Date: May 15, 2008 - Entry 2 Reporter: Liz Condie Subject: ROAD TRIP AND CHICKS Location: New York ROAD TRIP: Joe and I are on our way back from International Migratory Bird Day at Disney's Animal Kingdom and are closing in on home. At the invitation of Curator of Birds, Donna Bear-Hull, we visited the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens on Sunday, where, with Walt Sturgeon's help, we put the trike on display and talked with zoo visitors who stopped by. Joe delivered two presentations before we wound up a second consecutive great, but long day. Monday was a marathon driving day . We unloaded the back of the trailer and re-tied down the trikes securely, loaded back up and were on the road headed north by 7:45am. 14 loooong hours later we arrived in Laurel, MD for our next stop - Patuxent. Tuesday and Wednesday were spent catching up and working with the crew there, and getting updated on the chick hatches and egg expectations. Then, after two meetings this morning, we made it as far as mid-state New York. Tomorrow we'll leave in time to be in Niagara Falls, NY in the morning for a first-thing meeting with reps at our bank there. Hope that explains the scarcity of journal entries the past while and you will forgive us. BUT what we do have for you is a brief report from Bev and some photos to share. CHICK NEWS: Necedah egg number 3 became 810 when it hatched out early this morning. This brings the number of potential chicks for the first ultralight-led cohort to 8. Why only 8? Because either 807 or 809 will be a genetic holdback, and one bird has a health problem which may prevent it from becoming part of the program. Bev said, "Swimming exercise has begun for 801, 802, and 803- and that all three took to the pool quite well. 804 and 805 have been introduced to the trike engine and both were a little afraid. 806 was exposed to the engine this morning and didn't seem to mind too badly. Then for afternoon training, Brooke started the engine and took him on several circuits around the circle pen." Above: Patuxent Chick Rearer Extraordinaire Brian Clauss checks the eggs in the incubator. Below: 803 thoroughly enjoyed its 'stroll in the park', tripping along through the grass on an extra long walk. Above: Our biggest and oldest chick, 801, runs along flapping its stubby wings to keep up with Brooke in the circle pen. Below: 802 was so wiped out from its swimming exercise it could are less about the yummy meal worms the puppet was dispensing. Above: 804 needed little encouragement from costumed handler Brooke on its outing, although once in a while its bum got ahead of his feet. Below: Too cute and so timid. 806 was more interested in cuddling up to the costume than in getting any exercise or snagging a tasty meal worm. Above: Now this was one hungry chick! The puppet couldn't dispense the meal worms fast enough to keep this little guy satisfied. Below: Where is it? Where is it? The puppet dispensed the meal worms in the grass to teach 805 how to forage. As you can see, it was paying close attention. Date: May 15, 2008 - Entry 1 Reporter: Heather Ray Subject: CHANGE4CRANES Location: Main Office Last June we called upon our Craniac Kids to help advance our cause by sharing our story within their communities and collect spare change through the Change4Cranes fundraising drive. We were immediately overwhelmed with the requests for these kits – almost 4,000 were sent to more than 100 schools! As the school year quickly draws to a close we’d like to remind those that have not yet submitted the results of their collection efforts that a new class of Whooping cranes is currently hatching… and by the time you return to school in the fall they will already be approaching the point in their young lives when they must learn a very important migration route. Each and every penny collected through the Change4Cranes initiative will help them reach their new winter home in Florida. Again, thank you VERY much for your continued support! Date: May 14, 2008 - Entry 3 Reporter: Liz Condie Subject: 2ND GENETIC HOLDBACK CHICK HATCHES Location: Maryland News can't be faster than this. 809 just hatched. It may not be part of the ultralight program however as it is a possible genetic holdback. This chick is a sibling of 807 who came from a captive bird that has never produced before. Date: May 14, 2008 - Entry 3 Reporter: Liz Condie Subject: WELCOME OUR NEW INTERNS Location: Maryland Field Journal readers will recall an earlier entry about the pool used to swim the chicks at Patuxent having collapsed. This called for a replacement pool, and it was constructed in lots of time before the first of the chicks in the Class of 2008 needed their swimming exercise. In the photo L-R are Patuxent's Jonathan Male, Robert Doyle, OM Intern Garry Foltz, and Patuxent's college intern, Erin. Missing from the photo is the 'mastermind' behind the pool construction, Patuxent biologist Dan Sprague. Dan's involvement with Operation Migration dates all the way back to when we were working with Canada geese. The dummy imprint models also got their spring spruce up. They were all cleaned and freshened up with a new coat of paint. 808 hatched out Sunday night. The other to Necedah eggs are likely to hatch before the week is out. In addition, there is one Patuxent egg that has pipped so it shouldn't be too long before we see another chick. 802 had circle pen training yesterday and 803 foraged around the trike with the engine running for the first time. This is the last step before he actually starts circle pen training. Bev's favorite chick, 801, continues to pack away the food and is growing like a weed. It seems it is also an over achiever, and is learning as fast as can be. The photo to the right shows 802 when it was out for exercise. Almost looks like it is jogging along. To the left is a photo of little 806 when it was still in ICU. Date: May 14, 2008 - Entry 2 Reporter: Liz Condie Subject: WELCOME OUR NEW INTERNS Location: Maryland Meet Garry and Claire Foltz, our two new interns. Gary and Claire hail from Chippewa Falls, WI and have left their six grandchildren behind to join the OM Team for the 2008 season. They will be with us through to the end of the migration. In addition to doing considerable traveling between their native Wisconsin and Florida and Texas, they enjoy birding and have volunteered at the Beaver Creek Reserve in Fall Creek, WI. Joe and I met Garry and Claire for the first time yesterday here at Patuxent, and were impressed by their enthusiasm. Their dedication to the chicks is already evident. They told us, "We are excited about being part of the OM crew and looking forward to continuing to work with the chicks at Necedah and on the migration." Bev and Brooke said they are delighted with Garry and Claire's work and how fast they are catching on to the many chick rearing tasks that need to be performed every day. Date: May 14, 2008 - Entry 1 Reporter: Liz Condie Subject: 808 ARRIVED Location: Maryland 808 has hatched and hopefully, there should be three more chicks on the scene before the end of the week; two from the remaining Necedah eggs and one Patuxent egg.   