Aug 11, 2009
Hi all,
A number of West Pasco Audubon members joined the Native Plant Society last night for very interesting presentation on Operation  Migration, by Sue Walsh from Hernando. Operation Migration raises American Whooping Cranes from eggs, trains them to follow ultralight planes, and escorts them flying from Wisconsin down to Florida (St Marks and Chassahowitzka refuges) for the winter. The young birds winter here, then fly back north in spring, on their own, having learned the route following the ultralight planes.  Find more info on this non-profit organization and the project at the Operation Migration site--reached through the "Give a Whoop" link below. Through efforts of a huge team, linked with several other international crane preservation organizations, the eastern migratory population of Whooping Cranes has increased from just 16 birds to 78--of mixed genetic diversity. It is anticipated that within 4 - 5 years from now, there will be enough of a sustainable breeding migrating population to stop the Operation Migration project. It shows what dedication can do, on the part of people and groups working completely outside government support. Of course it is expensive, so donations are solicited. "Give A Whoop" is the current campaign, which also offers some great prizes for donating.

Yearly, individuals and groups sponsor "miles" along the migration route. This year a mile costs just under $200. Find out more on the web site. The most interesting page is "Field Journal"--a daily log of the training, progress and  anecdotes about the current crane chicks, and the flight itself which usually starts in October.

There is also a new "Cranecam" so you can see live action!

Click here to Check it out!

>From a "Certified Craniac",
Maria Valentine

I have tallied our May 9th Migration count. Thanks to all who submitted your reports.

This count we had the second highest numbers of birds 3906, our participation was up with 20 people submitting reports. The species number at 112 was our lowest?

Some missed birds were; Red-headed Woodpecker, Monk Parakeet, Budgerigar, Royal Tern, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Black-necked Stilt, and Reddish Egret. Also of note were some high species counts; Northern Cardinal, Wood Stork, Tufted Titmouse. Take time to look over the data sheet on the count page.  (See link below)

 

Thanks again for your help. Mike has added this pdf file to our web page.