The Whoopers are arriving at Aransas on Texas' East Coast, as nearly 100 have completed their migration from Northern Canada's Wood Buffalo area.  Wildlife Refuge Specialist, Vicki Muller, tells us about the most recent flight survey, and what the plan is to watch the Whoopers this winter, and possibly reduce losses that were so high last year.In the meantime, Operation Migration is grounded in northern Illinois in Winnebago County, as winds aloft keep the birds and ultralights from going anywhere.  The forecast is for changes in the next few days, but attempts to fly have met with disappointment and the birds and aircraft have had to return to their starting point.The Environmental Defense Fund has reported that the brown pelican is now thriving in the South, and more than 650,000 now can be found in Eastern coastal areas, Louisiana, the Gulf Coast and in Florida.  A true success story thanks to the efforts of many people and federal legislation that banned the use of DDT back in 1972.  Florida's Kissimmee Prairie experienced the loss of one Whooping crane recently, and now 27 birds are being monitored there.  The first bird to fledge on the Kissimmee Prairie was back in 2002, and his fate is discussed as well as the most recent loss.  Florida Fish and Wildlife's Marty Folk provided details.The 10,000th mile is about to be crossed for Operation Migration.  In the 9 years they have been guiding young Whooping cranes from Wisconsin to Florida, safety and the welfare of the team and the birds has always been the motivation for every migration they've done. If you would like to help get the birds to Florida, and be entered into drawings for a special t-shirt Operation Migration gives away to those who donate... click here or visit their site at operationmigration.org, and click the 'I Give A Whoop' logo on the left side. Thanks for listening to Whoopers Happening 51!Incidentally, when I mentioned that this would be the largest migration OM has done, it would be so if they arrive with all 20 birds in Florida.  The Class of 2005 also started with 20 young birds, but one was lost (killed by flock mates), found dead in the pen one evening. Accomplishing this migration with all 20 birds will make this the largest migration yet with the entire flock's arrival in Florida.Photos: Lucky leading a parent in flight on the Kissimmee Prairie, after fledging as a juvenile, as a small chick with parents, and preening as a juvenile.  Courtesy of Florida Wildlife Conservation Commission (Marty Folk).var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));try {var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-10850405-2");pageTracker._trackPageview();} catch(err) {}

Listen Now:

                                     The Operation Migration team had no opportunities to fly the entire flock of 20 young Whooping cranes together since they combined cohorts back in mid September.  Weather has been so bad, and either wind or rain or both have kept the birds and ultralights grounded almost every day.  As they are just now about 20 plus miles into the migration, barely south of Necedah NWR, they are still grounded and awaiting decent weather.  This year's flock ties for the largest they have migrated so far (they had 20 birds back in 2005) which was also the first year ultralight pilot Chris Gullikson was part of the OM team.  I talked with Chris and the new Trike Cam he has on his aircraft, which allows you to see him flying with the young Whoopers in real time!  That link is included with the Crane Cam... just click the bottom link on the left on this page.The 'other white birds' are doing well and have been released.  These are the DAR chicks which the ICF's Marianne Wellington-Doyle supervises, and all 9 are out on the refuge and free to leave as they wish with other Sandhills or Whooping cranes.We'll check back with the OM team when they have made more progress... think positively!   Florida awaits.Photo: Brooke Pennypacker training 7 Whooper chicks over the Necedah NWR.  Mark Chenoweth photo. var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));try {var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-10850405-2");pageTracker._trackPageview();} catch(err) {}

Listen Now:

