A trip in which ultra light planes lead endangered whooping cranes from Wisconsin to a winter home in Florida has not been ideal. Since leaving Necedah in mid October, the trek led by Operation Migration has hit some snags. Liz Condie, Director of Communications for the group, says they have just now crossed Northern Illinois.

Bad weather has plagued the 1,200 mile trek which has no schedule and is completely dependent on weather conditions. The workers wake up in the morning and check the forecast or make a test run. If the conditions aren't right they stay put.  The crew had to halt in Green County for 10 days.

Condie says such delays don't affect the health of the birds and are checked on several times a day.

Click here to follow the birds' voyage.

AUDIO: Brian Moon reports (MP3 :62)

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