Our newest chick 808. Tucked under the brood model. 802 stops 'to smell the roses'. Date: May 12, 2008 - Entry 1 Reporter: Liz Condie Subject: HATCHES AND CHICK UPDATE Location: Maryland On May 7th, we reported that the last three of this season's eleven nests were abandoned and that 5 eggs were recovered and taken to ICF. (2 eggs from 211 & 217*; one egg from 213 & 218*; and two eggs from 318 & 313*.) Since that time there has been much activity. While the WCEP team was discussing the disposition of the collected eggs, First Family parents, 211 & 217*, returned to their nest and proceeded to sit on the dummy eggs left in place of those that had been collected. This prompted the team to chance returning one of their real eggs to the nest to see if they would indeed resume incubating. When the team arrived to replace the egg, the pair defended their nest, and then foraged for a while in the vicinity. By dark, one of the adults was sitting on the egg. Shortly after nine the next morning however, the pair left the nest and flew off, so the peeping egg was again picked up and taken to ICF. Given what happened with the first return egg attempt and that a couple of the eggs were peeping, the field team decided not to make any more egg swaps. (Four of the eggs collected were viable. One of the eggs collected from the First Family was infertile with the contents completely broken down and rotting.) With two eggs of the four fertile collected eggs either pipping or peeping it was decided to transport them to Patuxent for incubation and hatching. ICF's Marianne Wellington flew to Maryland and delivered them to Patuxent on Friday. She also brought with her the first egg produced by ICF's captive population. Both of 313 and 318*'s eggs were moving well before before shipping and by the time Marianne and the eggs arrived at Baltimore airport, 218* and 213's chick had rotated and probably would have hatched had it had a bit more room. 217* and 211's egg had pipped. 804 arrived on the scene just before the weekend and we should have a picture of it soon from Bev - her initial photo wasn't quite up to her standards. 805 has hatched out and the photo of it shown to the right was taken almost immediately after it emerged from the egg. The photo below shows the egg of soon to be 806 (left) and 805 before hatch (on the right). Both of these chicks hatched on Friday. 805's parents are 213 * 218* and 806 belongs to the First Family adults. 807 hatched during the night on Saturday. This was a Patuxent egg from a first time layer and is likely to be a genetic holdback. Another Patuxent egg is likely to hatch by Sunday morning if it doesn't hatch overnight. Bev reported three firsts for three chicks on Saturday: 801 had its first circle pen training session. 802 had its first exposure to the trike and real engine noise; and 803 was taken outside for his first walk. Date: May 11, 2008 - Entry 2 Reporter: Liz Condie Subject: 727 POSSIBLY LOCATED Location: Florida Thanks to a sighting report, it appears as if 727, the only Class of 2007 bird to have not yet completed its spring migration, may not be far from her last known location (April 10) in Sullivan County, IN. Trackers are checking video recorded by the member of the public who observed the bird to see if they can decipher her leg bands and confirm it is 727. Date: May 11, 2008 - Entry 1 Reporter: Liz Condie Subject: IMBD A HUGE SUCCESS AT DISNEY'S ANIMAL KINGDOM (DAK) Location: Florida 92 degrees and bright, sunny blue skies yesterday brought folks out in droves to the Disney parks and Animal Kingdom for International Migratory Bird Day. For the third year, OM was the guest of Disney for this special day and it was definitely the best ever. Helping Joe and I on site were Craniacs Mark and Peggy Chenoweth of Kissimmee, FL, and Wanda Easton from Tampa. Also on hand were volunteers (and members of OM's Board) Walter Sturgeon and Dale Richter along with his wife Karen and son Taylor. In the searing heat, Taylor was the only one brave enough to don a costume and circulate in the crowd to greet both adults and kids. Two of Disney's cast members we especially want to recognize and thank for the terrific day are Scott Tidmus, Zoological Manger at DAK, and Alex McMichael, Manager, Special Events and Media. Each year they both put out a lot of time and effort on OM's behalf, and being hosted by them is to be treated like royalty. At tip of the mouse ears to both Scott and Alex. Hopefully we'll have more about IMBD at Disney to pass on in future entries, but for now, above is a photo of the crew who worked OM's display and exhibit yesterday. (Back Row L-R: Mark Chenoweth, Dale Richter, Karen Richter, Scott Tidmus. Center Row L-R: Walter Sturgeon, Peggy Chenoweth, Liz Condie, Alex McMichael. Front Row L-R: Joe Duff and Taylor Richter. (Missing from the photo is volunteer Wanda Easton.) Date: May 7, 2008 - Entry 3 Reporter: Bev Paulan Subject: BEV'S CHICK UPDATE Location: Maryland We’re heeeeere! At Patuxent that is. After a driving marathon of 55 hours over the course of ten days (that was only 4 trips; and that was me), an airplane trip from Baltimore to Tampa (again, me), a bout with the flu (that would be Brooke), we finally arrived at Patuxent with no time to spare. 801 decided to grace the world early and we missed the blessed moment by a day. When we did arrive, it was with both feet hitting the ground running. Not only were there chick duties right off the bat (time to put on the chick mama hat), but a new pool had to be erected, the aviary, which had been ready to go, needed to be re-assembled, carpets and mats rewashed and then there was a trike to get ready. And that was just the first day! After having spent the better part of the last three months on the road scouting the new migration route, it’s hard to get back into ‘chick mode’. Not unlike childbirth, after it’s over (chick rearing, that is) one tends to forget the pain and look lovingly back on the cute, cuddly youngsters. One forgets the toting of 50 pound feed bags, the searing heat in full costume, the crouching for hours on end feeding the little ones. Thank goodness for that selective memory, too, or one would not want to come back! But the chicks beckoned and we came, puppets in hand, eagerly anticipating the new season. 