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Captive raised Ultra light led Whooping Crane population: The first two Class of 2009 chicks hatched at Patuxent Wildlife Research Center in Maryland on May 4th! Sadly, all twelve of the nests made by the eastern population have now failed following the pattern of past years. An indepth study is being carried out to determine what causes the cranes to abandon their nests each year. Some re nesting has taken place, so there is still hope. Wild born Whooping Crane population: A recent census at Aransas NWR found that the only remaining wild born population of Whooping Cranes had their worst winter ever, due to drought and disease. Fifty five Whoopers have died during the last year, 20.7% of the population. Supplemental feeding and habitat management are underway. This decline in the numbers of this critically endangered species is a tragedy. Learn more about the disease and drought at Aransas. To learn more about how water use effects the endangered Whooping Crane and how you can help conserve water, watch "Texas the State of Flowing Water" a PBS documentary. Operation Migration: In the wild Whooping Cranes learn to migrate by following their parents. In an effort to establish a second wild population, captive born birds are being released into the wild. Every year since 2001 Operation Migration has taught a group of these endangered Whooping Crane chicks their migration route using ultra light aircraft. Meet the Class of 2009! Sandhill Crane migration: The Hems Family took a trip to the Rowe Sanctuary in Nebraska this spring to see the breath taking spectacle of half a million Sandhill Cranes at their migration stop over on the Platte River. The sight of the cranes waking up and leaving their roost is something Jade will never forget; a truly incredible sight.