[TN-Bird] Hiwassee Whooper's -- flew the coop!

Hiwassee Refuge
Meigs Co.

This morning around 10 AM the fog lifted and the Whooping Cranes were led 
south into North Georgia.

Conditions appeared optimal from home this morning around 6 AM so I headed up 
toward the refuge via Dayton.  As I approached the Tennessee River an hour 
later the fog was more visible than I had expected.  Even this much heavy fog 
couldn't affect my enthusiasm.  I felt certain today would be the day for 
migration to continue.

When the Sun came out and the fog burned away the morning sky was 
spectacular.  For a brief second or two there were the first signs of dismay.  
Over the 
crackle of the radios we could hear Brook's voice as he began to report a 12 
MPH headwind.  My mind went into overdrive with negative thoughts.  Just as 
quickly the world returned to normal as his voice could be heard again " 2 
hours 6 
minutes to the next intended stop."  Even I knew this was doable!  Yeah!!!

When the cranes were released from their holding pen several attempts were 
made to get them to gather up and go.  One aircraft was able to leave almost 
right away with 7 birds in tow.  Another craft had a single bird who was 
surfing 
around with the aid of the wing draft.  The third group was a different story. 
 The pilot would get those 6 lined up and ready to go when after several 
attempts and at the very same point the birds would break away and fly back 
toward 
the holding pen.  The pilot didn't give up and was successful on the 
umpteenth try.

Heather Ray told a story to the craniacs about a problem at the intended next 
stopover.  It seems that a ground crew had to be dispatched yesterday to 
retrieve the temporary holding pen from a flood.  Something was also said about 
drowned fire ants and some of the crew having them inside their clothing.  So, 
all you guys in Georgia will have an alternate sight for the birds to rest 
tonight.

Jimmy Wilkerson
Hixson, TN.


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