801 is the smartest, cutest, most personable chick ever! I know I said that about 702, last year’s first chick, but this time it’s really true. After just one day, he was eating and drinking on his own. Unheard of at that age! We have very high aspirations for this little guy - seems he has the makings of a true leader. (Note the tone of pride in my voice!) He even is eating so well, Brooke afraid he's going to be a little ‘porker'. Today, we took him outside for his first walk, and just like an old pro, he followed the puppet and gobbled mealworms. 802 is the spitting image of, well, every other Whooping Crane chick. In other words, absolutely adorable. He, too, is eating and drinking on his own, but it took him a little longer than his cohort mate. He is still a little shy, and takes a little coaxing, but once he starts eating, he gobbles ‘till he’s about ready to explode. It has taken a little bit of work to get him to drink due to his tendency to face plant in the water bowl. 803, who hatched at approximately 6:30pm last evening is still in his ICU, but we anticipate moving him to a big pen later today. He is still a little unsteady on his feet, and we want to make sure he is walking well on his own before the move. Even in his ICU, a little glimmer of personality has shown up, he seems quite the little 'ham'. There is a small camera on his ICU and quite often he positions himself to look right into the camera, even when we are trying to feed him. (To preclude any complaints about my suppositions, I know he can only see his reflection - if he can even focus at this age.) Break time is over; its time for more feeding, walking, blitzing, and whatever else needs doing.   Above: 801 on his first exposure to the great outdoors. Below: 802 basks in the warm glow of the heat lamp. Above: 801 takes his first walk. Below: 803 looks like he's posing for the camera. Date: May 7, 2008 - Entry 2 Reporter: Liz Condie Subject: Disappointing News from Necedah Location: Main Office Yesterday, on the warmest day at Necedah so far this season (low 80’s) in what has been a mostly cool and wet spring, the remaining three incubating pairs abandoned their nests. Two fertile eggs were recovered from each of the nests of 211 & 217* and 318 & 313*, and one egg, also fertile, was taken from the nest of 213 & 218*. All of the eggs were transferred to the International Crane Foundation. Abandoned nest of 211 & 217* with 2 eggs Abandoned nest of 213 & 218* with 1 egg Abandoned nest of  318 & 313* with 2 eggs The nest desertions are reminiscent of last April when, during the same short space of time, all four 2007 incubating pairs abandoned their nests. Then too, the birds leaving their nests appeared to be associated with a surge of warm weather. This was the second nest desertion for two pairs – 211 & 217* (parents of W601), and 213 & 218*. The other two pairs who left their nests in 2007 were 416 & 209*, and 317 & 303* a sibling pair. One of the eggs collected from the abandoned nests produced 717 - the offspring of 213 & 218*. Then, in mid May 2007, a passing cold front appeared to generate a flurry of nesting and re-nesting activity. While several pairs built nests, only the sibling pair 303 & 317* produced an egg which in the end turned out to be not viable. Needless to say, in addition to dashing the high hopes engendered by the potential 11 nests represented to the population, this most recent turn of events is accompanied by much conjecture. Is it weather related? A quick check revealed that on the breeding grounds of the Wood Buffalo-Aransas population the temperature this morning is 23 degrees with a forecast high of 46. What is going on? If only there really was a Dr. Doolittle. There will be no joy in WCEPville today. The fledgling Eastern Migratory Population has struck out. Date: May 7, 2008 - Entry 1 Reporter: Liz Condie Subject: 733 COMPLETES MIGRATION Location: Main Office 733 completed his migration yesterday returning to the core reintroduction area to roost in Juneau County. He had last been detected on April 8th in northbound flight south of Chicago, IL where he encountered rain and strong winds. This leaves just one Class of 2007 bird who has yet to return. 727* was grounded in Sullivan County, IN on April 10 and that is where she was last detected on April 14. Date: May 6, 2008 - Entry 3 Reporter: Liz Condie Subject: NEWS FROM PATUXENT Location: Main Office This just in from Bev in Patuxent. #1 chick for 2008 - 801 802 gets a drinking lesson Brooke feeding 802. 803 hasn't hatched as yet and Bev said there was no further progress on its pipping. Three more eggs were gathered from the captive flock, one of which looks viable with a potential hatch date of June 1. The viability of the other two eggs is still unknown. 802 has been moved to the big pen, and one of the adult birds from the Patuxent population has been placed nearby as a role model for the new chicks. The crew is hard at it erecting the chicks’ new swimming pool and Brooke is working to get the training trike ready. Date: May 6, 2008 - Entry 2 Reporter: Liz Condie Subject: EASTERN MIGRATORY POPULATION (EMP) UPDATE Location: Main Office As of May 3rd, 58 of the 72 Whooping cranes in EMP were confirmed back in Wisconsin, including 735 who was transported from Chassahowitzka to a pen on the Necedah refuge due to an injury. With the exception of 727* and 733 (and 714 who was predated while returning north) all of the Class of 2007 has now completed their spring migration. Currently, the estimated maximum size of the Eastern Migratory Population is 72 birds, 39 males and 33 females. (* = female; DAR = Direct Autumn Release) Recent Arrivals - 706, 712, and 713 were last detected in flight south of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula April 16, and completed their migration to the core reintroduction area April 30. - 707, 710 and 722* roosted in Waupaca County April 21 and completed their migration over the Necedah refuge on April 23. Florida 516 remains in Marion County, FL. Michigan - DAR’s 737, 739*, 742*, 744*, and 746* remain in Tuscola County, MI. - DAR740 and DAR 533* are in Mason County, MI. Current Location Unknown - 316NFT last observed on the Necedah refuge March 30. - 420* last reported in Clark County, WI March 30. - 524NFT last reported departing Fayette County, IN on April 16. Previous to this, 524 had not been located since Nov. 23/07 when he was at Jasper-Pulaski FWA. - DAR527* last reported leaving Jackson County, IN March 16/17. -727* was last observed April 14 in Sullivan County, IN where thunderstorms had grounded her on April 10. - 733 