PATERZELL – How do you teach a bird how, and where, to fly?

The Northern Bald Ibis, a distinctive bird hunted nearly to extinction by the 17th century, has made a remarkable comeback thanks to the efforts of a dedicated team of scientists and conservationists. Recognized for their striking black-and-iridescent green plumage, bald red heads, and long curved beaks, these birds needed guidance from humans as foster parents and flight instructors to relearn their migratory routes.

The Northern Bald Ibis, once a common sight over North Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and Europe, including southern Germany’s Bavaria, had disappeared from most of these regions. Thanks to the relentless efforts of biologist Johannes Fritz and the Waldrappteam, the central European population of these magnificent birds has increased from zero to nearly 300 since 2002. Their work has reclassified the species from “critically endangered” to “endangered,” marking the first successful reintroduction of a continentally extinct migratory bird species.

The challenge lay in teaching these birds their migration routes. Early attempts at reintroduction failed as the birds did not know where to go without guidance. The team took on the role of foster parents and flight instructors for the young ibises, preparing them for migration by imprinting on them and guiding them on their journey.

Led by Fritz, the team guides the birds on microlight aircraft, paving the way for a successful migration. Their efforts mirror those of Bill Lishman, the famous naturalist known as “Father Goose,” who trained Canadian geese to fly alongside his aircraft. Just as Lishman’s work inspired the movie “Fly Away Home,” Fritz and his team’s dedication have led to the successful migration of Northern Bald Ibises back to their European habitats.

While climate change poses new challenges to the ibises’ migration, the team remains committed to ensuring their safe journey. The latest route from Bavaria to Andalusia in southern Spain covers 2,800 kilometers, and the team hopes to see the central European population grow to over 350 birds by 2028.

Beyond the Northern Bald Ibis, Fritz sees their work as a beacon of hope for other threatened migratory species. By teaching these birds to fly, the team is not just saving a species but also setting a precedent for conservation efforts worldwide.

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Dazio reported from Berlin.