave the thumbs up and we
were off. 827 hung back in the pen again but the other 13 birds quickly
formed up on the wing, and it seemed for a moment it would be another
routine flight... NOT!
Once we climbed to 300 feet we were met with rougher than expected air
and the chicks seemed reluctant to climb higher. They soon broke off and
headed back. Banking the trike quickly I chased them down and soon had them
formed up again - only in the wrong direction. Slowly and ever so carefully
we turned on course down the valley trying to gain altitude. Soon they
turned away, and again giving hot pursuit I quickly had them back on my
wing.
This time we ventured further away, trying to keep them distracted from
going back to the pen area. But still they turned as they were hit by more
buffeting air. It was like they were on a yo-yo string attached to the tip
of the wing; they would get flung away and then come back repeatedly.
Back and forth we went until at last they seemed to follow yet another
time, but then slowly, one by one, they turned away. Six chicks stuck by me.
Three went to Brooke. While four others landed in a nearby field. With the
ever so tardy 827 following Joe.
By that time we had been airborne for over an hour so we decided to
continue with what birds we had. Chris tried in vain to get the other four
to fly with him. When they would not the ground crew was called in to pick
them up.
As we headed on course, Brooke and Joe were able to climb to calm air,
while I continued the battle for more altitude. At some point we did reach
the calm air, but 803 kept flying under the wing and seemed to be tiring.
Again, more back and forth - I would go down get 803 on the wing then come
back up, so it became a routine of rough air below and smooth air above.
Until slowly we began to lose what we had gained and were unable to regain
smooth air.
At about 23 miles from our destination 803 set up a glide and quickly
lost altitude. With the other five birds also beginning to show signs of
fatigue, I knew that they too were at risk of landing out. Always a firm
believer that five birds in the air are worth more than six on the ground, I
continued on while Chris gave coordinates to Brian of where 803 had landed.
As we climbed the rough air came up higher to greet us. The hills and
valleys below were now covered in snow and the chicks stood out stark and
crisp in the morning light as they were trounced around in the air behind
the trike now in slow descent to keep them interested in following. After
what seemed an eternity we were on approach for the snow covered field.
Sliding to a stop we sat there a moment appreciating the safe landing. While
Chris and Brooke put their trikes away Joe and I walked the birds to a small
pond for some well deserved playtime, however, the water was covered in a
thin, clear layer of ice. One chick walked out onto the ice, skidding across
it, flailing its feet in a peddling backwards motion before breaking through
and regaining its footing, then one by one the others tried it as well with
equal awkwardness. This provided great comic relief for Joe and I as we
struggled not to laugh out loud at them.
We soon convinced them to leave the small pond and walked them to a
nearby larger pond without ice, where one by one they proceeded to take a
bath. Ducking their heads underwater in an awkward stroking fashion,
flailing their wings and crouching down they were soon wet all over. After a
few minutes of this they began preening themselves, shaking their wings out
vigorously.
Chris and Brooke soon arrived and changed places with us, to allow Joe
and I to put our trikes away and wait for the ground crew to arrive with the
pen and the drop out birds, which were arriving in crates. To our previous
hosts both at the airport and at the pensite -- Thank you for your warm
hospitality!!!
|

| Date: | December 12,
2008 - Entry 2 | Reporter: |
Liz Condie |
| Subject: | DEPARTURE
FLYOVER VIEWING LOCATION | Location: |
Franklin Co. AL |
| Distance: | 57 miles | Accumulated Distance: |
702 miles |
|
While we wait for Richard to write his lead pilot's report, we can give you
the flyover location info. While we tried for the perfect spot, (thanks for
your help Bill and Johnny) the terrain and the trees just wouldn't
cooperate. As a result, the kind folks at the Russellville Airport have
agreed to allow us to use a part of their property for the flyover viewing
location. The viewing location will be the old airport parking lot. It is
just off Hwy 243, right beside the fuel tanks. You will want to be on site
no later than 7am - and
remember to dress warmly. Also remember that you could make the early
morning trip for naught it the weather/wind turns out to be unfavorable for
a flight. |