was last detected in flight during migration on April 8 when he encountered strong wind and rain south of Chicago. Long Term Missing (more than 90 days) - 205NFT last recorded at Necedah Oct. 16/07. - 201*NFT last recorded in WI June 9. Nesting Summary Pair Began Incubation Status 211 & 217* April 7 Incubating 213 & 218* April 8 or 9 Incubating 403 & 309* April 8 or 9 Nest failed May 3 317 & 303* April 9 or 10 Nest failed May 4 or 5 505 & 415* Before April 14 Nest failed by April 30 416 & 209* Before April 14 Nest failed by April 14 212 & 419* Unknown Nest failed by May 5 318 & 313* April 13 or 14 Incubating 311 & 312* April 15 or 16 Nest failed May 4 or 5 401 & 508* April 16 Nest failed by May 1 408 & 519* April 23 Nest failed before May 5 Still 'Dating' The recently formed pairs of 506 & 107* (in Adams County) and 105 & 501* (Necedah refuge) were not nesting as of May 3rd. The newly formed pair of 310 & W601* built a nest but the two year old female did not produce any eggs. Update compiled from data supplied by WCEP's Tracking Team. Date: May 6, 2008 - Entry 1 Reporter: Liz Condie Subject: 3 OF 11 PAIRS LEFT INCUBATING Location: Main Office Yesterday, Sara Zimorski flown by Windway Aviation pilot Mike Frakes conducted an aerial survey of Whooping crane nests and pairs. (* = Female) Confirmed lost were the nests of: - 212 & 419* with one infertile and under developed egg. - 311 & 312* with one intact fertile egg. - 317 & 303* with one broken fertile egg and one intact fertile egg. - 401 & 508* with only eggshell fragments. - 408 & 519*’s nest was empty. Intact eggs were collected and transferred to the International Crane Foundation. This brings the number of unsuccessful nests to 8, but leaves three pairs still incubating. They are: - 211 & 217* (Wild601's parents) incubating since ~April 7. - 213 & 218* (717*'s parents) incubating since ~April 8. - 318 & 313* incubating since ~April 13 or 14. Hatching activity is anticipated within a week. During the survey, 209* was seen foraging with her mate 416. She had been observed limping severely ~April 24. Their nest was discovered to contain a broken egg when it was checked April 14. Date: May 5, 2008 - Entry 3 Reporter: Liz Condie Subject: NEW ARRIVAL - 802!!!! Location: Main Office 802 (a Canadian from the Calgary Zoo) hatched today. Another egg is pipped and Bev thinks the chick will be out of the shell to greet her when she comes in tomorrow morning. She also promised to send us a photo of 801 to post. This likely won't happen until sometime tonight when she can get to her computer. Other anticipated hatches are: a Calgary egg this Thursday; a Patuxent egg on Saturday; 2 Patuxent eggs on Monday, and 1 Patuxent egg next Thursday. After that it could be May 25th before there is another hatch. Of the 10 eggs expected to hatch at Patuxent in May, one is likely to be a genetic holdback. The next shipment from the Calgary Zoo is planned for May 21. Date: May 5, 2008 - Entry 2 Reporter: Liz Condie Subject: THIRD NEST FAILS Location: Main Office Dr. Richard Urbanek reported this morning that 309* and her mate 403 were observed foraging together outside of their nesting marsh on the Necedah Refuge. "This was an indication that their nest had failed," said Urbanek, "and on examination, only small eggshell fragments were found in the nest." (see Richard's photo to right) This brings to three the total of unsuccessful nests so far this spring. At the moment, 8 nests remain active and an aerial survey is scheduled for today. Richard said, "Hatching of the earliest nests is anticipated during the coming week." Checking back records, it appears as if the longest incubating pairs from which hatches could be expected are: the First Family (Wild601's parents) 211 & 217* incubating since ~April 7; 213 & 218* (717's parents) incubating since ~April 8; and 317 & 303* incubating since ~April 9. The number of eggs in the nests is not known. Date: May 5, 2008 - Entry 1 Reporter: Liz Condie Subject: UPDATES - WESTERN AND FLORIDA POPULATIONS Location: Main Office Wood Buffalo-Aransas Population Canadian Wildlife Service biologist, Brian Johns, reported early May weather around Saskatoon, Saskatchewan as being sunny and clear with a north wind, but that more favorable migrating conditions existed to the west. Brian said that while the large wetlands in the western flock’s nesting area were still frozen, the snow was almost gone, leaving slightly below average water conditions. Brian advised that all confirmed sightings but one were in Saskatchewan. The exception was a lone bird spotted April 30th in Manitoba. His reporting chart lists 35 different locations where the birds have been sighted between April 5 and May 1. With a few exceptions, it appears the majority of the birds are traveling, or roosting, in groups of 2 or 3. Florida Non Migratory Population Marty Folk with the Florida Fish & Conservation Commission advised that the Whooping crane pair in Leesburg has re-nested. He  also reported they had found a new nest in Lake County and are collecting incubation data via video surveillance. Date: May 4, 2008 - Entry 3 Reporter: Liz Condie Subject: CLASS OF '07 JUVIES LOOKING GREAT Location: Main Office Thanks to Phillip B. and his camera's long lens we have some super photos of several of the Class of 2007 to share with you.   Above: 726 shows off his wing span. Phillip reported 726 foraged by himself while the others fed near the water. He said when 726 moved toward the others it seemed he wanted to 'play'. Phil watched him "jump into the air, spreading his wings to catch the wind, pick up a corn stock, flip it into the air and then kick his legs out to the front." Below: Four of the Class of 2007 forage near a small pond. 724 goes off on his own.   Below: 724 with 717. Date: May 4, 2008 - Entry 2 Reporter: Liz Condie Subject: FIRST CHICK!!! 801 HATCHED THIS MORNING Location: Main Office The first hatch of the year is from a Patuxent egg. 801 emerged from its shell early this morning. (Gender indeterminate for a few days yet.) Bev reported they expect that eggs two and three - from Calgary and Patuxent respectively - should hatch out by tomorrow. It appears that after that, there could be a pause before there are more hatches, but we hope to have more information on the egg/hatching situation tomorrow when the 'real' work week resumes. (and perhaps a photo too) Date: May 4, 2008 - Entry 1 Reporter: Liz Condie Subject: TIMING IS EVERYTHING Location: Main Office Patuxent had a minor catastrophe yesterday when the pool used to swim the chicks collapsed, believed to be caused by stress fatigue and old age. (Anyone besides me identify with that?) If it was going to go, now was certainly a better time than later when there were birds in the aviary which saw some flood water accumulation. Photo Left: One wall of the chicks' swimming pool collapsed. Photo Right: Stock photo showing costumed handler using crane puppet to encourage a chick 'to do its swimming exercise'. The crew at Patuxent will construct a new pool this week. It will be ready in lots of time for when they will need to give the Class of 2008 chicks their swimming exercise - around 7 or 8 days of age.   