Date: December 31, 2007 - Entry 1 Reporter: Liz Condie Subject: Migration Day 69 Location: Meigs Cty, TN Distance Traveled 0 Miles Meigs County, TN Accumulated Distance 738.3 miles It seems that once each state in the flyway gets a hold of us, it is reluctant to let us go. We have freezing fog this morning. That is bad news for trike wings and obviously also for visibility which is only about a quarter of a mile. The are calling for it to be hours before the fog lifts by which time the WNW winds will have turned into winds out of the south west. This is the long way of saying we are going no where today. Walter and I just returned to camp after more than two and a half hours visiting with the hardy Craniacs gathered at the Gazebo on the Hiwassee Refuge. We were sure we would find no one there and that we were making the trip from camp for nothing as it was so foggy we couldn't seem much more that 50 feet in front of the car. Were we in for a surprize! There was at least 3 times the number of people there as there was yesterday - some new folks and some had returned for the second day. Both Walter and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves as we made some new friends, visited with some old ones, and once again sold some OM merchandise. Our thanks to Carlotta and also to Virginia who delivered goodies that will become part of our New Year's Eve MunchieFest. 2007 Migration Trivia compliments of Vi White and Steve Cohen Meigs County, TN Created in 1836, Meigs County was named in honor of a country pioneer, Colonel Return Jonathan Meigs. He was an American revolutionary officer and an Indian Agent for the Cherokee Nation from 1801 to 1823. Col. Meigs promoted the establishment of schools for the Cherokee as well as introducing them to weaving, blacksmithing and other enterprises to help them make a living in proximity to the white culture. Lying on a southwest to northeast axis at the southern end of the Appalachians, Meigs County, population about 11,000, is a sliver of true hill country varying from 5 to 19 miles wide and about 30 miles long. Date: December 30, 2007 - Entry 1 Reporter: Liz Condie Subject: Migration Day 68 Location: Meigs Cty, TN Distance Traveled 0 Miles Meigs County, TN Accumulated Distance 738.3 miles Our flying 'streak' is over. With a headwind too strong to cope with on this next long leg, and the cranes and planes likely to encounter rain enroute, the decision was made to stand down - again. Brooke, Walt, and Brian loaded up the white truck to go to the pensite on the refuge to check the birds, and I followed along to go to the Gazebo to see if any diehard Craniacs had shown up on the chance of viewing a departure. By the time it was daybreak, there were some 20 or so hopeful and hardy souls gathered that we had to disappoint with the news that we were standing down for the day. Shortly thereafter, the three guys pulled alongside in the truck and stopped to chat with the folks and answer their many questions. And shortly after that the rain started to fall. Undeterred by the rain, I threw open the back hatch of my rental car like an itinerant peddler and offered an assortment of OM merchandise for sale. We say thank you to'our customers'. (smile) Thanks too to Linda Mann for the gift bag containing my favorite vegetable (cheese of course). I'll share your treat with the team when we have munchies later today. Chris thinks we have a slight chance of flying in the morning so maybe tomorrow will be the charm. Let's go!! The Peach state awaits. Date: December 29, 2007 - Entry 3 Reporter: Chris Gullikson Subject: BACK IN THE AIR Location: Meigs Cty, TN Distance Traveled 48.1 Cumberland County to Meigs County, TN Accumulated Distance 738.3 miles It has been 23 days since we arrived in Cumberland County TN. Our wonderful host gave us full run of his beautiful home, providing us with beds, showers, laundry, and 4WD vehicles to ease our trips out to the birds. I was starting to feel very much at home but the urge to migrate was still lurking inside – and I hoped the birds felt the urge to migrate as well. All of the crew made it back from their Christmas break by early last evening, except for Joe who will be staying back in Canada for a time at least. In his absence, Matt Ahrens has graciously volunteered his time to fly with us in Joe’s trike. Matt has been a long time friend of OM. He also flew with us in 2006 looking for Ivory-billed Woodpeckers and flew a couple legs of the ‘06 migration as well. The weather forecast for this morning looked good as far as winds were concerned - light and out of the northwest – but we were concerned about low clouds inhibiting our passage of the ridge immediately to our south. As dark turned to dawn, we could see the low, broken cloud layer aloft but we could also see breaks in the clouds with stars and a waning gibbous moon on the western horizon. Launching at sunrise with the trikes we found smooth air and ample room around the broken cloud layer to cross the ridge. It was time to migrate. For the past week and a half, the birds have been given access to a small pond to bathe and forage in. Knowing that they would have inclinations to land at the pond, we sent Walt down to the pond disguised as a swamp monster to dissuade any troublesome chicks. Richard landed at the pen and was soon airborne with all 17 birds. Matt stayed high overhead to watch, while Brooke and I stayed off to the side allowing Richard time to round up his flock. After a few circuits of the pen, Richard was able to get the birds turned on course and I fell into a chase position above and behind him. After only a mile, birds began to break from Richard’s trike and fly back toward the pen. I dropped down to cut them off from going back, and eventually found myself with 13 birds. While Richard continued on with four, Brooke and I traded birds back and forth as we tried to dissuade them from going back to the pen. I eventually got away with nine birds leaving Brooke to struggle with 4 birds who really wanted to go back home. 727 was refusing to climb and eventually landed in a nearby woods. Brooke landed his other 3 birds at the pen and with the help of the ground crew, retrieved her from the woods and led her back to the pen. As 727 seemed reluctant to fly, it was decided to crate her to the next destination. Brooke eventually took back off with the remaining 3 birds, a good distance behind us. Meanwhile I was having my own troubles getting my 9 birds to climb. 