| Date: | December 12,
2008 - Entry 1 | Reporter: |
Liz Condie |
| Subject: | MIGRATION
DAY 57 | Location: |
Enroute |
| Distance: | ? miles | Accumulated Distance: |
? miles |
|
After days of rain, and we do mean rain, this morning's skies were clear.
The temperature is a nippy 27F and the winds on the ground are 5mph out of
the NNW. Around projected arrival time at our next stopover location in
Franklin County, AL, the forecast is for it to be almost identical; 32F and
6mph out of the NW. Aloft we had readings of NW 15 to 20mph. Not easy but
hopefully doable. All that is to say
that we're going to give it a go. Richard is again lead pilot, and here's
hoping the third attempt will be the charm to get us out of Hardin County,
TN and on our way. I typed the preceding paragraphs just before we all
left camp for our respective positions - mine being the flyover site. Along
with a good sized group of new Craniacs, I watched Richard's first of many
attempts at departing. 827 pulled his usual trick of hanging back in the pen
and was eventually picked up and once again had his 'own trike'. Then we
watched as the birds broke from Richard's wing - repeatedly. They would
disappear from sight only to reappear headed back down the valley toward the
pen. The Swamp Monster, air horns, and truck horns were all pressed into
service to discourage them from landing. For more than an hour the pilots
fought to keep the birds on the wing. It looked like each time, there was
one bird that was doing the breaking off and leading the other birds away.
The crowd had dispersed and I was waiting for a ride back to camp when - oh
oh - first top cover, and then a trike came back into view. They were still
having problems persuading the birds to follow. Richard's lead pilot report
will undoubtedly be something to read when he gets to it later today. At
last word, at least four birds were down in a nearby field and Brian Clauss
in the tracking van had raced to their coordinates. The ground crew is on
their way to retrieve the errant four. They will be crated and taken to the
next stopover by road. As far as we know at this moment, the rest of the
Class of 2008 are split between the pilots and on their way, although the
birds are still giving them a bit of a hard time. More news when we reach
the other end. Whew, we'll all be glad when this leg is behind us. |

| Date: | December 11,
2008 - Entry 2 | Reporter: |
Joe Duff |
| Subject: | NO
BATTERIES REQUIRED | Location: |
Hardin Co. TN |
| Distance: | 0 miles | Accumulated Distance: |
645 miles |
|
After all these years there are two things that still amaze me about this
project. The first is that we sold the idea to the Federal Government. A
small Canadian non-profit with a big idea and no academic credibility
convinced the US Fish and Wildlife Service that they should trust one of
their most endangered species to a team of ultralight pilots. Still today
the dedication of this team and all the WCEP partners plus our stopover
hosts and our supporters is humbling. For me, the second most fascinating
aspect of this reintroduction is the mysterious ability of the birds to make
it back to Necedah on their own, and in record time. In fact, the idea of
accurate, long distance migration is so incredible that it was only recently
believed. As late as the mid 1800’s it was thought that birds buried
themselves in the mud over the winter like the frogs. Other people thought
they transformed themselves into winter birds or even went to the moon
during the colder months.
It took us three months to lay out this new migration route. Bev and
Brooke flew it four times in her Cessna and drove back and forth to identify
safe stopover sites. We produced maps, contact information sheets and Google
Earth photographs. Each aircraft is fitted with a pre-programmed GPS, and
the ground crew use mapping software to find their way, yet the birds return
each spring to the very place it all started without the aid of paper or
electronics.
The mechanisms of avian navigation are the subject of lots of research
and different species may use varied methods. Although it seems critically
important for our birds to make the migration under their own steam, we know
that they don’t use landmarks. Often the conditions on the way south are too
hazy for them to see more than a few miles, and on the return trip they
regularly veer a hundred miles off the course we showed them.
In 1997 we led Sandhill cranes from Ontario, Canada to Virginia. To avoid
overflying open water we went round the eastern end of Lake Ontario and
southwest to Virginia. On their return trip, the birds headed straight north
on a direct line for home. When they encountered the southern shore of the
lake they went around it to the west. Their track was shorter than ours, and
at least 250 miles from the route we had showed them four months earlier.
Forty years ago it was demonstrated that some birds and fish can use
magnetic fields as a navigation aid, but just how that works it still
unknown. A variant of iron called magnetite can be found in the beaks of
some species. It’s possible that it works like wetting your finger to
determine the wind direction. Maybe they can feel a sensation on one side of
their beak or the other when it is pointed cross-grain to the earth’s
magnetic field.
This would tell the birds which direction is north, but not how far it is
to home or when they are getting close. In other words, it would give them
longitude but not latitude, and both are critical for accurate navigation.
The earth’s magnetic field extends perpendicular from the poles and bends
around until they are horizontal to the surface at the equator. If that
angle could be measured at a specific spot, the latitude could be
determined. With that knowledge birds could figure out their exact location.
They wouldn’t have the reasoning powers to calculate a flight path from
anywhere, but they could follow a path that is familiar to them. That could
explain how they can make the return migration on their own but not the
original trip south. It would also make sense of the fact that our birds
have wandered east as far as Vermont and west to North Dakota; they have
short stopped in Illinois and Indiana, but never ventured too far north.
They seem to have a strong understanding of latitude.
Recent research at Oxford University has identified a molecule that
reacts to very weak magnetic fields. This work was done in a lab, but a
molecule with similar structure and chemistry has been isolated from the
eyes of some migratory birds. It is a long way from fact yet, but it might
be possible that this molecule reacts the same way and changes shape when
exposed to light and magnetic fields.
Maybe some birds can see the magnetic fields like the pattern of wood
grain on a table top, or a shift in color from one direction to another.
Maybe they can perceive direction the way we can see the current in a slow
moving stream or footprints across wet grass when they are backlit.
Whatever method they use it is humbling when it takes us on average, 65
days to lead them south using all the technology available, and they make it
back in a week, no batteries required. |

