Halpata: Temporary Layover Site Photo USFWS Bill Brooks 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 "Chass" 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. Starting in 2005 the team thought a different site for the new arrivals would keep the chicks safe until enough time passed for all the "graduate" Whooping Cranes to stop at their old Chass pen and find nobody home. Then the adult birds give up, get bored, and go away. With the 2007 and 2008 migrations being so late, the birds didn't stay at Halpata long. They continued on the next flyable day to their release pen at Chass. Try This! Journal or Discussion Question Will any birds from the previous classes remember and go back to the temporary pen at Halpata? Will the young chicks still be willing to fly with the ultralights after being here 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). This Season Teachers Kids Orientation Registration Search Copyright 1997-2009 Journey North. All Rights Reserved. Questions or comments? Contact us.