733 kept getting distracted by ponds, peeling off to descend and taking other birds with him. With Matt flying overhead keeping watch, time after time I rounded up my group, giving up precious altitude that I had worked so hard to gain. After a good hour of endless bizarre looking circles, the birds finally settled in and began climbing with me. We soon had enough altitude to cross the ridge and I turned on course to the Hiwassee Refuge. Richard was a good 20 miles ahead of me and slowly spiraling down over the pen. When he announced his landing, I was just coming to the edge of the plateau and looking down at the confluence of the Tennessee and Hiwassee rivers. With only 10 miles to go and 2000 feet to descend, I pulled the bar in to 42mph and began a gentle descent, allowing the birds a break from their long flight. We were soon over the river and spiraling down to the pen. There were countless thousands of Sandhill cranes along the river’s edge and sandbars, with the occasional lone Whooping crane visible. I dropped off my 9 birds to Richard then flew by the Gazebo to give the small group of people assembled there a wave. Brooke was now 15 miles out and coming off the plateau with his 3 birds. Matt and I joined up with him and watched as he also dropped off his 3 birds to Richard. Then the 3 of us flew off to the airport where a hangar generously awaited us. As I am writing this, Richard, Megan, and myself are coming back from setting up the pen at our next stop in Gordon County GA. 727 is safely back with the rest of her flock and in good spirits. The weather for tomorrow looks like a slight chance of rain to our south with calm winds and a gentle headwind aloft. We may have the opportunity for a flight. There will be a viewing opportunity from the Gazebo at the Hiwassee Refuge, we hope to see you there. Note: Cumberland County to Meigs County is only about 48 miles by air. Flying in chase position today, Matt trailed behind Chris. In his update above Chris said he spent an hour flying in bizarre circles and he wasn’t kidding. When Matt checked the odometer, it read 143 miles! Date: December 29, 2007 - Entry 2 Reporter: Liz Condie Subject: Another 5 mile Challenge Met! One 10 mile Challenge left to go. Location: Meigs Cty, TN Distance Traveled 48.1 Cumberland County to Meigs County, TN Accumulated Distance 738.3 miles Mary Ellen O’Brien's 5 mile 'Holiday Challenge' has been met by a fellow Wisconsin native who wishes to remain anonymous. Many, many thanks to both of you!! The 10 mile 'Tax-Break' Challenge from an Illinois supporter still stands. Wisconsin, Illinois and Tennessee MileMaker miles have all been covered, but there's still lots of room for Craniacs and Craniacs-To-Be to sponsor miles in Indiana, Kentucky, Georgia and Florida. Whether responding to the Challenge or not, OM will issue a 2007 tax deductible receipt for all contributions we receive before midnight December 31st. You can use PayPal online, or simply call the office before the deadline and use Visa or MasterCard. If your call goes to voicemail (we have just one telephone line) leave your number and someone will call you back as quickly as possible. Donations mailed and postmarked by December 31st are of course also eligible for a deductible receipt for the 2007 taxation year. Date: December 29, 2007 - Entry 1 Reporter: Liz Condie Subject: THE BEAST IS BEHIND US - FINALLY Location: Meigs Cty, TN Distance Traveled 48.1 Cumberland County to Meigs County, TN Accumulated Distance 738.3 miles As morning advanced, the clouds (see grey overcast sky in photo) began to thin revealing patches of brilliant blue sky above Cumberland County, TN. The pensite and departure area were shielded from view by a low rise topped with a deep line of tall trees. However, I did manage to snap a quick and very distant photo of one of the trikes just after take-off. (see photo below) Richard was lead pilot today, and was first to cross the Beast with 4 birds following. Chris and Brooke had some rounding up to do before they actually did any leading. Chris ended up with 9 birds behind him and 3 followed Brooke. 727 refused to gain any altitude and after many tries, Brooke gave up and led his little flock back around to the pensite to 'drop off' 727. The ground crew returned her to the pen where she was crated, so she made the trip by road. Once I too had crossed the Cumberland Ridge, I high-tailed it to the Mark Anton Airport just outside of Dayton to pick up Chris. Not far behind was Brian in the tracking van to pick up the other three pilots. They headed back to the pensite to check out 727 (who is just fine) while Chris and I headed down the highway to hook up with Megan and pilot Matt Ahrens who were driving the Hornet and pulling our second travel pen. These three needed hooked up so they could drive on south to our next stopover site in Gordon County, GA and get the pen set up there. At the moment, I'm typing this perched on a lawn chair beside the Tennessee River while everyone else is scurrying around setting up camp (and the satellite dish so I can get this update posted). We're in a bit of a low area surrounded by forest and so we are having trouble picking up both satellite and cell phone signals. Did you notice a new pilot's name above? Matt Ahrens, who has flown with us on a couple of previous occasions filling in for Richard, will, for the next little while be filling in for Joe. Other obligations have intervened to delay Joe's coming back to rejoin the migration. Matt (photo to right) hails from Madison, Wisconsin and he hitched a ride down to