| Date: | December 11,
2008 - Entry 1 | Reporter: |
Liz Condie |
| Subject: | STILL IN
TENNESSEE'S CLUTCHES | Location: |
Hardin Co. TN |
| Distance: | 0 miles |
Accumulated Distance: | 645 miles |
|
Tennessee just won't let go. The RV's are rocking in the 18mph wind. Aloft
it's blowing plus 40mph. It will be Down Day #6 here in Hardin County,
but...if the weatherman lives up to his forecast, we won't have a 7th, as
tomorrow is looking very promising. Assuming the forecast remains
unchanged, it is likely that at the very least we will be putting up a test
trike in the morning to check the winds at altitude. We are thinking/hoping
it will be good enough for a flight, so folks who would like to witness a
departure flyover should plan on an early morning.
Here's the flyover location info: The viewing location is 13780 Hwy 69 South, Savannah, TN. Use the
entrance marked 'North Gate' and follow the road in and to the right going
down the hill. Turn right at the bottom of the hill at the sign saying "Watermelon Hill" and proceed up
the hill to the viewing stands. You will want to be on site by 7am - and
remember to dress warmly.
(Note to Media: For those of you trying to reach us by phone
for information or interviews, our location is in a bit of a cell signal
'black hole'. If you'd like to contact us, please email your telephone
number and contact info to
liz@operationmigration.org and I will go to a better reception area and
call you.)
2008 Migration Trivia compliments of Vi White and Steve Cohen
Hardin County, TN
David Robinson built the Cherry Mansion at 264 Main Street in Savannah circa
1830. He presented the home as a wedding gift to this daughter and
son-in-law, W.H. Cherry. Typical of an old southern mansion it overlooks a
river, in this case the beautiful Tennessee River. The home served as
headquarters for General U.S. Grant in the spring of 1862 during the Civil
War. Couriers interrupted Grant's breakfast there with the news that the
Battle of Shiloh had begun. |

