THE WHOOPING CRANES HAVE DEPARTED TENNESSEE

After a lengthy wait this morning, the heavy fog burned away and the Whoopers departed Blythe Ferry/Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge at 9:01 EST. Approximately 35 people turned out to view the lift off.

We were told by Heather Ray of Operation Migration that a fly by over the viewing area was planned if the birds would cooperate. All three trikes were seen in our immediate vicinity but the birds never bunched up to join them for good close looks. All six Cranes did finally gather to our rear and began to group up and fly behind Joe Duff's trike which was flying south and away from us. The view was good but not great like Tuesday. Maybe I just got spoiled yesterday because everyone else, to a person, was estatic.

For you guys down in Georgia, the Whooping Cranes are on their way and quite possibly have landed as I type right now. The plan as explained to me was for a 70 plus mile flight to be accomplished in just under two hours. I was told by Heather that they planned to fly to the vicinity of Plainville which I think is in Gordon Co. Wish I could be more helpful in your quest to view this phenomenon.

Good Birding, Jimmy & Cynthia Wilkerson Hixson/Chattanooga, Tn.