By Shelby Rickert & Jacki Loomis
Michael Forsberg, a research assistant professor and conservation photographer-in-residence in the School of Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, self-published a book on the lives of North America's rarest crane species last month.
Photos and essays show the whooping cranes' nesting, wintering and 2,500-mile annual migration from northern Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. The migration route crosses Nebraska, but images were taken all along the migration route
Whooping cranes are 5-feet tall and bright white with black wingtips spanning 8 feet, and they are the tallest bird in North America.
In the late 1940s, there were just 16 whooping cranes left in the world. Intensive conservation work has brought the species, Grus americana, to a population of about 850, inclusive of wild, experimental and captive populations. The cranes’ comeback is a guarded success, achieved through multistate efforts of hundreds if not thousands of conservationists, biologists, environmental activists, policymakers and bird enthusiasts. They are a symbol of the conservation movement and offer hope for other species of concern.
“Into Whooperland,” is available for purchase on his website. The book is also available in limited numbers at Francie and Finch, 130 S 13th Street. An accompanying website and podcast can be found online.
Forsberg will be the featured speaker for the 3:30 p.m. November 18th, talk sponsored by the Center for Grassland Studies, the School of Natural Resources and the Platte Basin Timelapse at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The talk occurs in the Hardin Hall auditorium on UNL’s East Campus and is free and open to the public. A reception, meet the author and book signing event sponsored by the School of Natural Resources’ Nebraska Maps and More Store will follow at 4:30 pm at the Store. Complimentary guest parking permits are available at the Store.
Read the full article at https://news.unl.edu/article/forsberg-publishes-book-on-the-lives-of-rare-north-american-crane-species