| Date: | December 10,
2008 - Entry 1 | Reporter: |
Liz Condie |
| Subject: | MIGRATION
DAY 55 | Location: |
Hardin Co. TN |
| Distance: | 0 miles | Accumulated Distance: |
645 miles |
|
True yesterday's forecast, we had a very wet Tuesday. By evening, lashing,
heavy rain was accompanied by crashing thunder and shots of lightening.
While the winds accompanying that system have swung around to the come out
of the NNW, and by 6AM this morning had dropped to 12mph on the ground and
20mph aloft, it was not enough to make it acceptable for the cranes
and planes. Compounding the too strong winds, yesterday's high of 58F fell
to 38F this morning, and the temperature change produced patchy fog. It
will be Down Day #5 in Hardin County, Tennessee.
(Note to Media: For those of you trying to reach us by phone for
information, interviews, photos or video, our location is in a bit of a cell signal 'black
hole'. To get in touch, please email your request along with your telephone number
and other contact info to
liz@operationmigration.org
and I will go to a location with better reception and call you.)
2008 Migration Trivia compliments of Vi White and Steve Cohen
Hardin County, TN
Myles Horton (July 5, 1905 - January 19, 1990) from Savannah was an American
educator, socialist and cofounder of the Highlander Folk School, famous for
its role in the Civil Rights Movement. Horton taught and heavily influenced
most of the era's leaders. They included Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa
Parks (who studied with Horton shortly before her decision to keep her seat
on the Montgomery, Alabama bus in 1955), John Lewis, James Bevel, Bernard
Lafeyette, Ralph Abernathy, John B. Thompson, and many others. |

| Date: | December 9,
2008 - Entry 1 | Reporter: |
Liz Condie |
| Subject: | STILL
DOWN | Location: |
Hardin Co. TN |
| Distance: | 0 miles | Accumulated Distance: |
645 miles |
|
We got the triple whammy this morning, Migration Day 54. The trees are
whipping back and forth in the SSE 16mph ground winds; a system bringing
rain and the possibility of isolated thunderstorms has moved in; and aloft
the winds are howling at +50mph.
After that summary it is undoubtedly stating the obvious to say that we
will be spending a fourth day on the ground in Hardin County, TN. 2008
Migration Trivia compliments of Vi White and Steve Cohen
Hardin County, TN
Notables calling Savannah home are Major League Baseball player Chad
Harville, Christian singer Geron Davis, and country singer Darryl Worley. He
made his Grand Ole Opry debut in June 2003. "Have You Forgotten" was
inspired by the events of the 911 attacks and received a Country Music
Association nomination for single of the year. In early 2008, Worley signed
to Stroudavarious Records, releasing the single "Tequila on Ice" in June,
but the song didn't chart until the week of October 4th where it debuted at
#56 on the Hot Country Songs. |

| Date: | December 8,
2008 - Entry 1 | Reporter: |
Bev Paulan |
| Subject: | DOWN DAY 3 | Location: |
Hardin Co., TN |
| Distance: | 0 miles | Accumulated Distance: |
645 miles |
|
With a good solid headwind out of the south this morning, it was down day number 3 here in Hardin County, TN and that meant time to let the birds out for exercise. Even though the birds flew behind the trikes for a short flight on Saturday and Sunday, the decision was made to fly them again today. The weather forecast is not very good, in fact down right nasty, for the next couple of days. Rain and thunderstorms are headed our way, so today was the only opportunity.
Or little intrepid group of handlers headed down to the pen this morning and while I stood at the end of the field, and Heather hid in the tall grass
to capture some images, Brooke Walt and Gerald walked the remaining 300 yards to the pen to prep it for release. All the birds shot out of the pen once the gates were opened as if they were saying, “what took you guys so long, we’ve gotta fly.”
I stood at the end of the pen field which is actually only a third of the way down a small valley and flapped the arm of my baggy costume to encourage the chicks to fly. They were so anxious to go, that by the time they were down to my end, they were all well above my head and in formation heading south. I watched as all 14 flew down the valley and out of site and while half of me secretly wished for them to keep going to Florida, the other half started to panic at not seeing them anymore.
After what seemed an eternity, especially since I was holding my breath, I spied the chicks in the distance coming our way. They once again flew over my head back towards the pen. After circling several times, they set their wings and came in for a landing around the guys. It was a warm morning (relatively speaking of course) at 40 degrees and the birds needed a break from their vigorous exercise. Much flapping and jumping moved through the flock and soon they were once again airborne. This flight was much shorter and they came back very quickly.
We allowed the chicks to forage for awhile and found turkey feathers for them to play with. We noticed the wind coming up so decided to put the chicks away. They eagerly followed, chasing after the grapes and cranberries we tossed in front of them. After counting beaks and recounting beaks to make sure all 14 were safely in the pen, we closed the gate and slowly walked away to continue our day.
(Photos)
|

