They are trained to follow ultralights for their first migration and then will be on their own to migrate back.

Whooping Cranes are an endangered species and this is the ninth year of trying to re-establish an Eastern Migratory flock.

It's amazing what can be done with wildlife through research. This project sounds fascinating.

I remember seeing, about 20 years ago, many different crane species (whooping cranes among them) at a center not far from where you live. It was fascinating too, many of the cranes were (and maybe still are) endangered. All beautiful birds.

Here's to continued success for OM!

The OM flight is an effort to establish a second migratory flock. I've written at greater length in an article at Suite 101.com linked to below, if you'd wish more information about these beautiful creatures.