Tennessee with Beverly and Nathan on their way back from their few days at home. He is a super guy, a great pilot, and fits right in with the rest of the team. He's also quite an accomplished cook and we're looking forward to putting him to work in the kitchen too. Welcome to the OM team Matt!! I know, I know!! It was one heck of a migration leg to be so long before being able to get an update posted. I can tell from my email inbox that there are a few hundred or more of you out there biting your fingernails. What can we say to convince you all not to email to ask what's happening; that we always post just as quickly as we humanly can. You would also be doing us a great favor if you posted your comments and good wishes to the GuestBook rather than emailing. Our contract for internet uploads/downloads while on the road has limits, much like minute plans for cell phones, and we'd like to 'save the room' for accessing our server so we can provide you with updates and photos. At this point I'm not sure whether or not there will be a lead pilot report ready for posting today. Richard, who was today's lead is really unwell with the flu - which hit him about three hours after we left home on the 27th. His face was as white as the trike wing at the end of today's flight. Hopefully Chris and Brooke will pinch hit for him with an update, but as Chris is off to Georgia to do the pen set up and Brooke is dealing with electrical and propane issues here in camp, it may be tonight or tomorrow before we have more info for you. Then again, if we are able to fly tomorrow, it may have to wait for a future down day. Speaking of flying tomorrow - if the forecast chance of rain showers doesn't keep us grounded, the pilots will likely go aloft to check out a predicted light headwind. The next leg is one of the longest of the migration - approximately 70 miles - so too strong a headwind will undoubtedly ground us. Public Viewing Opportunity As in past years, our stopover at the Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge offers the public a chance to watch a departure flyover. The best view is from the Gazebo. The Hiwassee State Wildlife Refuge is between the towns of Dayton and Cleveland Tennessee. To reach the refuge from I-75 take exit number 25 onto Highway 60 and go north on 60 toward Dayton passing through the small town of Birchwood. Brown signs will lead you east (right) on to Shadden Road, then right on to Blythe Ferry Lane, and left onto Priddy Road. Priddy Road is a one lane road with two-way traffic, so drive with caution as you go to the parking area and gazebo. As always, please remember the day's weather determines our ability to fly, so, regardless of the day, if you plan on going to view a take-off, keep in mind it may or may not happen. To see any 'hoped for' departure we suggest you be on site by 6:45am. Date: December 28, 2007 - Entry 2 Reporter: Megan Kennedy Subject: "ON MULBERRY STREET" Location: Cumberland Cty, TN Distance Traveled 0 Cumberland Cty, TN Accumulated Distance 680 miles Yesterday, Brian, Chris and I let the birds out for what we hope will be their last exercise flight at this stop. Richard and Liz have returned, and the rest of the team is making their way back to camp today so that we’ll be all set for a potential departure tomorrow morning. On arriving at the pen, we removed the outer perimeter wire and swung open the double doors. The birds eagerly rushed out and began their routine of flying circuits of the field, making periodic trips back to the pen and buzzing us. After a few minutes they landed and began walking toward the now familiar pond on the other side of the hill (note to self – we will need a swamp monster at pond tomorrow morning!!). While Brian and Chris prepared fresh food and water in the pen, I walked down to the pond to watch over the chicks. They flew over on their own. Most landed to one side of the water, but I walked around to the other side to keep them away from a nearby fence. 733 landed by me right away and the others slowly made their way over to join us. They filtered in around me and started playing at the water’s edge. Out of the corner of my eye I noticed a turkey near the far edge of the pond. A big one at that. In anticipation of trouble, I moved out to put myself between it and the birds, but they had already noticed it too. The turkey seemed pretty jumpy and I was relieved when only moments later it was frightened off by the large group of cranes purposefully walking towards it. It ran back to the fence and into the woods beyond it, but the birds were still slowly moving after it. I turned my vocalizer louder to call them back, when 707, who had stayed on the other side of the water, started alarm calling! He had started developing his adult voice before we left Necedah, but until now I had heard only small, weak murmurings, as if he was afraid or unsure of the noises he was making. But now here he was, calling loudly and clearly to the others as he joined me to call them in. 706, second in vocal maturation, answered back the best he could, while the others responded in their excited chick voices. They seemed reluctant to return to the pond, so I led them up to the crest of the hill between the pond and the pen. We had only been up there a short time when I noticed them all turning their eyes to the sky. At first I was unable to see what they were looking at, but a moment later a goose flew over us. Instead of landing in the pond, it turned and circled overhead, getting lower and lower with each pass. Soon I was able to make it out as a juvenile snow goose. It was calling intermittently and the birds and I, and even Chris and Brian down at the pen, were all watching it carefully. And then it landed! It landed right in amongst the cranes, who all immediately chased it back to flight. Rather than leave, it circled and landed again! And the cranes just chased it off again. It continued this routine for about 15 minutes before it finally decided the cranes weren’t going to be very welcoming companions