Operation Migration's first Whooping Crane Flight is a SUCCESS!

It took more than ten years and an equal number of studies involving three non-endangered species of birds to reach this point - On December 3rd, 2001 three ultralight aircraft arrived in Crystal River, Florida guiding 6 endangered Whooping cranes to a new winter home and a new migration route leading to survival of the species.

The 14-person team, consisting of four pilots and a ten member ground-support team departed central Wisconsin on October 17th and traveled 24 out of 48 days to reach the Chassahowitzka NWR on the central west coast of Florida. 23 days were spent waiting and hoping for better weather and 1 day was spent searching for a wayward crane. During the 24 flight days, the pilots would lead the young whoopers on flights ranging from 20 miles to 94 miles. 

It is anticipated that like last year's Sandhill cranes, the Whooping cranes will winter as wild birds until this coming spring when they will return north, unaided to the Necedah National Wildlife Refuge in Wisconsin. Stay tuned...