Thank goodness we still have 10 healthy chicks for the DAR project.  After losing #33-09 and all of us working hard to reinforce the perimeter fence to the day pen, we still are a little nervous about leaving the crane chicks out on their own during the day. 

Normally the costume would work with them for 2-3 hours in the morning exploring other areas around the training site.  We would come back to the night pen where food is available and protected from adult whooping cranes in the area.  Once the chicks eat their fill, we would let them back out into the day pen to explore, forage and loaf without the presence of the costume (assuming the adult whooping cranes were not present).  The costume would watch to see if the adults flew into the day pen or if fledged chicks would fly out.   If adults would fly in, the costume would join the group and supervise interactions so the chicks were not injured.  If the chicks fly out of the pen, we would watch to see where they go, and most likely try to get them back into the day pen with the rest of the other chicks. 

Right now we are staying with the chicks until we are certain that we have captured and relocated the furry little creatures that are occasionally being seen in the day pen.  We hope by the end of next week we will be back on track.

Number 32-09 has definitely fledged!  Although she doesn't fly long distances at this point, she still flies 200-300 meters easily.  Yesterday she flew out of the day pen, circled over the marsh and landed in the field north of the chick building.  It is a beautiful sight! 

Number 32-09 is being socialized with the next oldest chicks—numbers 34-09 through 38-09.  She is much more tolerant of the younger birds and is willing to share food bowls and even rest within a couple feet of the other chicks.  The younger chicks are not running terrified from her, which is always a major step forward in socializations.  Even our youngest chick, #42-09 is willing to stay within 10 feet of the costume when #32-09 is around.  Number 42-09 still runs, but not as far and is more willing to join the group a little sooner than she did last week.

Numbers 34, 35, 36, 37, & 38-09 are all spreading their wings and trying to fly.  They are still a little young to fly, but it is great fun to watch them try!  

Update by Marianne Wellington, ICF Aviculturist/WCEP DAR Co-chair.