Welcome...Fall's
Journey South is About to Begin!
August - December, 2012
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"Journey South News" updates are the core of Journey North. They are published on this Web site and by e-mail. These updates include the latest migration maps and data, and they summarize news about the migrations and seasonal events we are tracking. Check the calendar for for each species and seasonal event.
Quick links to each news story will be listed here...
Whooping Cranes Released to Freedom: Dec. 14, 2012
With final health checks and banding complete, the gates to freedom opened for the Class of 2012 Whooping Cranes on Dec. 11. What's next for these 8-month-old cranes? This week's summary has all the details as they begin a "soft release" to the wild at St. Marks NWR in Florida. Whoop on! Image: Operation Migration
Symbolic Migration: December 7, 2012
Your ambassador butterflies are now being delivered to students near Mexico's monarch sanctuaries. Explore the map and see who has received butterflies. Who are this year's ambassador schools? Check out the list. Photo: Estela Romero
Tulip Test Garden News: Dec. 6, 2012
How do the Earth's different climate conditions affect plant growth? This week think global climate as you study temperature maps. Take a virtual tour of sample gardens from different locations and predict how they will grow. Image: Terri Bickmore
Whooping Cranes Have a Big Week: Dec. 5, 2012
The "fabulous Five" in the Class of 2012 have been at their Florida winter home nearly two weeks. By the end of this week, the young cranes will have their final health checks and wear their new leg bands! It's one of the last steps before their freedom. Brooke describes their new winter home in this week's summary. Image: Operation Migration
Over 800 polar bears call western Hudson Bay home. The bears gather on land when the Arctic sea ice breaks up and wait for sea ice to form again. Winter Solstice is December 21! Who has longest and shortest days? Report your daylight to the map Dec. 1, and 21st to see.
During Mystery Class, students will receive sunrise and sunset times from mystery locations around the world. This month, set time zone clocks to explore local and Universal Time.
Whooping Cranes Complete Migration: Nov. 23, 2012
After flying their final 28 miles, the five young cranes completed migration early Friday. Pilot Joe Duff signaled "A-OK" to the live online audience as he successfully delivered the cranes and migration 2012 came to a happy ending. Image: Operation Migration
Whooping Cranes Nearing Finish Line: Nov. 19, 2012
In the past spectacular week, the five young cranes and their ultralight aircraft leaders have covered six stopovers and come within four flights of the finish line! Help from tailwinds blew them over two stops in one amazing day. That's progress! Just 187 miles remain to their new winter home. What date do you predict for arrival? Image: Sarah Jones
They're here! Late and long-awaited, thousands of monarchs surprised Estela at El Rosario Sanctuary on Monday. Butterflies filled the sky and she counted 13 trees covered with monarchs. Image: Estela Romero
Whooping Cranes Pass Halfway Mark: Nov. 12, 2012
Goodbye Kentucky and hello Tennessee! Now at 569 miles gone, the Class of 2012 passed the halfway point in air miles Nov. 8 while en route to Carroll County, Tennessee. Last year they didn't arrive at this stopover until Dec. 9! After four down-days with wind or rain, the outlook is promising for lifting off tomorrow—and reaching the final stop in Tennessee. Check each crane's life story page for the week's newest photos. What state is next? Image: Operation Migration
Tulip Test Garden News: Nov. 8, 2012
How do plants respond to sun, shade, wind, calm, and other conditions in your schoolyard? Explore local microclimates, and try the Microclimate Challenge. Share the news about your Journey North tulip Test Garden in a press release. Meet some of the gardeners.Image: Terri Bickmore
We end our season with thanks to citizen scientists who make tracking fall migration possible. Now that the monarchs are reaching their destination, explore two key questions: Why do monarchs fly across the continent to reach this part of Mexico? How many monarchs survived the trip? Image: Deborah Klein
Whooping Cranes Now Crossing Kentucky: Nov. 5, 2012
The week that brought Superstorm Sandy also brought two flights, three stopovers, and 164 miles of progress for the Class of 2012. This week's summary invites you to visit the life story page for each of the birds. See fresh photos and find out which bird refused to fly on Day 35 but got back to business on Day 38, what altitude they achieved on their 119-mile flight, what they do on no-fly days, and which crane is shown in this photo taken Nov. 4. One stop left in Kentucky! Image: Operation Migration
Symbolic Migration: November 2, 2012
The first real monarch butterflies are just arriving in Mexico, and your Symbolic Monarchs are on their way! Check out the Symbolic Art Gallery to meet some of the ambassador butterflies heading off to Mexico. Learn about some traditions and celebrations in Mexico. Photo: Roosevelt Elementary
The map is finally showing a pattern of fewer reports, and arrivals in Costa Rica. How long will hummers continue to be seen in the north? The map remains live all winter, so please continue to help us document when and where hummingbirds are present. Join us again on February 6, 2013 for spring migration. Thanks to all for helping track the hummingbirds' journey! Image: Vicky Floyd
Countdown to Mystery Class: Three Months to Go!
