Sandhill Cranes Signal Spring in the Rockies

We are getting some indications of spring here in the mountains of Colorado.  It's going to be near 70 today! We usually don’t see many blooms in March, but there are other signs.  There are a few nights above freezing! The days are a bit longer.  And the cranes!  A cohort of the

FL Sandhills.
See CO pics on FaceBook

sandhill crane migration always flies right up the spine of the Rockies, just east of the continental divide.  There is even a Crane Festival in Monte Vista, CO this weekend.  Some of these migrating masters have been tracked from southern Arizona all the way to Siberia!

Until recently there was little evidence about how the cranes, and other bird species, do it.  Do they have an internal genetic compass?  Are the migrations based on instinct alone?  A study by the University of Maryland published last year in the journal Science has revealed that the secret may be much simpler.  By tracking migrating whooping cranes, researchers have shown that young cranes learn to migrate from older cranes!  By comparing deviation from the most accurate migration route, scientists discovered the influence of the older birds.  Dr. Thomas Müller, biologist and lead scientist on the project said, "if there was one older bird in the group, they would fly more accurately.”  Amazingly simple!  Press release from U of M

At Paraclete Mission Group, our experienced coaches, mentors and trainers are giving valuable assistance to young energetic committed missional workers all over the world.  Paraclete associates have seen the landmarks.  They know where the dangers lie.  They don’t take over, and they don’t need to be the leader, but their presence has a remarkable impact on outcomes.  Just like the old cranes!