Watching Walking Whoopers What do you wonder? Tell a partner what you observed. What do you wonder about the way cranes walk? What scientists wondered: Scientists wondered why cranes seem to bob their heads when they walk! They noticed that the birds first thrust their long necks and heads out. Then they held them still while they stepped forward. The scientists had this theory: When cranes keep their heads still, their eyes can focus on details and pinpoint food. They knew from other research that when a bird's head moves forward, it jerks. That makes details look blurry, but it helps a bird to judge distance. Next: Testing the bobbing theory >> Try This! Walk Like a Crane You've seen the silly strut and read a description. Now imagine you're a whooping crane looking for tasty morsels in shallow water. How would you look? Was it easy or difficult to walk like a crane? Why? Do you think humans are adapted to walk this way? How could you tell just by looking at our bodies?   Photo: Whooping Crane Eastern Partnership   This Season Teachers Kids Orientation Registration Search Copyright 1997-2008 Journey North. All Rights Reserved. Questions or comments? Contact us.