and gave up. By this time the pen was ready for the birds, so we all took up our usual positions to bring them in. It took a few trips to get the bulk of the birds in, but soon we were left with only two stragglers - 726 and 727, who had found a wonderful treasure and refused to give it up. Whenever we approached her, she’d jump away, trying to protect it. After getting 726 to the pen, we watched 727 intently, trying to figure out a plan. The instant she dropped her plastic ring to pick at a cow pie, I was there to grab it away. Tossing rocks and the ring ahead of us, we got her to walk down into the pen and closed the door securely behind her. That made 17 birds all safe in the pen after one of the most adventurous mornings we’ve had without actually going anywhere. Date: December 28, 2007 - Entry 1 Reporter: Liz Condie Subject: We're baaack.... Location: Cumberland Cty, TN Distance Traveled 0 Cumberland Cty, TN Accumulated Distance 680 miles Yesterday was 'travel day' for Richard and I. Just in case we encountered bad weather or road conditions, we left a day early. We left home just after 6:00AM and arrived at our Stopover Host's in Cumberland County just after 9:30 last night. We weren't long tucking up into bed once we got caught up on all the news about fellow crew and the birds. The rest of the crew are also on their way back here to re-start the migration. Some also left their respective homes yesterday, but are breaking the trip over two days. Before the evening is out however, we will all be 'back on station.' Chris Gillikson, our resident weather guru, says that the warm temps and big rains of today should be pushed out overnight by a cold front. Winds for tomorrow make a flight look do-able, it is the potential for a low cloud ceiling being the product of the cold front that could keep us on the ground. More news soon. Date: December 26, 2007 - Entry 3 Reporter: Liz Condie Subject: Go Ahead - Make Our Year...!! Location: Main Office Today we received a 10 mile 'Tax-Break' Challenge from one of our very favorite Illinois supporters and who wishes to remain anonymous. This is in addition to Mary Ellen O’Brien’s 5 mile Christmas Eve challenge (No takers as yet.) You Craniacs and brand new MileMakers are beginning to give us hope that we might see the first complete individual sell-out of MileMaker. What a way that would be to cap off what has certainly been our most emotional year ever, and definitely the most trying. Date: December 26, 2007 - Entry 2 Reporter: Liz Condie Subject:  Video as promised Location: Main Office Before the holiday break we promised you some video clips. To view them, click Site Map, then under the heading Video & Audio click on "Flying with the Class of '07", and for the second new video clip, click on "Class of '07 Playing with Pumpkins". Of course we hope you will stay tuned to the Field Journal as the first 'multi-year' ultralight-led migration in the history of the Whooping crane project resumes December 29th. Date: December 26, 2007 - Entry 1 Reporter: The OM Team Subject:  LAST MINUTE TAX SAVINGS Location: Home and Away If, in the rush of preparations for the holidays, you found yourself with no time to think about one of life’s inevitables - taxes - you still have five days to lower your 2007 income tax. As you save tax dollars when you make a charitable donation, giving is not just good for society it's good for your tax bill too. As we understand it, in the U.S., each dollar contributed gives you a tax benefit equal to your marginal tax bracket. For instance, if you're in the 25% bracket, a $100 contribution will save you $25 dollars in tax. You’ll save $35 if you are in the 35% bracket as the real cost of your donation is only $65. This means that when you give, you also get back. OM will issue a 2007 tax deductible receipt for all contributions we receive before midnight December 31st. Donors can contribute via PayPal online, or simply call the office before the deadline and use Visa or MasterCard. If your call goes to voicemail (we have just one telephone line) leave your number and someone will call you back as quickly as possible. Donations mailed and postmarked by December 31st are of course also eligible for a deductible receipt for the 2007 taxation year. As always, we are sincerely grateful for your support. Date: December 24, 2007 - Entry 3 Reporter: The OM Team Subject:                                WE WISH YOU..... Location: Ontario, Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, New Jersey, North Carolina, Maryland, and Tennessee All of us at Operation Migration would like to wish everyone a happy and safe holiday season. Your awesome care, concern, and support for Whooping cranes and the people who work to safeguard them is both encouraging and inspiring. Your heartfelt messages straight through from the devastating start of this year, to cheering us on during the prolonged migration have made 2007 a year to remember. May your coming year be filled with luck, laughter, good cheer and success. Peace to all. The Operation Migration Team, Joe, Brooke, Richard, Chris G, Bev, Megan, Nathan, Walter, Gerald, Chris D, James, Liz, and honorary OM'ers Brian, Robert, and Charlie. Click here to view our Christmas Card to you. Date: December 24, 2007 - Entry 2 Reporter: Liz Condie Subject: ANY TAKERS? Location: Main Office And yet another challenge has come in. This one, from Mary Ellen O’Brien from Madison, WI, is a 'Holiday Challenge'. Mary will match up to 5 MileMaker mile sponsorships that come in to us between now and the end of the year. Thank you Mary! Date: December 24, 2007 - Entry 1 Reporter: Liz Condie Subject: DEFINITELY NOT ‘UGH’! Location: Main Office At the 'almost' departure flyover in Crossville, TN, along with warm wishes and a hug, I received a gift from a lovely lady and OM supporter. Having read my bio where I expressed a like for nice wine and, my favorite vegetable – cheese, she told me she was unsure which of the two things to get. She said she didn’t know if what she