Date: May 3, 2008 - Entry 1 Reporter: Liz Condie Subject: CHICK NEWS! Location: Main Office Just in from Bev Paulan, who, along with Brooke Pennypacker, is on site at Patuxent, is the news that they have peeping from two eggs. One of the eggs is pipped and Bev thinks we could have one if not both chicks hatch out tomorrow!! One egg is from the Patuxent captive flock and the other from the Calgary Zoo. It appears as if at least one of the breeding adults may have already started its molt, signifying that it is finished laying. More details tomorrow. Stay turned. Date: May 2, 2008 - Entry 2 Reporter: Liz Condie Subject: REPORTING SITE PAYING OFF Location: Main Office The new site and information form for reporting Whooping crane sightings is already reaping benefits. For instance, the most recent report received allowed us to determine that five of the Class of 2007 (716, 717, 721, 724, and 726) appear to be together in Dane County, WI. They were spotted feeding and preening in a small agricultural field about 200 feet from a small wetland. Should you spot a Whooping crane, please use the REPORT YOUR SIGHTING link in the 'LINKS' column to the right to report your sighting. Date: May 2, 2008 - Entry 1 Reporter: Liz Condie Subject: ONE NEST LOST Location: Main Office It was reported yesterday that one nest, that of 415* and 505, had been lost. Their nest was not in an location where it could be monitored, but trackers observed the pair foraging away from their marshy nesting area, a sign that their nest had failed. Subsequent examination of the nest revealed only tiny fragments of egg shell, indicating that there had been at least been one egg. There was no way of knowing whether the egg had been destroyed or predated. Richard Urbanek reported that April 23rd's aerial survey had confirmed 10 active nests: 9 on the Necedah refuge and 1 in Wood County, with incubation continuing on the former remaining nests. One other nest which was located in the Meadow Valley SWA failed prior to April 14. Date: May 1, 2008 - Entry 4 Reporter: Liz Condie Subject: "CRANE 309 OVERCOMES WANDERLUST" Location: Main Office Journalist, Ed Shamy, a staff writer for the Burlington Free Press (Vermont) penned an article about 309 entitled, "Crane 309 Overcomes Wanderlust". There is one mis-statement; he says that 309 was, "spooked from a tree," but it's a cute and interesting read. Click Burlington Free Press to go to Mr. Shamy's article. Date: May 1, 2008 - Entry 3 Reporter: Liz Condie Subject: ALL BUT TWO Location: Main Office With the exception of 727, last recorded in Indiana April 14, and 733, last detected in flight south of Chicago, IL on April 8, all of the Class of 2007 have completed their migration to the core reintroduction area in Wisconsin. This morning Dr. Richard Urbanek advised that 706, 712, and 713 were detected in flight yesterday north of the Necedah refuge before landing to roost in Wood County (706 and 712) and Cranmoor Township (713). 735 who is still unable to fly remains penned on the refuge. Date: May 1, 2008 - Entry 2 Reporter: Liz Condie Subject: C'mon 516! Location: Main Office Marty Folk and his team at the Florida Fish & Conservation Commission have been keeping an eye out for 516, the only remaining member of the Eastern Migratory Population still in Florida. He reported to us that 516 was spotted on a reconnaissance flight yesterday. C'mon 516 - it's not that cold up here. Date: May 1, 2008 - Entry 1 Reporter: Liz Condie Subject: IT PAYS TO SAVE WETLANDS Location: Main Office May is American Wetlands Month. This year's theme, "It Pays to Save Wetlands," celebrates the ways wetlands enrich our environment and our lives. It is hoped people will be inspired to work throughout the year to protect and expand wetlands. Instituted in 1991, Wetlands Month was established as a way to inform the public about the value of wetlands as a natural resource, and to explain the importance and value of one of the planet's most critical ecosystems. Among the most valuable but least understood of all our natural resources, wetlands are the link between land and water, where the flow of water, the cycling of nutrients, and the energy of the sun meet to produce highly productive ecosystems. Did you know that wetlands may not be wet year-round? Some of the most important wetlands are in fact seasonally dry transition zones. They provide rich habitat for wildlife. They are places in which many animals and birds build nests and raise their young, and where migrating birds stop to rest and to breed on the abundant plant life that flourishes there. Wetlands also have many economic values that benefit us as well. They replenish and clean water supplies, helping to remove pollutants from water, cleaning our streams and lakes and reducing the cost of treating our drinking water. They are important for flood control, acting as natural buffers to absorb and reduce damage caused by flood waters. They serve as sites for research and education. They are great spots for fishing, canoeing and hunting, recreational opportunities that add to our economy by bringing in tourist dollars. They are especially important to the multi-billion dollar commercial fishing industry, providing a home to many species of fish and shellfish during their life cycles. Unfortunately, wetlands are often viewed as wastelands to be drained and converted to other uses. But if wetlands disappear, our water will not be as clean, fish and bird populations will suffer, and the frequency and severity of floods will increase. Thankfully we have begun to recognize the value of wetlands, and the rate of loss has declined dramatically over the last 30 years. The Environmental Protection Agency's goal is to increase the quantity and quality of our wetlands, but there are many challenges. Wetlands are stressed by pollution, invasive species, and over development. It is important that we better manage our wetlands and work to stop their loss and restore them. Many organizations all over the country have planned events to celebrate Wetlands Month. Why not check and see if there is one of interest in your home town? Date: April 30, 2008 - Entry 1 Reporter: Liz Condie Subject: COUNTING EGGS BEFORE THEY HATCH Location: Main Office This week's conference call of the Flock Managers confirmed that this year's egg production continues to be painfully slow. ACRES in New Orleans reported they had two eggs with expected hatch dates of May 25th and 28th. One of the two eggs shipped to Patuxent from Alberta's Calgary Zoo looks good so far, but the other less so. Calgary reported they have three more eggs, one of which was just laid today, and that they will likely ship more eggs mid-May. The crew at Patuxent are watching 11 eggs from the captive flock there, 6 of which are known to be fertile. One is expected to be a genetic holdback, and the viability of the remaining 4 is unknown. ICF's Flock Manager was not on today's call but as of last week they reported they had not had any eggs laid. Date: April 29, 2008 - Entry 2 Reporter: Liz Condie Subject: WHOOPERTHON 802 Location: Main Office Illinois Super Craniac Vi White's 2007 Whooperthon fundraiser was such a resounding success that she is all set to do another. This year, Vi has renamed her fundraiser "Whooperthon 802" to match how the birds are ID'd. (8 is for 2008, the hatch year, and 2 for it being the second one.) HOW WHOOPERTHON 802 WORKS On Mother's Day, Vi and her daughters, (Ellen Savage and Lynn O'Connor) will go birding and record the species they see in Vi's home area. Donors pledge an amount per species spotted, from .25¢ on up. When the species count is in, donors pay that number times their pledge. "We're out there having fun while benefiting a good cause, so I don't expect the count to go higher than 30 to 40 species," said Vi. "However, those who don't like uncertainty can always pledge a lump sum." What makes Vi's Whooperthon even more special is that an anonymous generous friend of OM matches every pledge, dollar-for-dollar!! Altogether, the per species pledges and lump sum pledges can add up to a tidy sum and they are dedicated to MileMaker miles. If you would like to make a pledge to Vi's Whooperthon 802, and support what she describes as, "my effort to make a personal difference in saving the endangered Whooping crane," simply email the amount of your pledge (per species or lump sum) along with your name and mailing address to info@operationmigration.org and we will forward it along. Vi will email her bird count to all pledgers, collect the checks (made out to Operation Migration) and send them along to us in a bundle so we can issue tax deductible receipts. Deadline for Whooperthon 802 pledges is May 10. Date: April 28, 2008 - Entry 2 Reporter: Joe Duff Subject: NEWS SLANT DISHEARTENING Location: Main Office Last week we read with concern an article in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel titled “Species Struggles to Take Off Again” written by Lee Berquist. It called into question the reintroduction of Whooping cranes that has been taking place in Wisconsin over the last seven years, and portrayed this encouraging wildlife story in a very negative light. That was surprising to us considering it is such an exciting time for this program, and we were disappointed that a few key points were overlooked. Since the beginning in 2001, the flock has steadily grown in size, but as the article mentions, Whooping cranes don’t mature or successfully breed until they are around five years old. That means that any bird hatched in 2004 or later has little chance of raising a chick this year. Although there are 23 birds in that category only 10 are female so we have the potential of 10 breeding pairs. In addition, Whooping cranes are not social; they don’t flock together in large numbers like Sandhill cranes, so not only must they survive until they are 5 years old, they must also find a viable mate. According to Tracking Team data there are now 14 pairs in the population, ten of which are currently nesting. All but five of these pairs include at least one bird that is younger than normally successful breeders. Considering it took 68 years for the only natural flock of Whooping cranes to grow from a near-extinction low of 15 in the 1940’s to the current 266,  it seem a little premature to judge this flock after only 7 years. As Stanley A. Temple suggested in the article, the secret to any successful reintroduction is more birds. But there are only 32 breeding pairs in captivity and they can only produce so many chicks for release. As it is, we are making use of every bird available. We must however disagree with Dr. Temple’s assertion that using the Direct Autumn Release (DAR) method would be more productive. The concept of the DAR program is to release inexperienced chicks with the experienced Whooping cranes that have already learned the migration route from their ultralight parent. It is hoped they will follow them south. So the DAR method is dependant on a larger population of experienced ultralight cranes. As we mentioned, Whooping cranes are not social, and once they pair, they are not as receptive to adopting a strange chick. Only the juveniles that sometimes group together are likely to accept another bird. Unfortunately the DAR birds often associate with the more congenial Sandhill cranes. The concern is that they become cross imprinted and want to breed with Sandhills once they reach that age. This is why the Grays Lake Cross-fostering project in Idaho failed in 1993 after18 years of placing Whooping crane eggs in Sandhill nests. Those Whooping cranes only wanted to breed with Sandhills, and in fact they produced at least one Whoop-hill hybrid. Last year 10 DAR birds were released in Wisconsin. One was killed by a predator that same night. One was hit by a landing aircraft in Madison the next day while it wandered around the airport, and a third hit a powerline. Eventually, six birds remained, and all of them had to be collected from Illinois and Arkansas and relocated to a wetland in Tennessee where they spent the winter. So far none have made it back to Wisconsin and satellite data indicates that 5 are on the other side of the lake in Michigan. The Tracking Team is going to have to retrieve them once again and bring them back to Wisconsin. In the interim all seventeen 2007 ultralight birds wintered at the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge in Florida last season. One was predated in March, one was transported back due to an injury, and so far at least 13 others have made it back on their own. In fact 94% of the birds we start with each season survive to be released in Florida, and over 80% of the birds in the ultralight population return to the core reintroduction area in and around Necedah. In the article, Dr. Temple points out that low numbers can cause a reintroduction