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2004 Whooping Crane Migration
October 14 to 20, 2004
Green County, Wisconsin
Day 5 - Oct. 14: The winds were too strong and the team had to stay on the ground for today.
Day 6 - Oct. 15: Team remains grounded.
Day 7 - Oct. 16: Winds up to 25 mph keep the birds and team on the ground. Unfortunately, this is typical mid-October weather.
Day 12 - Oct. 20: Conditions were cold (46 °) with high humidity and a low cloud ceiling. The Operation Migration pilots began flying with the whooping cranes but aborted the flight after 16 minutes. High humidity affects the birds breathing and there were difficulties keeping them behind the aircraft. On the plus side, the birds had an opportunity to fly.
The migration team and 14 whooping cranes remain in southern Wisconsin.
Total distance traveled - 93.8 miles
2004 Fall Migration Daily Updates
How does this compare to last year? In 2003 the migration started on October 16 and ended Dec. 8.
This Whooping Crane Migratory Reintroduction project involves many public and private partners, sponsors, and donors who give their time, money or resources in support. Check out how you can help reintroduce migratory whooping cranes to eastern North America.