decided on was 'good' and if it wasn’t, to just put, "UGH" in the Field Journal. Far from ugh, it was yummy delicious, to which the entire team will testify as I shared her treat with everyone before we left to go home for the holiday. Thank you again for your thoughtfulness and generosity! Date: December 22, 2007 - Entry 1 Reporter: Liz Condie Subject: WOOD BUFFALO-ARANSAS POPULATION UPDATE Location: Main Office On the latest aerial census conducted December 20 at the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge and surrounding areas, Tom Stehn, US F&WS Whooping crane Coordinator there reported 253 Whooping cranes were located. The size of the flock, consisting of an estimated 142 adults, 85 sub-adults, and 39 juveniles, remains at an estimated record 266 birds. The survey was conducted in a Cessna 210 piloted by Gary Ritchey of Air Logistic Solutions of San Antonio, Texas with observer Tom Stehn. "The flight was delayed by early morning fog," Tom said, "but viewing conditions became ideal with clear skies and moderate winds as a front pushed across the coast. Transects were lined out so that flying towards the late afternoon sun was not an issue except for some low light conditions approaching sunset. Smoke from one refuge burn and two prescribed burns on private lands however, made for occasionally slightly hazy conditions over small portions of the refuge and San Jose Island." Tom said he believed 8 birds were overlooked on the flight; a family of 3, a pair, and 3 sub-adults. He estimated that 98% of the population had completed their migration but that there were at least 4 more Whooping cranes still in the flyway and one additional Whooping crane was using agricultural lands just north of the wintering area. ”The 4 cranes known to still be on migration include one juvenile last reported in west Texas on November 28; one sub-adult still in North Dakota, and two cranes reported December 19th near Big Boggy NWR, TX. Commenting on the record numbers Tom said, "The estimated flock size of 266 is a result of the excellent production of 40 juveniles sighted on the nesting grounds in August. With 38 juveniles at Aransas and 1 in West Texas, survival of the juveniles since August has been excellent." He went on to note that while, "One carcass of a juvenile was found this fall in Saskatchewan with an undetermined cause of death, adult survival since last spring has also been very good." Mortality of white-plumaged cranes between spring and fall, 2007 is at most 9 birds, or, 3.8% of the flock present at Aransas in spring, 2007. (This was calculated by taking the spring flock size of 236, adding the 39 juveniles that made it to Texas, and subtracting the current estimated flock size of 266.) In the past two years, mortality between spring and fall has been above average, totaling over 20 birds each year. Tom reported that tides were the lowest of the winter so far with large mudflats exposed on San Jose Island. 7 cranes were noted in open bay habitat; 2 on a prescribed burn done at Aransas in late November; and, multiple cranes were seen in high salt marsh habitat presumably foraging on wolfberry. "Low numbers of Sandhill cranes were also found in similar areas, also an indication of wolfberries although they are presumably past peak abundance," he said. "A crab count indicated blue crabs were still available in the marsh, and the cranes have also been finding fiddler crabs to eat as temperatures in December have remained unusually warm." Four new territorial pairs have been noted at Aransas so far this winter. Last week, a family group of one adult and one chick closely associated with a second adult. This week they were in a similar location but grouped as 1+1. "I guess the recently observed 'relationship' did not work out," said Tom. Tom's next census flight is scheduled for sometime during the first half of January. Date: December 21, 2007 - Entry 1 Reporter: Liz Condie Subject: EASILY SPOILED Location: Main Office You Craniacs and would-be Craniacs never cease to amaze us. The MileMaker challenges continue to come in. One of the most recent was from an anonymous supporter in Indiana who said she would match up to 7 miles. We were just typing up the entry about her challenge for the Field Journal when the phone rang. The caller, from Illinois, said she wanted to become a MileMaker and, when we told her about our new challenge, promptly said, "Count me in." "Which mile would you like we asked?” She said, “You misunderstand.” When I said count me in, I meant I'll meet the Indiana Craniac's challenge. I'll sponsor all 7." A few silent moments passed before we were able to stammer out, "Wow. Thank you!" And the story doesn't end there. The following day we received an email from a couple of OM Sustaining Members from Aurora, Ontario - we’ll call M and P. They wanted to issue a challenge to Canadian supporters for 5 MileMaker miles. Once again as we were typing up the Field Journal entry the phone rang. On learning about M and P’s challenge to Canadian Craniacs, the caller, who lives in Toronto, said, "Consider it done!" Ohmigosh - talk about an early Christmas! And there's still more to the story. We now have a challenge from a Craniac from New Jersey. She will match up to 2 miles for those who become MileMakers and who reside outside our seven flyway states. Hmmm….strange…I’m all done typing the entry in the Field Journal and the phone isn't ringing. LOL Didn’t take long for me to become spoiled did it? Date: December 20, 2007 - Entry 2 Reporter: Megan Kennedy Subject: FIRST 'THIRD DAY' Location: Cumberland Cty, TN Today was our first ‘third day’ since moving the birds to their new location in Cumberland County, Tennessee and the excitement had Brian, Chris and me talking for days. The stress of migration has been getting to the birds as well and we were hoping that an extended period of time outside the pen might help. Plus, today’s flying exercise held a special treat for the birds; water! Once they had finished their customary circuits of flight