Don't shoot the big lead bird <grin>

[lordsfisher]

Whooping crane migration. If you haven't heard of this, it might be interesting to watch. Ultralight with man dressed in white is bringing whoopers into the refuge over the town of St. Marks. I heard the migration might be early in the morning (like 8 am). They are in SE Alabama now. They only fly in good weather. Looks like they have a couple stops before St. Marks. Very few of these birds left so I hope it works. I'd like to see them fly every year while fishing.
http://www.operationmigration.org/St%20Marks%20MAP.pdf

[RHTFISH]

Is St Marks wildlife refuge their destination for the winter?

[lordsfisher]

Someone else correct me if I'm wrong, but it's my understanding that volunteers (JROTC, etc.) have built a several acre pen in St. Marks refuge to protect them from predators. They don't want them to get comfortable around people either. I know this sounds crazy, but all people who come into contact with the whooping cranes dress like "big bird". Well, maybe not exactly like sesame street! But the birds have imprinted on the pilot and ultralight(s) so they follow in a "Vee" formation. I think something like 14 birds have been raised in Wisconsin and are flying south since Dec. They stop in predetermined safe locations. It looks to me from the map that they'll stop once near Lake Miccosukee before traveling to St. Marks. One half will go to another refugue (Chasawiska? maybe -- somewhere past the Suwannee I think). The idea is not to "put all your eggs in one basket". Then half will overwinter in St. Marks Refuge. If this works, they'll fly the trip on their own from now on. I've seen sandhill cranes migrate before and it's an awesome sight. I've never seen whoopers in real life, but they are white with black wing tips. It'll be cool for our grandkids to see. Ok, back to accounting