     This is the 9th year that Operation Migration will be leading Whooping cranes (they guided Sandhill cranes in 2000 as a test) on a journey from Wisconsin's Necedah NWR to Florida... this year, again, the flock will be in two locations... St. Mark's and Chassahowitzka NWR.  But the journey is about 1285 miles, and the weather is always the enemy!  It keeps the birds and team grounded for sometimes well over a week with rain, wind, and occasionally even snow.  But with any luck, this might be the year that they beat the odds and get down here... dare we even think it... by Thanksgiving or... Christmas?  They are prepared to do whatever it takes, but the sooner the better for the birds, and because the resources to travel with a team of 13 plus people are not endless... nor free!  In this podcast, I talked with several OM team members, the International Crane Foundation's Marianne Wellington-Doyle (who I hope isn't mad at me for calling her 'Marianne Wellington' in the podcast?  I just hope I don't run into Robert Doyle, her hubby, at the flyover!  He might sic a large bird on me, and I'd deserve that!).  Marianne talks about the DAR program and the release of these birds, which happens after the ultralight birds leave Necedah.  Brian Johns explains why past historical facts about the Whoopers indicate that this year's anticipated losses and those of last winter's are part of a cycle the birds have, and I talked with the ICF's veterinarian, Dr. Barry Hartup.This year's migration will be on the crane cam as they are able to transmit and show both departures and flyovers, so if you cannot be there at a planned flyover event, be sure to watch for it on the Operation Migration Crane Cam site.  This is never a simple nor easy journey, no mater how many times this team has done it, and even Joe Duff has his apprehensions and worries.  Likely Joe worries more than anyone and it might be a part of his job description, but with all the professionals and handlers he will have with him, this year's migration promises to be a most successful and interesting one!  Seeing the 20 birds in 2005 off the wings of the ultralights was spectacular!  No doubt, Richard, Joe, Chris and Brooke will be just as excited to be guiding these birds again this year!photo-  The juvenile Whoopers are still white with mixed caramel color, but soon they will lose the caramel and become just white, showing off their red caps with gray wisps in back.   Mark Chenoweth var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));try {var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-10850405-2");pageTracker._trackPageview();} catch(err) {}

Listen Now:

                        Things have been going very well all summer with all 23 birds, but sometimes when all seems well, something happens as it did this past Monday.  The youngest bird hatched back in early June, #931, along with #928, were very possessive of the aircraft and stayed close... too close.  When the pilot was forced to avoid #928 who landed directly in front of the moving aircraft (not airborne but conducting ground effect training with the birds gliding just over the ground) #931 landed right next to the pilot... and in front of the rear wheels.  The bird was taken to the ICF, International Crane Foundation and given prompt medical attention for a broken leg, but she never awakened from the anesthetic.  Internal injuries were also discovered later, so perhaps it was best.This was the first loss of a bird in flight training in almost exactly 4 years.  The skill and patience of the pilots and their care in flying as well as watching every move these young birds make as they follow has resulted in no losses at all many years.  Beverly Paulan and I talked about the birds the week before, so this loss had not yet happened.  But with 22 remaining young Whooper chicks (a couple of the birds are still in question due to respiratory issues) this stands to be the largest ultralight-led migration yet, and we trust the most successful.  With so much experience and most of the birds, even #918, doing well following the aircraft (ie not flying off into the marsh) this should be a most attentive and promising adventure!Don't forget that the 9th annual Whooping Crane Festival happens at Necedah sponsored by the Lions Club on Saturday September 19th.  Check their website for more information.Photo:  Chris Gullikson-Operation Migration   OM pilot Chris Gullikson training cohort 1 birds, already flying like pros over the grounds at Necedah NWR on 9/3/09.var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));try {var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-10850405-2");pageTracker._trackPageview();} catch(err) {}

Listen Now:

The second of the two chicks hatched this year at Necedah was lost in July, and that same pair seems intent on adopting one of the chicks in this year's Class of 2009.  In fact, the suggestion was made to give #918 to parental pair #211 and 217.  However, Operation Migration's Joe Duff talks about 918 and why this is not such a good idea.The ultralight-led Whooping crane chicks are always the focal point for each fall's introduced migration; however, a lot of time and work also goes into the training costumed handlers give the chicks that are in the DAR (Direct Autumn Release) program conducted by the International Crane Foundation in Bariboo, Wisconsin.  ICF aviculturist Marianne Wellington-Doyle talks about this year's program (she is the supervisor) and the record number of birds they hope to release this fall. Check out Operation Migration's new CraneCam sponsored by Duke Energy.  You can check out the training each morning and also observe the chicks in cohort 2 in their pen throughout the day.  Adult Whoopers are often about and stand guard outside the pen, watching the chicks inside.Photo: Operation Migrationvar gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));try {var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-6868095-1");pageTracker._trackPageview();} catch(err) {}var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));try {var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-10850405-1");pageTracker._trackPageview();} catch(err) {}

Listen Now:

How many young Whooping crane chicks areexpected to be on the migration this year?  What was done to eliminatethe illness that was so devastating the past two years at Patuxent? And how are the recent hatches doing at Necedah?  Answers to these andother exciting details are revealed in Whoopers Happening 46.  So,download or click the button below and listen as a few of the peoplewho know these rare and special birds best talk about what has beenhappening and how they are doing this year. Scenes like the above will become commonplace over Necedah NWR in the weeks ahead as the Operation Migration team conducts flight training with the new chicks, forming the Class of 2009.  photo: Mark Chenoweth  var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));try {var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-6868095-1");pageTracker._trackPageview();} catch(err) {}var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));try {var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-10850405-2");pageTracker._trackPageview();} catch(err) {}