Days are getting shorter in the Northern Hemisphere as winter approaches. This month, begin to explore the question: What makes seasons?
Sunlight and the Seasons: November 1, 2012
Little wooly bear caterpillars remind us of the changing seasons. Polar bears in Churchill do, too. Citizen scientists report first snow in Russia. Daylight decreases, AND increases. See and share what's happening across the globe!
The massive arrival has begun! It's one of nature's great miracles. Monarchs find a place on the planet where they have never been. This week, explore how the monarchs' arrival is connected to Mexican traditions. Image: Estela Romero
Reminder: Please continue to report hummingbirds as long as they are present! Please also report the date of your final sighting. This week's photo shows a species that an abserver in British Columbia saw last week for the first time ever. What is it? Next week's report will wrap up the season with photos, facts and more. Image: Laura Erickson
A single monarch was spotted at the finish line! Meanwhile migration continues from as far north as Canada. This week, explore migration pathways. Even though it's their first migration, monarchs follow routes previous monarchs have flown. As they enter Mexico, monarch butterflies become mariposas monarcas. Image: Barbara Messimer
This week's sightings included our first report of a south-of-the-border arrival in Mexico, yet hummers are still reported across the land. What discoveries can you make from observers' latest comments and photos? Image: Frances Koontz
Symbolic Migration: October 19, 2012
Mail trucks full of ambassador butterflies are arriving daily at the staging grounds in Minnesota. Each of these butterflies is a bridge connecting students around the world in monarch conservation. In their designs, every symbolic monarch butterfly shares a personal story. Photo: Monarchs Across Georgia
Monarch Migration News: October 18, 2012
Where are the monarchs? Texas should be in peak migration but so far the show is slow. We're waiting to see if the monarchs from the east appear there soon! The new IMAX film Flight of the Butterflies is a must-see. Mexican President Calderón endorses the film and explains the importance of monarch conservation.
Sighting reports still hold steady with last week. Most observers see just one or two birds now. Find out why fat is a fabulous fuel for hummingbird migration. Keep feeders up and sightings coming! Image: Glenna Harrower
Monarch Migration News: October 11, 2012
"We're ready to host the monarchs!" Estela Romero reports from Mexico. People say butterflies are headed her way, from Nova Scotia to Nuevo Leon. This week, try a research question: How high do monarchs fly—and how high can we see them? Image: Paige Cunningham
Tulip Test Garden News: Oct. 11, 2012
Your tulip bulbs have arrived and you're ready to start digging...but wait! Use scientific skills to weigh, measure, and draw your tulip bulb and learn more about its structure. Turn your questions into experiments in the garden. Image: Alexandra Dekerf
A dip in sightings for the second week in a row signals the slowdown of the journey south. Thanks, citizen scientists, for sharing the story. Meanwhile, an observer describes hummer winter habitat in Costa Rica, where she awaits her first ruby-throated arrival. Your hummers may be headed there, too. This hummingbird lives there year round; what kind is it?
Image: Patricia Nethercote
Monarch Migration News: October 4, 2012
"We're ready to host the monarchs!" Estela Romero reports from Mexico. People say butterflies are headed her way, from Nova Scotia to Nuevo Leon. This week, try a research question: How high do monarchs fly—and how high can we see them? Image: Paige Cunningham
Whooping Cranes on Their Way: October 1, 2012
Migration 2012 is off to a fantastic start for the Class of 2012 and their ultralight-airplane leaders. Since starting migration four days ago, the young cranes have covered three stops and gained 47 miles. Image: Heather Ray
Sunlight and the Seasons: October 1, 2012
In September, brown bears feasted on salmon right before our eyes on LIVE video. Citizen scientists reported bald eagles gorging on fish in Alaska, huge flocks of blue jays and red-winged blackbirds, and colorful foliage across the hemisphere. Photo: Explore.org
The number of sighting reports has dropped by nearly half in the past week. Double-digit reports decreased, while reports of single birds at flowers and feeders increased. The calendar is about to turn to October, and it won't be long before we say, "That's all, folks." Enjoy a rescue story and learn how hummers survive cold nights. Photo: Mary Gulasey
Monarch Migration News: September 27, 2012
It was a week of peak migration along the Atlantic coast. "An endless number heading south," said one observer. With up to 3,000 miles to fly, will these monarchs make it to Mexico? Tagging data reveal their chances. Image: Patty Moss
Symbolic Migration: September 21, 2012
The symbolic monarch migration has begun! Find this year's Teacher Packet, an introductory slideshow, and lessons and activities to get you started! Photo: Sydenham Community School
This Year's Postmark Deadline: October 12, 2012
Cooler temps are moving in as fall officially arrives. "Warm nectar is appreciated, and popular on chilly mornings," shared a Michigan hummer observer. "We will continue to serve nectar for at least 2 weeks after the last winged wonder departs." Why are your feeders especially important for this year's fall migration? read on! Photo: Ann Fitzgerald