around the field, we walked them over to a nearby secluded pond. At first, they acted as if they had never seen water before, and indeed this morning was the first time they’ve been in water since we left the refuge in Necedah. But it only took a few minutes and some coaxing from us before they were splashing around and taking baths. It was reminiscent of the early days when we first introduced them to water at Patuxent. They tore up the banks and played with the treasures they found beneath the sand. They ran around and flew to land back in the water. They bathed and preened and flapped their wings and puffed out their feathers to dry. With as much fun as they were having, we were worried about getting them back to the pen. It turned out to be much easier than we imagined, with a group of 11 coming back on the first try. Brian stayed with the birds in the pen, doling out fresh food and water and providing comfort, while Chris and I went back to round up the errant six. Lo and behold, we found them back at the pond! These birds were a little more difficult to lead, and several times they took to flight instead. But, with patience, a few treats, and kicking apart cow pies on the way, we managed to bring them back in groups of two, two and one. That left only 726, who had come to the pen as part of the third pair, but had turned and flown at the last second. She stood watching us from the crest of a hill, wings drooping nearly to the ground out of pure exhaustion. She followed easily, but slowly after I trotted up the hill to fetch her before she tried to fly again. Stopping for a short rest every few feet made for a long trip, but she seemed in much better spirits by the time we got to the pen. All in all, the birds seemed to thoroughly enjoy themselves and I am eagerly awaiting our next trip to the pond. Anyone on the team could tell you that I liked being in the water almost as much as the chicks at Necedah - and today was no different. Date: December 20, 2007 - Entry 1 Reporter: Liz Condie Subject: EASTERN MIGRATORY POPULATION UPDATE Location: Main Office This update was compiled from data supplied by the WCEP Tracking Team consisting of: Dr. Richard Urbanek (USF&WS), Sara Zimorski, and Interns Anna Fasoli, Eva Szyszkoski, C. Wisinski (ICF). Thanks to Windway Aviation and pilots Mike Frakes and Charles Koehler, Jim Bergens (IN DNR), Dean Harrigal (SC DNR), Jason Jackson and staff (TN WRA), Marty Folk (FL FWCC), and Dan Kaiser for tracking assistance. Thanks to David and Paula Urbanek for capture assistance and to Margaret and Mark Urbanek and APH, Inc., for logistical assistance in bird retrieval. Estimated maximum size of the Eastern Migratory Population on December 15th was 59; 31 males and 28 females. All birds that were able to be tracked had begun migrating by November 27. * = females; DAR = direct autumn release birds. Overall distribution of birds was: Indiana 7; Tennessee 17; Alabama 2; Georgia 1 South Carolina 4; Florida 17; Undetermined 11. BIRD # MIGRATED LAST REPORTED LOCATION 101 Nov. 22 Jasper-Pulaski FWA, IN Nov 22. Departed Nov. 29. Arrived on winter territory Citrus County before 6 December. 102* Nov. 22 Greene County, IN Nov. 24. Still present when last checked Dec. 14. 105 Nov. 21 Jasper-Pulaski FWA, IN Nov. 22. Hiwassee WR Meigs County, TN Nov. 24. Chassahowitzka NWR pensite Nov. 28. Moved to Hernando County, FL Nov. 29. Returned to roost at Chassahowitzka NWR pensite Dec. 12. Moved to Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park Dec 13 attracted by display female. Immediately captured and transported to Halpata Tastanaki Preserve pensite and then to Hiwassee WR, TN where he was released Dec. 16. (Almost all unpaired females in the population were currently at that site.) 107*NFT ~Nov. 18 May have been bird with no signal observed Nov. 28 at Hiwassee WR. Confirmed in Meigs County, TN Dec. 2 and remained through Dec. 15. 201*NFT - Last observed June 9. 202* - Last reported Mar. 13. 205NFT - Last located Oct. 16. 209*NFT & 416 Nov. 22 Jackson County, IN Dec 11 to end of report period. 211 & 217* Nov. 22 (First Family) Vermillion County, IN Nov. 24. Still present when last checked on 13 December. 212 & 419* Nov. 22 Hiwassee WR, Meigs County, TN Dec. 1. Okefenokee NWR, GA Dec. 3. Next found Pasco County, FL Dec. 6 and remained through report period. 213 & 218* Nov. 22 Gibson County, IN Nov. 24. Morgan County, AL Nov. 28 where they remained during current report period. 216 Nov. 27 Left with 303* and 317. Bloomington, IN Nov. 27. Next found Pasco County, FL Dec 11 where they remained through current report period. 303* & 317 Nov. 27 Left with 216. Bloomington, IN Nov. 27. Moved Marion County, In Dec. 7 and remained through report period. 307 Nov. 21 Migrated with 402, 412, 511, 514, and W601* and roosted northeastern GA. Nov. 30. Not located after this date. Separated from 511, 514 and W601* by Dec. 2 and from 402 and 412 by Dec. 10. 309* & 403 Nov. 27 Reported in southern Pulaski County, IN, Nov. 29 andremained through report period. Departed Dec. 5 and has not been located since. 310 & 501* Nov. 22 Jasper-Pulaski, IN Nov. 22. Allen County, KY Nov. 23. Through GA Nov. 24. Colleton County, SC Nov. 30. where they remained during report period. 311 & 312* Nov. 12 Reported in Colleton County, SC since 16 November and remained during report period. 312 & 316NFT Nov. 12 Colleton County, SC Nov. 16. See note above. Dr. Urbanek sent this note and correction to his previous report: 311 left his territory on Sprague Pool, Necedah NWR, Sept. 29 after his mate, 301* was killed on Sept. 25. His signal was detected Oct. 3 in Green Lake County but was not detected during a ground search the following day. The pair composed of 312* and 316 moved into the neighboring territory of 301* and 311 after 311 left the refuge. Sometime before Oct. 31, 311’s transmitter failed and he is suspected to have returned to his former territory, displaced 316, and paired with 312*. Because transmitters on both 311 and 316 were nonfunctional and these males were not in areas where their leg bands could be read, their identities were not confirmed between Oct. 3 and their arrival on their respective wintering grounds. 