| Date: | December 7,
2008 - Entry 2 | Reporter: |
Joe Duff |
| Subject: | OLD
FRIENDS | Location: |
Hardin Co. TN |
| Distance: | 0 miles | Accumulated Distance: |
645 miles |
|
Based on the terrain we have been flying over, the new route is certainly
safer than our old path over the mountains. If we have a problem, or must
land with a bird, there are plenty of options. The one major draw back
however is that we miss the stopover hosts that we no longer see. Over the
years we have become friends with many of them, and are now restricted to
staying in touch through emails. Al and Pat Roush are longtime supporters,
stopover hosts, and friends from Indiana who let us take over their property
for days at a time. We will all miss seeing them this year. Al wrote us a
letter recently and gave us a hint of what our project has meant to him. I
thought we would share it with you.
Hello Old Friends,
Just a note to let you know I met some other old
friends yesterday while birding in southwestern Indiana. Actually, there
were six old friends sighted south of Linton, Indiana. I can’t tell you how
excited I was to see these migrating Whooping Cranes who started their
migrating adventures in their youth by spending some time visiting at our
house. By accident, we spotted the first pair at about 100 feet, and we
moved away quickly to avoid disturbing them. The male was a huge magnificent
creature with a very intense warning stare. I just wish Pat had been with
us, she would have wanted to give them a big hug.
I want to thank Operation Migration for allowing my
family to participate in this extraordinary experiment to help this great
bird expand it’s range. Hope to see ya in Florida.
Al Roush
All of us on the OM Team will miss all of our friends along the old
migration route, but I can’t think of a better gift to leave behind as a
small thank you.
2008 Migration Trivia compliments of Vi White and Steve Cohen
Hardin County, TN
In recent years the city of Savannah as well as the county have experienced
rapid growth in industry and commerce. Upscale businesses have begun
establishing large stores in the town and heavy industry has moved in. One
of them utilizes massive amounts of timber, leading to concerns of
over-logging the area. The larger firms operating out of Hardin County are
American Food Service Co. - custom restaurant equipment, Clayton Homes, Inc.
- mobile homes, Packaging Corp of America - kraft linerboard, and Praxis -
fiberglass & acrylic showers/tubs.
Hardin County has its own airport, notable for having the world's first
thin-white top coating over its runway, allowing much heavier aircraft to
land |

| Date: | December 7,
2008 - Entry 1 | Reporter: |
Liz Condie |
| Subject: | AND YET
ANOTHER 'ALMOST' | Location: |
Hardin Co. TN |
| Distance: | 0 Miles | Accumulated Distance: |
645 miles |
|
This morning we woke to 25F under partly cloudy skies with 6mph winds out
of the north, gusting to almost 10mph on the ground. Aloft, we saw they'd
have 25 to 30mph north winds to contend with. Our concern was, that
although we had favorable winds, they might be a tad too powerful.
Regardless, the pilots headed to the airport where the trikes were hangared.
The rest of us all headed for our respective positions, all the while
wondering if the favorable, but strong winds, would: a) make the flight
impossible; b) make it a miserable one for both cranes and planes; c) afford
them them a beneficial tailwind.
And after watching the test trike flying over the viewing area and the
little valley near where the birdpen is tucked away, the answer was a). A
flight in the winds we have today is not a possibility. Richard was testing
the air, and the group gathered to view the flyover watched the little trike
sway and bounce like mad below the wing. The other pilots were reporting
they too were experiencing rock and roll in the trashy air, regardless of
what altitude they flew at. Everyone is back on the ground now and those
of us 'ground bound' folks are busy undoing all the morning's departure
preparations. It will be a disappointed migration team gathered around the
breakfast table in an hour or so. And when we took a quick look at the
forecast it bore no good news to offset the disappointment. At the moment
the weatherman is promising us wrong-way winds, followed by a system with
some rain.
Unless something changes, we could be spending another day or two here in
Hardin County, TN. |
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