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| The oldest group, Cohort One enters the wet section of their
enclosure at the North training site. |
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| Outside the entrance of the same enclosure, a curious pair of
older "white birds" drop in for a visit. Whooping cranes
101 (male) & 202 (female). |
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#418 is the youngster who began losing his newly acquired primary
feathers in early August. Since the primary or flight feathers are
only visible when the wings are extended, he appears quite normal in
the above photo but take a look at this next image...
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| Ordered to pen rest for the past couple of weeks to rest a sore
leg, #418 seemed eager to get out with the others on this day. He's
the bird on the left - the one that has obvious gaps at the end of
his wings. |
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On September 3rd the middle group - Cohort Two was flown over to join
the two "little girls" at the East Site. Patuxent's Brian
Claus, and visiting aviculturist Tatiana Zhuchkova spend time with the
new arrivals to alleviate any stress they may be experiencing due to
the change in accommodations.
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Satisfied that the cranes are comfortable with the change, Tatiana and
Brian make the long walk back from the pen.
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Crane 414 was a bit reluctant to leave the West Site so after several
futile attempts to convince him to follow the aircraft, the decision
was made to let him experience a bit of abandonment
conditioning.
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#414 is left alone at the West Site - All of the members of his group
were led by the ultralights to the East Site so they could get
acquainted with the two youngest cranes. Even #418, who is currently
flightless, was crated and moved so that he can maintain his social
status among his group. As soon as the weather allows Richard and Joe
will try again to coerce this stubborn bird into relocating.
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