They flew into Kentucky from Illinois today, landing in Union County, Ky. Only six to seven months old, the cranes have now traveled 463 miles and have another 795 miles to go.
This is the 10th group of birds to take part in a landmark project led by the Whooping Crane Eastern Partnership, an international coalition of public and private groups that is reintroducing this highly imperiled species in eastern North America. There are now about 96 whooping cranes in the wild in eastern North America thanks to their efforts.
“We are proud to be part of this effort to bring this magnificent bird species back from the brink of extinction,” said Cindy Dohner, Southeast Regional Director for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. “This is another example of people working together to help overcome monumental challenges that many species face in surviving in a landscape greatly altered by mankind.”
Three ultralight aircraft and the juvenile cranes are traveling through Wisconsin, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, and Georgia to reach the birds’ wintering habitats at Chassahowitzka and St. Marks National Wildlife Refuges along Florida's Gulf Coast.
“Safeguarding an endangered species does not come with guarantees.” said Joe Duff, senior ultralight pilot and CEO of Operation Migration. “This is more than simply an experiment in wildlife reintroduction; it is a struggle against all odds.”
Want to see them?
Live streaming video of the flight is available, subject to wireless signal strength and technical capacity. Visit: http://www.operationmigration.
http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
No comments:
Post a Comment