313* & 318 Nov. 22 Pair has not been located since beginning migration. 401 & 508* Nov. 22 Kane County, IL NOv. 22. Departed Dec. 2 and have not been located since. 402 & 412 Nov. 21 Migrated with 307, 511, 514, and W601*. Roosted in NE GA Nov. 30. Pair separated from 511, 514, and W601* by Dec. 2. Next found in Madison County, FL Dec. 10 but not found when site was checked Dec. 12. 408 & 519* Nov. 27 No subsequent record until found arriving with 512 in Alachua County, FL Dec. 4. Not located after apparently leaving the next day. 415*NFT ~Nov. 16 Began migration with 505 from Columbia County and reported in Jackson County, IN Nov. 24/25. Bird with no signal at Hiwassee Nov. 28 may have been 415*. 420* - Jasper-Pulaski, IN Nov. 22. Hiwassee WR, TN Nov. 24 and was still present through current report period. 503 & 507* - Last recorded on May 26. 505 Nov. 27 Migrated with 512 from Rock County, WI at least as far as central IN Nov. 27, but found without 512 at Hiwassee Dec. 1. 505 and 514* were observed together in Meigs County, TN Dec. 2 and remained together in the Hiwassee area through the report period. 506   Left Necedah NWR Oct 6. Radiosignal next detected from undetermined location during aerial survey Oct. 10. Reported in Iowa County Nov. 17, and was still present Nov. 23rd. No subsequent record. 509 Nov. 23 Hiwassee WR ~Nov. 24. Departed between Nov. 25 - 28. Reported in Quitman County, GA Nov. 30 and remained in area through Dec. 8. 511 Nov. 21 Migrated with 307, 402, 514, and W601* and roosted in NE GA Nov. 30. He was next found when he arrived with 514 and W601* in Hernando County, FL Dec. 2. Left Dec. 3 with 514 and was found in Marion County, FL with 316 Dec. 6. 512 Nov. 27 Migrated with 505 from Rock County at least as far as central IN Nov. 27 but separated by Dec. 1. Next found arriving in Alachua County, FL with 408 and 519* Dec. 4. He moved Dec. 7 and on Dec. 10 but remained in the area at least through Dec. 12. 514 Nov. 21 Migrated with 307, 402, 412, 511, and W601*. Group roosted in NE GA Nov. 30. 514 was next found when he arrived Dec. 2 in Hernando County, FL with 511 and W601*. He left there with 511 the next day and has not been located since. 516 ~Nov. 19 Migrated with Sandhills from Jackson County, MI after Nov. 19. Next  found over Columbia County, FL Dec. 12 and landed in Alachua County FL. Found in Marion County, FL Dec. 14. 520* Nov. 27 Hiwassee WR, TN Dec. 1 and remained there through current report period. 524NFT ? Jasper Pulaski FWA, IN on Nov. 4. Last confirmed present Nov. 23. DAR527* ~Nov. 22 Jasper-Pulaski, IN by Nov. 22. Hiwassee WR, TN Dec. 3 and remained during report period. DAR528* Nov. 22 Hiwassee WR, TN Dec. 1 and remained during report period. DAR533* ~Nov. 19 Migrated from Van Buren and Cass Counties, MI after Nov. 19 and found on Hiwassee WR Dec. 1 where she remained during report period. W601* Nov. 21 Migrated with 307, 402, 412, 511, and 514. Group roosted in NE GA Nov. 30. W601* next found Dec. 2 when she arrived in Hernando County, FL with 511 and 514. The two males departed the next day but W601* remained. DAR627 & 628 Nov. 5 Left Juneau County, WI and arrived on wintering area in Pasco County, FL by Nov. 12. Remained during report period. Unidentified   Dec. 15 two color-banded Whooping cranes were reported in Davidson County, TN. DARs 737, 739*, 740*, 742*, 743*, 744* See Map Below Nov. 6 Migrated to Peoria County, IL Nov. 6 and remained until Dec. 5. After their roost pond froze over they moved to Clinton County, IL, and on Dec. 6 to Monroe County, IL where they were retrieved Dec. 11 and transported to Hiwassee, TN. Z Dec. 12th DARs739* and 743* separated from the others but stayed together during the remainder of the report period before departing southbound on Dec. 17. Dec. 13th DAR740* separated from DARs 737, 742*, and 744* and moved with Sandhills to nearby Hamilton County. Dec. 14 she moved with Sandhills to Franklin County, TN. DARs 737, 742*, and 744* stayed together at Hiwassee during the remainder of the report period. DAR746* Oct. 31 Began migration with DAR736 and 741. She arrived in Gibson County, IN Nov. 4 and moved to Haywood County, TN Nov. 23. On Nov. 27 she moved to Desha County, Arkansas. She was retrieved Dec. 1 and transported to Hiwassee where she remains.   Date: December 17, 2007 - Entry 5 Reporter: Liz Condie Subject: VIDEO CLIPS COMING Location: Cumberland Cty, TN Distance Traveled 10.2 miles Cumberland Cty, TN to Cumberland Cty, TN Accumulated Distance 680 miles Just a note to let everyone know that we have some video clips to share with you. We will be on the road driving home for the next couple of days, but as soon as we can we'll edit the video and get links to them posted for your viewing enjoyment. Date: December 17, 2007 - Entry 4 Reporter: Joe Duff Subject: NOT FOR LACK OF TRYING Location: Cumberland Cty, TN Distance Traveled 10.2 miles Cumberland Cty, TN to Cumberland Cty, TN Accumulated Distance 680 miles We have been on the road for 66 days, and for every leg we have flown there have been three mornings when we’ve taken off at sunrise just to test the conditions. We dress warmly and carry full fuel with every expectation of going, but there is far more disappointment than elation. We have fought headwinds, braved icing conditions, and slipped under low ceilings, all in an attempt to give these birds every opportunity to be wild and migratory. But that disappointment takes it toll, and it’s time to give the team a rest. We’ve checked the weather for the next few days and things are looking dismal for a while. Three team members have volunteered to stay with the birds and the rest will head home to be with families over Christmas. We have rented cars and will be sending one to the east, another to the Midwest and a third to Ontario. We have an experienced aviculturist from Patuxent, one of our capable