The weather cooperated over the weekend and we were able to train with the young Whooping cranes on both Saturday and Sunday. Number 4-14 is still on restricted duty but yesterday when I was one of the costumes, along with Tom Schultz, I was able to watch his reaction as his flockmates and the aircraft were going through their paces.
He SO wanted to fly. He peeped loud. Very loud – each time the trike would pass by, and he flapped and ran across the width of the wetpen. His limp is barely noticeable now, however, reinjury is possible so we’ll take it slow, incorporating him back into the line-up.
Once training was finished with the others, we let him out onto the runway to mingle, and to be near the aircraft. He leaped and danced and even took off on a short circuit over the pensite. Joe started the trike engine a couple of times and he didn’t flinch at all.
Here are some photos from yesterday’s training session from both Tom Schultz and yours truly.
Whooping crane 4-14 was very excited to spend some time out on the runway.
4-14 flies a short circuit around the pensite.
It was great to see him get out and stretch his wings.
awww little Peanut! Thank you for sharing his story with us! I bet it was heart breaking to listen to those LOUD peeps and seeing that he wanted to go fly!
Praying for a full & quick recovery for you, “Peanut”! Hope all will be ready to go when it’s time to head South.
So good to see 4-14, (Peanut) up and at em. Go for it young colt and be yourself. Silly, I guess to talk to a bird. Maybe this is encouragement just for us. The pictures are beautiful! Thanks.
What a glorious sight!! Thank you for the update and the pictures because I missed the training. I am so pleased that little Peanut is recovering so well and has such a strong desire to fly!!
Yaaay Peanut!!! Was so good to see you back amongst the flying flock(although still grounded). Heather congrats on being “back at it” again! Enjoy your tume time, and may you have a safe and successful journey to begin soon!