The 21 Whooping Cranes and crew with Operation Migration are ready to begin their fall migration south! Tomorrow’s (Oct. 13) departure from the Necedah National Wildlife Refuge is tentative--the flight is heavily dependent on the weather and the cooperation of the birds. The flight generally takes place around 6:45 a.m. The decision to fly is decided in the morning, so it is not possible to call ahead to check on the flight status. If the Whooping Cranes and crew from Operation Migration do not fly tomorrow, they will continue trying on subsequent days until they get suitable weather conditions. The public is welcome to visit the Necedah NWR and observe the departure.

Directions:
Located in central Wisconsin, the Necedah National Wildlife Refuge is 180 miles southeast of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and 150 miles northwest of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The refuge lies north of Highway 21 and west of Highway 80.  To reach the refuge, travel 15 miles east on Highway 21 from Interstate 94 at Tomah, Wisconsin; or about four miles west on Highway 21 from Necedah, Wisconsin. Turn north onto Headquarters Road and continue about half a mile. The best viewing opportunity will be from Headquarters Road.

Update by Joan Garland, ICF Outreach Coordinator/WCEP Communications & Outreach Co-chair.