On January 8th we wrote about Operation Migration’s (OM) Class of 2011 and their unfortunate grounding in Alabama.  After an OM blog update on the bird’s well-being in response to curious and concerned emails another update quickly followed happily reporting the FAA’s granting of the temporary waiver they would need to continue the human-led migration. The waiver will be valid through the end of March and then, “The FAA will work with Operation Migration to develop a more comprehensive, long-term solution.”

However, the weather was not as cooperative as the FAA.  The migration crew hoped to be in the air on Friday, January 13th but high winds and bad conditions kept the crew on the ground in Alabama. 

This morning OM’s blog was updated with a post titled: “Migration Day 77- OH MY”.  The weather would make a flight possible for the first time since the waiver was granted but the birds seemed to have other ideas than a trip to Florida. Liz Condie, OM’s Chief Operating & Financial Officer and Director of Communications and Fund Development described for readers “this morning's rodeo and aborted flight.”

Pilots Richard Van Heuvelen and Brooke Pennypacker went up and managed to fly a short distance with five birds. But it wasn’t smooth sailing and the blog entry noted, “They would follow and then break again and again. Worried the birds would go down, at one point they even discussed turning and leading them back to the pen. But, eventually all five birds and both trikes were on the ground about 8 air miles out. Gerald Murphy was dispatched in the white van with crates for a pick up.” 

Four other cranes “had broken away and dropped down” and had to be located, rounded up, and crated. During this wild crane chase the bird known as #10 went AWOL. The birds have transmitting devices which meant as soon as the crew picked up a signal from #10 they were off to pick him up.  After a tense search over land and air, by four crew members, #10 was safely brought to the pen where the other cranes had been secured after the fiasco.

Tomorrow’s weather forecast, more wind and some rain, does not look promising and OM does not anticipate being able to fly. Even with that dismal forecast the crew must be glad the entire Class of 2011 is accounted for and safely penned where they can’t get into any more mischief.

OM is still seeking for MileMaker Sponsors for this migration or general donations to help with legal fees due to the FAA investigation. If you would like to help please visit their website or consider purchasing merchandise from their online gift shop- all proceeds benefit the organization’s work.