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Halpata:
Temporary Layover Site

A temporary layover
site in Marion County, Florida is being
readied for the crane-kids to stay at first. This layover site is in
a safe nature preserve called Halpata-Tastanki Preserve. They're
unlikely to meet up with the flock's older Whooping Cranes at this carefully
chosen site. It was
used for the first time in 2005. Why?
Why
Don't They Go Right to Their Final Pen?
Since 2001, the ultralights have brought the young chicks to the "Chass" pen
site.
The returning "graduates" like
to claim the chicks' winter pen at Chass as their own. That's where they
spent their first
winter. That's where they find free crane chow. With nearly 60 adult "graduates" by
now, their fondness for the Chass pen site is becoming a problem. The
older whoopers at the pen site can harass the
youngsters. They pick fights. They eat the food. They try to drive
the youngsters away. This endangers the chicks'
chances of survival.
A
different site for the new arrivals now keeps the chicks safe
until enough time passes for all the "graduate" Whooping
Cranes to stop at their old Chass
pen
and
find
nobody home. The adult birds give up, get bored, and go
away. The young crane-kids can be
left in
peace
as they slowly get used to being wild and free.
Will the Plan Work?
Will any birds from the Class of
2005 remember and go back to the temporary pen at Halpata? Will the 2007
chicks still be willing to fly with the ultralights after being on
their
own
for a
short time?
We'll bring you the news when "moving day" happens and the story of
this year's journey south is done!
Journey North is pleased to feature this educational
adventure made possible by the
Whooping Crane Eastern Partnership (WCEP).
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