Whooping Crane Migration Continues

Posted by Rosemary Drisdelle Nov 28, 2006

The Whooping Cranes of Wisconsin continue to migrate south to their winter range in Florida. As of November 25, 12 remained in Wisconsin and 18 had arrived in Florida – all the rest are somewhere in between. The First Family, including the only Whooping Crane of this flock hatched in the wild, W601, was still in Indiana.

As of today, November 28, the captive reared class of 2006 and their ultra light leaders are in Cumberland County, Tennessee, where the winds have grounded them for the past six days. They are waiting for calm conditions before they can continue over a ridge that blocks their path.

Sadly, we now know that the twin chick of the First Family is dead. Its remains were discovered on November 23 in the Necedah National Wildlife Refuge near where it was last seen alive. This chick was separated from its twin and parents on September 12, and may have been killed by a predator that same day.

Read previous updates on the migration:

Nov 23 - Whooping Crane Family on the Move

Nov 17 - Whooping Crane and Penguin Update

Oct 28 - Update on Whooping Crane Migration