project to fail. We agree, and believe that now is the time to be maximizing our efforts. Rather than experimenting with a new method we should be using the proven ultralight technique to its fullest potential. Each year Operation Migration requests 24 birds. Based on our track record, 23 of them would make it to Florida and 19 or 20 would be back in Wisconsin the following spring. Unfortunately we have never had that many birds in one year. The article is also critical of the costs. Ten million dollars ($4.5 million contributed by Operation Migration from private sources) has already been spent to safeguard the species, but there is no mention of the other benefits. Not only is the Whooping Crane Eastern Partnership safeguarding a keystone species from extinction but we are also introducing a flock of birds into the eastern flyway that will draw increasing tourism for decades to come. Reintroducing a charismatic bird like the Whooping crane has also advanced habitat restoration. As an example, there is now a 10,000 acre wildlife area in Indiana safeguarded because Whooping cranes stop there. This project has focused international attention on the State of Wisconsin and put the Necedah NWR on the map, moving it to next-in-line for a $5 million dollar visitor’s center. The image of ancient birds following modern ultralights generates more than 500 media stories each year and provides an unprecedented opportunity to promote conservation. Together the members of Whooping Crane Eastern Partnership and its associates attract millions of visitors to their websites and reach over 750,000 school children in their classrooms annually. It is disheartening that such a positive wildlife recovery story was presented in such a negative light considering it has focused so much attention on Wisconsin and generated so much interest in conservation, education, tourism and the plight of endangered species. Date: April 28, 2008 - Entry 1 Reporter: Liz Condie Subject: National Volunteer Recognition Week Location: Main Office For Operation Migration, National Volunteer Week is about thanking one of its most valuable assets – our volunteers – and calling everyone’s attention to all that they do to make the Whooping crane reintroduction project possible. From helping with the migration to fundraising to many behind the scene supports, our volunteers donate countless hours - a few even dedicating weeks of their lives. All are an integral part of Operation Migration, and without them we could not do what we do. Based a recent survey of adults over 21, an estimated 83.9 million people volunteered the equivalent of the work of 9 million full-time employees, at a value of $239 million. The poll revealed that almost half of the population volunteers with a formal organization, and are relied on to make many educational, health, cultural, human service and conservation programs work. 2007's theme, "Inspire By Example", reflects the power OM's volunteers have – they not only inspire others to serve, they also inspire the people they help – us. In celebration of National Volunteer Week and in recognition of all that so many do to support Operation Migration, we would like to say special thank you to each and every one for your dedication and for your friendship. Without your tireless efforts, your unstinting support and commitment, our role in safeguarding Whooping cranes would be next to impossible. Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has. — Margaret Mead, anthropologist Volunteers are the only human beings on the face of the earth who reflect this nation's compassion, unselfish caring, patience, and just plain love for one another. — Erma Bombeck Date: April 24, 2008 - Entry 4 Reporter: Liz Condie Subject: MAXWELL HOUSE BREW SOME GOOD CONTEST Location: Main Office One of the neatest ideas we have seen in a while comes from Maxwell House. They have launched a contest they've entitled Brew Some Good. The idea behind the contest Maxwell House says that the average cost of producing a television advertisement is $245,000, so as an alternative, utilizing the internet, they've produced one costing just $19,000. Their Brew Some Good contest asks – “Where should we spend the difference?” 17 Grand Prizes of $10,000 each are available to be won, with 2 winners named bi-monthly and 5 winners named at the close of the contest in March of 2009. We’d love it if Operation Migration was one of them! Nominators and Nominees must be Canadian residents, so if you're a Canadian Craniac. log on to www.maxwellhouse.ca click on the Brew Some Good contest icon, follow the on-screen instructions to make a nomination, and in 100 words or less, explain why/how you feel Operation Migration has/is making a difference. The earlier the nomination the better as non-winning entries automatically re-qualify for the next month’s judging. The Nominee information they require is as follows: Organization:          Operation Migration Inc Address:                 3-174 Mary Street, Port Perry, ON L9L 1B7 Telephone               905-982-1096 Website address:     www.operationmigration.org Email address          info@operationmigration.org C’mon Craniacs, won't you click the link to Brew Some Good and nominate OM? A few minutes of your time could mean $10,000 for Whooping cranes. Date: April 24, 2008 - Entry 3 Reporter: Liz Condie Subject: NEW!! WHOOPING CRANE SIGHTING REPORT FORM Location: Main Office At long last we are able to offer Craniacs, birders, and the general public a better way to report their sightings and assist us by providing helpful information. Thanks to efforts by Joel Trick, (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, WI), Bill Brooks (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service , FL), and Beth Kienbaum (Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources), a new website to receive Whooping crane sightings is up and running. The new form on the site prompts the observer to enter the most critical information on their sighting, which will diminish, if not do away with the need for follow-up calls and emails, and there eliminate delays in checking on the birds and confirming the sighting. If you live in the eastern flyway and its adjacent states, please check out the Sighting Reporting Form so you will be aware of what to take note of should you spot a Whooping crane(s). We will make the link to the Reporting Form a permanent feature here on the Field Journal page. Please feel free to pass the Sighting Reporting Form link on to others, including birding organizations, so that as many folks as possible will be aware of where to report their observations of Whooping cranes. For those folks who reside along the western flyway – the migration route of the Wood Buffalo-Aransas population - you can report your sightings by emailing:      martha_tacha@fws.gov – for sightings in the USA      brian.johns@ec.gc.ca – for sightings in Canada Useful information to send to Martha or Brian includes: where and when you saw them; how many you saw; and, their size and maturity. Date: April 24, 2008 - Entry 2 Reporter: Liz Condie Subject: FOUR NEW NESTS CONFIRMED!! Location: Main Office Pairs 311 & 312* and 401 & 508* are nesting on the Necedah refuge and it is estimated that both have been incubating since around April 16. 