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Whooping Cranes, Class of '07
Eight whooping crane chicks arrived June 19 at Necedah National Wildlife Refuge in central Wisconsin to begin preparation for their fall migration behind ultralight aircraft. The chicks comprise the first "cohort" of young whoopers to arrive by private aircraft from the U.S. Geological Survey’s Patuxent Wildlife Research Center in Laurel, Md., where they hatched, then imprinted on and learned to follow ultralight aircraft on the ground. The Class of 2007 will be the seventh flock of endangered juvenile whooping cranes to take part in a reintroduction project sponsored by the Whooping Crane Eastern Partnership (WCEP), a coalition of public and private organizations. Thanks to WCEP’s efforts, there are now 58 wild, migrating cranes in eastern North America, which was part of their historic range. A field team from Operation Migration, Inc., and the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center will spend the summer strengthening the social cohesion of the Class of 2007 and teaching them to fly behind ultralights. Biologists from the International Crane Foundation will join the field team later this summer.
Contact Marilyn Whitehead , 301-497-5502, Laurel, MD
Whitehead Honored by USGS Communications Community
Marilyn Whitehead was honored at the USGS Communications Conference in Baltimore, June 14, for her outstanding work in organizing PWRC’s Rachel Carson Centennial Celebration in May. At the awards reception, Marilyn’s efforts in successfully coordinating both scientific and public events, including a long list of dignitaries, were specifically recognized.
Contact Dave Ziolkokwski, 301-497-5753, Laurel, MD
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