OPERATION MIGRATION

The Whooping Cranes that left Necedah, Wisc on Oct 13, 2007 have finally arrived here in Chassahowitzka, Florida. 106 Days later, Janurary 25, 2008, and 1262 miles. There was weather delays and Holidays to delay their trip, but all 17 birds made it finally. Here is the link if you are interested in reading about their flight. http://operationmigration.org/Field_Journal.html
Like many birds, Whooping cranes learn their migration route by following their parents. But this knowledge is lost when the species is reduced and there are no longer any wild birds using the flyway. Approximately 60 birds have been taught a migration route between Wisconsin and Florida. This is 4 times the number that existed in the early 1940's. To ensure their survival, birds are often raised in captivity. Once mature, the healthy birds can be released into the wild; however, they need to be taught a safe migratory route.
Waterfowl eggs, raised in captivity, are collected and placed in incubators. The eggs are flown to the captive-rearing location where they are turned three times daily to simulate what happens in the wild. At this time, the imprinting process begins. The handlers play a recording of an aircraft engine to the eggs when turning them.
When the birds hatch, they first see a waterfowl puppet head. The type of puppet depends on the type of waterfowl that are hatching-Sandhill crane, Canada geese, etc. The baby birds are placed under heat lamps until they are strong enough to start exercising.
After a few days, the birds are led to a "circle pen" for initial taxi-training with the ultralight aircraft. Again, the birds hear recorded engine sounds but this time, they also hear natural brood calls.
As the birds mature and develop flight feathers, they exercise regularly, following the handler and aircraft up and down the runway. Their first flight is behind the ultralight: as it lifts into the air, the young birds follow. The flock is led on flights daily, weather permitting, building their strength and endurance for the autumn migration. When the time comes, the birds follow the ultralight aircraft, as they would their parents, on a pre-determined route south.

It has been very interested in following their flight.