OPERATION MIGRATION
Susan Weisensel August 10, 2014
As migration is a learned process passed on from one generation to the next, when the last whooping crane vanished from eastern North America their once-traditional route was lost forever.Susan Weisensel August 10, 2014
At around 45 days of age the cranes are transported to central Wisconsin. Here the team conditions the youngsters to follow the light aircraft, which, along with their pilots, have now been accepted as surrogate parents.
Bill Whala
August 10, 2014
Terrific capture, Susan and how lucky for you to see this first-hand. #11105337
Susan Weisensel August 10, 2014
Thank you Bill, it was a very exciting experience. #11105346Monnie Ryan August 10, 2014
Wonderful organization and a terrific photo! #11105367
Jeff Robinson
August 10, 2014
Tammy M. Anderson
August 10, 2014
Sheri Whala
August 10, 2014
Susan Weisensel August 11, 2014
Thank you all very much. #11106016Each year, beginning in 2001, Operation Migration's pilots have led a cohort of captive-hatched and reared Whooping Cranes along a predetermined migration route between central Wisconsin and the Gulf coast of Florida.
In the 1940's, as a result of habitat destruction and over-hunting, Whooping Cranes were on the verge of extinction. Just about 15 birds remained.
Protected by the Endangered Species Act since 1973, the Whooping Crane populations has grown to just over 300. Twice each year this flock migrates between Canada's Wood Buffalo National Park and coastal Texas. A round trip journey of more than 4800 miles.
Exif: F Number: 6.3, Exposure Bias Value: 0.00, ExposureTime: 10/6400 seconds, Flash: did not fire, auto mode, ISO: 200, White balance: Auto white balance, FocalLength: 102.00 mm, Model: NIKON D3300
Uploaded on August 10, 2014
Entered into contest on 2014-08-10 11:21:02
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