interns and an OM pilot staying behind. The birds are in a fresh site with lots of room to relocate the pen or let them out for exercise. The aircraft are safely tucked into a hangar and our stopover host has generously welcomed us over Christmas. We will be back on the 29th to start again. Historically we have always completed the second half of the migration in short order and we are hoping that will be the case again. We are confident the birds will still follow us. In fact these birds have followed better than most. Sometimes it takes us a while to corral them and get them on course, but so far only 6 birds have missed any portion of the migration - and that was mostly at the top end when they were younger and the concept of migration was new. Normally only a few birds make the entire flight to Florida under their own steam. Even this morning after a ten day delay, the birds all followed us after only 10 minutes of encouragement. We would all enjoy our holiday more if the migration were finished. We have a big job to face in the New Year, but relaxing for a few days will help ease the stress and rejuvenate us for the final push. We can all take pride in the fact that if we haven’t finished it yet; it’s not for lack of trying. NOTE: While we will continue to post other information and reports as they come in here, this will be the last migration update in the Field Journal until the team is all back together and ready to fly on December 29. Above: Photo shot by Joe during today's 10 mile flight. Below: Brooke with 9 birds is in the top of the frame and Joe with 3 is at the bottom. Photo by Kay Stanley. Above: Joe shot this picture of the three birds off wing as they neared the end of the flight. Below: Nine birds form up on Brooke's wing. Photo by Kay Stanley. Date: December 17, 2007 - Entry 3 Reporter: Liz Condie Subject: MORE ON TODAY'S 'ALMOST MIGRATION LEG' Location: Cumberland Cty, TN Distance Traveled 10.2 miles Cumberland Cty, TN to Cumberland Cty, TN Accumulated Distance 680 miles Thanks to Craniac Dick Reisz, who has braved the cold mornings on each of our attempts to escape from Cumberland County, we have more pictures to share with you. In his email that included the photos Dick said….. “Exciting day! And another at least one million thanks for a morning filled with emotion and excitement. You and your team were superb! And it is sad that the effort did not pay off as wished. We are amazed that you have backup for such a complicated operation. I'm attaching a few snaps I got that are a little different from those posted from those Vickie sent. You can see the pilots!” We’re grateful to you for both the photos and your support Dick. And again we say a warm “Great meeting you and thank you” to the hardy bunch at the Stan Winery this morning. You can expect one more field journal entry to appear here before the day is out. Joe is working on an update and an outline of what the next few days have in store. Today's lead pilot Chris with three charges. Brooke followed with nine birds - three of which are captured in this photo. Date: December 17, 2007 - Entry 2 Reporter: Chris Gullikson Subject: LEAD PILOT REPORT - MIGRATION DAY 66 Location: Cumberland Cty, TN Distance Traveled 10.2 miles Cumberland Cty, TN to Cumberland Cty, TN Accumulated Distance 680 miles We awoke to clear and very cold skies this morning with a gentle breeze from the north. As we drove out to the hangar, a low, broken cloud deck appeared and we could see that the tops of the ridges were covered – I had a moment of déjà vu. We had a plan in place to move the birds to a different location in case we had problems crossing the ridge. We took off and found the conditions were adequate to try a flight with the birds so we turned north to cover the 10 miles to the pen. I landed at the pen and gave the signal to Bev and Megan to open the doors while Nate hid in the trailer ready with the swamp monster. The birds busted out of the pen and I soon had all 17 birds flying with me. We circled the pen area a few times to gain altitude and to pick up birds who kept wanting to turn back. I turned on course once I had a good group on my wing and let the stragglers get picked up by the chase trikes, knowing we needed to split these birds up if we wanted to climb up over the ridge. I only ended up with three birds as, one by one, they split off from me to go back to the trikes behind me. I pushed on with my three, wanting to get out of the way and hopefully encourage the rest of the flock to continue south. I made a bee-line for the interstate exit where a group had assembled to watch us fly over and as I passed overhead I gave them a big wave. 703 was surfing my left leading edge and kept looking down at the assembly of people, or more likely the semi-trucks passing by 500 feet below us. I was out ahead of the others, Richard had two birds, Joe had three and Brooke nine. We were flying under a low cloud deck that opened up into a blue hole a couple miles across once we got closer to the ridge. Joe and I climbed our birds up through this huge hole in the sky to get over the cloud layer. It was during this time that I noticed my right wing getting heavy and stalling at a higher then normal speed. The other pilots were also commenting that their wings felt heavy and were flying faster then usual. We were experiencing light icing on our wings which was disturbing the air flow over the airfoil shape of the wing and increasing the stall speed. As we discussed our options, Jack, John and Margie in the top cover aircraft climbed up over the ridge and reported that the low cloud deck continued along our flight path for as far as they could see. Given the ice on our wings and the low cloud deck, we threw in the towel and landed the birds at a pensite we’d used in previous years. The birds are safely in their pen, and while we feel let down for missing another opportunity, we are glad to have given the birds some exercise with the trikes. Date: December 17, 2007 - Entry 1 Reporter: Liz Condie Subject: