The Northern Bald Ibis

Back from the brink and learning to fly again

Northern Bald Ibises used to frequent the skies of from Europe to Northern Africa. But by the times the 17th Century came and went, this species was nearly hunted to extinction.

Bringing back these birds with their iridescent plumage and bald red head, has been quite the ordeal. Not only in breeding and ensuring the safety, but in teaching them how to migrate. A knowledge that is not instinctual, and thus problematic when there are no elders to pass on the knowledge.

A Northern Bald Ibis, courtesy of the AP

The heroes of today’s Good News are the Waldrappteam, an Austrian-based conservation group led by biologist Johannes Fritz. The name comes from the German name for the bird, Waldrapp. Fritz’ team has spearheaded the efforts which have successfully increased the Central European population from zero in 2002 to nearly 300 today.

But raising the population was only half the battle. The birds had to be taught migration patterns like the one from Germany to Spain or Tuscany, a journey of more than 2,500 kilometers and up to 50 days. Without a taught flight pattern the birds would fly aimlessly in different directions and ultimately die.

To solve this part of the problem, the Waldrappteam started when the Ibises were but chicks. At this early age the birds were “bonded” to humans. Once this bond was established the birds would seek out their human counterparts. This seeking out is how the migration patterns were installed.

With the humans sitting, waving and shouting from a microlight aircraft, a truly bizarre scene plays out.

Dozens of birds following a flying shell of an aircraft, which itself is hanging loosely from a massive yellow parachute. This leader/followers dynamic plays out over European countryside.

Gliders and the art of Ibis teaching. Photo courtesy of the very good Waldrappteam.

It’s the best version of class outside I’ve heard in 2024.