Project Ultraswan (Scientists in the Field Series) [Paperback]

Elinor Osborn (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up | Series: Scientists in the Field Series

Imagine it has been nearly two hundred years since hunters killed the last of the trumpeter swans living in the eastern part of North America. Now that the birds are protected by law, scientists hope to return the birds to their former range in the East. However, trumpeter swans must learn their migration routes from their parents—so scientists are taking on the role of parent swans in the Trumpeter Swan Migration Project, teaching cygnets to follow ultralight aircraft in an effort to reintroduce a migrating population to the Atlantic coast.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-9-The magnificent trumpeter swan, with its eight-foot wingspan, once covered most of the United States and Canada. By 1900, the species was killed off for food or feathers east of the Mississippi River and threatened with extinction. Unlike other migrating birds, swans and geese must learn their migration routes; it is not instinctive. When biologist Gavin Shire came in contact with Bill Lishman, the pilot of "Father Goose" fame, whose work with migrating geese was brought to the big screen in Fly Away Home, he decided to try something similar with the heavier birds. The Trumpeter Swan Migration Project was hatched, with the scientists setting out to teach cygnets to follow ultralight aircraft and reestablish their traditional routes. Osborn has documented the first three years of this project with vibrant writing and crisp, informative, and occasionally dramatic photographs. Maps are used throughout to explain routes and to depict both the historical and current range of the swan. A chart and photographs compare the three types of swans found in North America, and another page includes some sites where trumpeter swans can be seen in the wild. This excellent title builds from year to year as scientists learn from their experiences and start again with new cygnets. An exciting and accessible story, with important insights into our environment and the scientific process.
Susan Oliver, Tampa-Hillsborough Public Library System, FL
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

Gr. 3-6. Almost 200 years ago, hunters killed the last of the trumpeter swans living in the eastern part of North America. The majestic birds are now protected by law, and scientists hope to restore them to their former habitat. But trumpeters have lost the knowledge of their migration routes, so scientists are training the swans to follow ultralight aircraft and relearn their migratory patterns. Beautifully illustrated with crisp, colorful photographs and maps, Project UltraSwan describes in clear, succinct language all that the scientists must take into account in their work, as well as what they have learned about their subject so far. A chart comparing the three kinds of North American swans is included, as are recommended titles for additional information and a list of the nations' top sites to spot trumpeter swans. Another fine addition to the exceptional Scientists in the Field series. Karen Hutt
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Paperback: 64 pages
• Publisher: Sandpiper (June 19, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0618585451
• ISBN-13: 978-0618585458
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 11 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #895,333 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Project Ultraswan, January 15, 2003

By 

Isabell (Crystal River Florida United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Project Ultraswan (Hardcover)

This is an incredible book for all ages!! The pictures are beautiful and the text very educational. What a great project(Trumpeter Swan Migration Project) to be involved with. This book is very high quality for a small price!!!!