Listen Now:

                          With 4 nests still incubating as this podcast is published, it's only another day or two before we know if new chicks will be hatched; this is a major concern for the WCEP team.  It's been 3 years since the first wild Whooping crane pair hatched at Necedah... the first wild pair in Wisconsin in over a century.  With the first 11 nests all having failed, the hopes now are for the pairs that re-nested to have successful hatches.  The chick that has its own mate now, W601, was the result of re-nesting with one parental pair (#211 &  #217) now also nesting at Necedah NWR.The loss of one bird who had become too accustomed to humans, #710, has upset many as any loss to the flock always does.  This bird was feeding along with others last winter in Hernando, County Florida, and the homeowner was asked to please refrain from doing this. Though the reasons were presented, she chose not to comply.  Now this bird is to be a display bird at the Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa, FL.   A sad relocation for a bird that had been a favorite with the Operation Migration team in 2007.   Any healthy bird that loses its freedom is a less than desirable thing and no sensible person would want to see this happen.More on the fate of #710 when he is introduced to the female that resides at Lowry Park Zoo in July.  The male that had been with her died early in 2008.The International Crane Foundation is dedicating their new 'Spirit of Africa' exhibit on Saturday, June 20th.  The new facility is constructed with eco-friendly materials and will exhibit the 4 crane species native to Africa including the Grey and Black Crowned cranes, Wattled cranes and Blue cranes.For more about this new exhibit at the ICF, check out their website...Spirit of Africa.Our e-mail, should you care to write or send a comment, is whoopershappening@earthlink.net .  Thanks! var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));try {var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-6868095-1");pageTracker._trackPageview();} catch(err) {}

Listen Now:

In trying to take all that happens each month and make a summary or compilation in brief, it leaves many things that must be left out due to time and just simply interest which some things have over others.  However, most important aspects get their time on this podcast or are focused on by the media.  One is the Crane Cam which is new, but will become more familiar in the months ahead.  A number of bird losses since our last podcast make this a less than optimistic piece, and also with the failure of all 11 nests that had been under scrutiny at Necedah NWR.  However, there are several new nests (re-nests) and these may well prove fruitful with new chicks in the weeks ahead.  Don't forget that the one chick, W601, was the result of a re-nest and hatched towards the end of June back in '06. We hope history repeats itself this year.Endangered Species Day is May 15th, and if you would like more information and to check to see what activities may be planned for your area, go to endangeredspeciesday.org .  Write to us with comments or suggestions below or at whooperhappenings@earthlink.net .Thanks for listening!Photo: WCEP (New baby Whooping crane chick stands in awe of its model adult at Patuxent NWR.)var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));try {var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-6868095-1");pageTracker._trackPageview();} catch(err) {} var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www."); document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E")); try { var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-10850405-1"); pageTracker._trackPageview(); } catch(err) {}

Listen Now:

This time around I talk with Joe Duff about the migration and how he feels things went, and top cover pilots Don and Paula Lounsbury at the Dunnellon Airport flyover in January.  Coming up in the next several weeks, we'll hear what Beverly Paulan and Brooke Pennypacker said about the migration, raising the chicks, and their thoughts about the pending northern migration, which always brings bittersweet feelings from those working closest to these wonderful chicks!  Don't forget, you can post a comment or ask a question below in the new Whooper Happenings Blog.  We may not know the answer, but we know who does!  Thanks for listening to Whooper Happenings #42!Photo:  a trio of chicks at St. Mark's just don't want to let Bev tuck them in for the night.  They'd rather be flying, and even their costumed Mom doesn't blame them!  But their exercise fun makes bedtime a chore almost every night Bev told us!* I state that the Aransas-Wood Buffalo flock has a total near 266 birds this season in this podcast; a recent release from Tom's office now says that they believe that nearly 18 birds are dead this winter, and this would make the total number of Whooping cranes closer to 250, the second worst season since 1990.  Many of these deaths are juvenile birds, but we will hopefully talk with Tom in the next podcast.  Exact totals are difficult, and the birds are tough to count and evaluate, but the experience Tom and his team have does indicate a serious problem this year with drought conditions, and food-water sources, which are definitely related.   var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www."); document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E")); try { var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-6868095-1"); pageTracker._trackPageview(); } catch(err) {}

Listen Now: