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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 ceiling Today 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.