Monarch Migration News: September 20, 2012
It was a week of peak migration along the Atlantic coast. "An endless number heading south," said one observer. With up to 3,000 miles to fly, will these monarchs make it to Mexico? Tagging data reveal their chances. Image: Deborah Klein
Is day length REALLY the same everywhere on earth on the equinox? Follow 4 simple steps to report your daylight on the Equinox. Then forward this message around the world! Photo: Elizabeth Howard
It's Time to Plant Your Tulip Test Garden! Fall is the time to dig into activities that explore the BIG question: How can tulips help us measure the arrival of spring as it sweeps across the Northern Hemisphere? Discover how to choose a garden site and start planting your Red Emperor tulip bulbs! Photo: Melissa Austin
Another big week of sightings in the south! "We will miss the mighty warriors!" declares an Illinois observer as southbound hummingbirds pass though. Fall migration is a busy time for hummingbird banders; see how 6-year-old Kaylie helped. This week's article and activity focuses on bees at the feeders. What works? Photo: Judy Reagan
Monarch Migration News: September 13, 2012
Blown to England! Over 3,500 miles off course, this monarch was apparently carried across the Atlantic by Hurricane Isaac. Monarchs rely on the wind to get to Mexico, but it's also a major migration hazard. This week observers saw how the wind can affect our tiny travelers. Image: Martin Cade, Portland Bird Observatory
A rush of sightings came after Tropical Storm Isaac stirred up the weather. "Too many to count," reported a second-grade teacher from Oxford, MS. Tell us what you are seeing now that September is upon us. Having trouble telling males from females, or adults from juveniles? This week's photo gallery and lesson gives tips to identify Ruby-throats. Photo: Sue Warden
Monarch Migration News: Sept. 6, 2012
Widespread drought on the migration trail raises concerns about this fall's migration. As monarchs travel through your hometown, what will you see? Discover when, where, and how to watch fall migration.
Your observations reveal this year's story as it unfolds. Image: Charlene Ryan
As you "countdown" the months before Mystery Class begins in January, track changes in daylight as the Earth revolves around the Sun. Report to the live photoperiod map each month--and on the equinox and solstice. Share and compare observations with people around the globe!
As the earth revolves around the sun, daylight changes. How do plants and animals respond? Share observations from your part of the world. It's time to report your changing daylength and your September sightings!
Monarch Migration News: August 23, 2012
They're off! Monarchs are on their way to Mexico and excitement is in the air. The first signs of directional flight have been reported from the north, and we're expecting the first report of roosting monarchs any moment. What makes monarchs born at this time of year so special? We begin with a puzzle about the monarch's annual cycle.Image: Carole Bradshaw
Citizen scientists share news of hummers on the move. They will soon be disappearing in the north and appearing in larger numbers in the south. This week's slideshow and journal page aid in understanding the month-by-month lives of hummers. Please report your sightings and help us tell this fall's exciting migration story! Photo: Leon Vermeerschl
Symbolic Migration: Send
a Monarch to Mexico 2012!
News
will be posted here this fall as the 17th annual "Symbolic
Monarch Butterfly Migration" takes place across North America.
Students in the United States and Canada are creating thousands
of paper butterflies that will migrate to their counterparts in
Mexico for the winter. Join the celebration! Here's how
to participate.
This Year's Postmark Deadline: October 12, 2012
Monarch Butterfly Migration
Get ready to track the monarch's migration to Mexico! Beginning August 23rd, weekly Monarch Migration Updates will be posted every Thursday. Find out how to report your sightings and track the migration on real-time migration maps. More...
Image: Bud Hensley
Hummingbird Migration
Get ready to report your observations this fall as hummingbirds leave your backyard and migrate to their wintering grounds. With your help, we'll make a migration map to show where hummingbirds are present from August through December. More...
Image: Harlen Aschen
Whooping Crane Migration
A new wild flock of Whooping cranes is being reintroduced to the eastern United States, where whoopers had not flown for over a century. This fall Operation Migration will lead six chicks from Wisconsin to Florida beginning October, 2012. More...
Image: Operation Migration
Plants and the Seasons
Get ready to plant your bulbs for this year's tulip project. Find out how to report your planting and track the arrival of spring on real-time maps. This project enlists the help of students as citizen scientists to monitor seasonal change in a scientific way. More...
Image: Nelson Rural School, Miramichi, New Brunswick
How does daylight change in your part of the world as the Earth revolves around the Sun? Share and compare observations with kids around the globe. Explore how changes in sunlight cause the seasons. More...
Report signs of seasonal change from your part of the world. Explore how changes in sunlight affect the entire web of life. More...
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