408 and 519* are also nesting on the refuge and it appears as if they have just begun to incubate. The next of 212 & 419*’was found in Wood County, but initiation of incubation is unknown. This terrific news brings the total nesting pairs to 10! (see FJ Entry 1 for April 15, and Entry 2 for April 22 below) Nesting activity by the two recently formed pairs – 506 & 107* and 105 & 501* has not yet been confirmed. If 107* has finally opted for family life, it would mean that 102* and 420* (plus 205* who has been missing since last June) are the only breeding-age females in the population who are not yet paired and nesting. So far so good for these ultralight-led birds. They have passed all but one of the 'subjects in their curriculum': Migration skills - ü Returning to core reintroduction area - ü Associating/pairing with correct species - ü Nesting behavior - ü Parenting skills - ? (fingers crossed) Injury 209*, mate of 416, was found to be limping severely with her right leg when their territory in Monroe County was checked. Their nest contained one broken egg (see photo by Sara Zimorski) when it was checked during an aerial survey conducted April 14. Date: April 24, 2008 - Entry 1 Reporter: Liz Condie Subject: Class of 2007 Spring Wanderings Location: Main Office 707, 710, and 722 who had arrived in Waupaca County, WI April 21 and stopped there for two nights, took to the air yesterday. They flew over Jackson, Juneau, Adams and Monroe Counties before settling on Jackson County as a roosting spot. 703 was detected in the air yesterday as well. He passed just south of the Necedah refuge, over-flying Juneau and Adams Counties before landing in Columbia County. Date: April 23, 2008 - Entry 1 Reporter: Liz Condie Subject: EMP 'EGG REPORT' Location: Main Office At the moment, Patuxent has 9 fertile eggs; 8 for the ultralight-led program and 1 is a genetic holdback which will remain in captivity. Two eggs from Calgary are being flown to Patuxent, the first of three shipments planned.   Two other propagation centers, the San Antonio Zoo in Texas and ACRES in Louisiana had eggs early before insemination was started so the eggs were infertile. No eggs have been produced at ICF as yet. Date: April 22, 2008 - Entry 2 Reporter: Liz Condie Subject: EASTERN MIGRATORY POPULATION UPDATE Location: Main Office This update was compiled from data supplied by WCEP's Winter Monitoring & Tracking Team. As of April 21st, there were 56 Whooping cranes confirmed back in Wisconsin. With the recent discovery of the remains of two long-time missing birds (503 & 507*) the maximum number of birds in the Eastern Migratory Population is 72 – consisting of 39 males and 33 females. * = females; DAR = Direct Autumn Release. FLORIDA - 1 516 – Marion County, FL as of April 1 INDIANA - 3 524NFT - was reported in Fayette County April 15. He departed the next day and has not been reported since. Previous to this sighting, 524 had not been located since Nov. 23 when he was at Jasper-Pulaski FWA. DAR740* remained with migrating Sandhills on Jasper-Pulaski FWA. 727 was north of Columbus, GA April 3; near the mid-western edge on April; then in Trousdale and Robertson County, TN when heavy rain forced her to land. April 10 with a good tailwind she carried on under cloudy skies until thunderstorms grounded her in Sullivan County, IN. DAR527* Last reported with migrating Sandhills as she resumed migration from Jackson County, IN mid March. ILLINOIS - 1 733 separated from 706, 712 and 713 April 5, and made his way from Dekalb County, Alabama to Jackson County, TN. April 7 he roosted in Orange County, IN and on April 8 encountered strong wind and rain near Chicago. His signal was lost and no further reports have been received. MICHIGAN - 6 DAR533* - Mason County as of April 11 DARs 737, 739*, 742*, 744*, and 746* left Fayette County for Tuscola County, MI April 16 where they remain. LONG TERM MISSING (MORE THAN 90 DAYS) - 2 201*NFT last recorded in WI June 9. 205NFT last recorded at Necedah NWR, WI Oct. 16. IN WISCONSIN (list does not include pairs shown below) 101, 102* 216NFT 307, 316NFT 402, 412, 420* 509, 511, 512, 514, 520* DAR528* DAR627, DAR628 703, 706, 707, 709, 710, 716, 717, 712, 713, 721, 722*, 724, 726, 735* REPRODUCTION As of April 14th, six pairs have nested and are currently incubating. 211 & 217* incubating since ~April 7 213 & 218* incubating since ~April 8 403 & 309* incubating since ~April 8 318 & 313* incubating since ~April 13 317 & 303* incubating since ~April 9 505 & 415* incubating since before April 14 While the behavior of two pairs – 311 & 312* and 401 and 508* - indicate possible nesting, confirmation that they are incubating cannot be made until an aerial survey is conducted. ADDITIONAL PAIRS 416NFT & 209*NFT - one bird observed April 14 standing near an empty nest but when later observed the pair was not nesting. 212NFT & 419*NFT left Pasco County, FL March 6 and have not been detected since. (Since receiving data from trackers we have had reports of a pair in MN which could possibly be this pair.) 408 & 519* were on the refuge but as of April 19 were not nesting. 506 & 107* a newly formed pair were in Adams County. Not nesting as of April 19. The area they are in is currently being disturbed by road construction following logging. 105 & 501* were on the refuge but as of April 19 were not nesting. 310 & W601* a newly formed pair were on the refuge. They built a nest but did not produce eggs. Date: April 22, 2008 - Entry 1 Reporter: Liz Condie Subject: WHOOPERS NEARING WOOD BUFFALO NATIONAL PARK Location: Main Office April 18th a large low pressure system moved into Alberta and Saskatchewan bringing varying amounts of snow to the southern prairies. The unfavorable migrating conditions grounded many birds leading to a lot of reports from observers. “Winds are out of the west today,” said Canadian Wildlife Service biologist Brian Johns, “but the skies are clearing so crane migration will resume any day.” Brian said the following reports had come in from across southern Saskatchewan in the last week: DATE - April #