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2002 Whooping Crane Migration
November 29, 2002
Day 48: Levy County, Florida - All 16 cranes took off from Gilchrist County and flew to Levy County, Florida this morning. Under cold (28 degrees) conditions they flew for 1 hour and 17 minutes and traveled 52.8 miles. Their total distance traveled is 1174.3 miles. This will be the final stop before they arrive at their final destination at Chassahowtizka National Wildlife Refuge in Florida.
The Whooping Crane Eastern Partnership is planning a flyover event to give an opportunity for the public to see the whooping cranes and ultralights. The event will be at the field north of the Crystal River Mall on US Hwy 19 during the final flight of the long journey. There will also be speakers to provide details about the reintroduction and plans for the coming years. The pilots and ground crew members will come to the event after they deliver the whooping cranes to the release pen at Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge. The event should take place tomorrow Saturday, Nov. 30th unless weather prohibits the flight.
A fourth whooping crane from the "Class of 2001," crane #5, arrived back at the Chassahowitzka NWR yesterday. The migration crew and refuge staff were on-site making final preparations for the arrival of this year's flock when the radio receiver used to track the cranes went off indicating #5 was inbound. Everyone rushed to the camouflaged observation blind and waited with anticipation for #5 to arrive. About 10 minutes after first receiving the signal, #5 landed back in the pen and proceeded to spend the rest of the day refamiliarizing itself with the area.
This makes four of the original five yearling cranes that have independently returned to the winter site. The fifth bird, whooping crane #6 was last reported in Meigs County, TN.
2002 Fall Migration Daily Updates
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.