This specialized book is an exciting story of how humans taught migratory route to a group of Trumpeter Swans. The swans were nearly exterminated as they were hunted down for their meat and feathers by the early colonists. However new treaties and laws prohibited their killing, thereby saving a few. These birds that were saved did not knew the migratory routes and therefore it was up to the humans to teach the young swans to migrate. Inspired with the work of Dr. Bill Lishman, who taught a group of geese to migrate, Gavin Shire and a group of dedicated scientists and volunteer undertake the important task of teaching the swans to migrate. The book describes the difficulties they face and how they overcame them to attain their objective.
One could ask the question, why it is necessary to teach the swans how to migrate? after all we were successful in saving them.To explain this point, the author uses the example of mute swans. These swans do not migrate, thereby destroying the habitat in which they live.
The book is filled with scientific terminology like molt, preening, procial, altricial, imprinting as well as their explanation. it also gives information on the three kinds of swans found in America as well as the places where they can be found. The pictures accompanying the text are brilliant and colorful, and give a glimpse of how field scientists work. The book can be used for young adults to teach the role of migration in our ecosystems. ( )

I did not really enjoy this book. It was very informative about geese migrating and how scientists followed the routes, but it just did not grab me. The detail would be good if you were using for information for a report or something. I think that children may like it though. It really is an informative and interesting book. ( )

Project UltraSwan is the story of how scientists worked to teach endangered trumpeter swans their migration route. It explains how the scientists became involved and documents the journey. There is a lot of background information, and the process is explained clearly. It can be used for multiple age groups. ( )

Gavin Shire and Bill Lishman trained geese to migrate. When trying to figure out how to repopulate parts of North Americawith trumpeter swans, Gavin used Bill's method to try to get the swans to learn the migration route. The book includes resources such as: drawings, photographs, maps, where to see swans, and how to tell swans apart. ( )

Project UltraSwan is the compelling account of how scientists worked to teach endangered trumpeter swans their migration route, after adult swans had passed away and the route was lost. Osborn explains in coherent fashion the origin of the swans, how the scientists became involved, and the account of the journey. The story itself is engaging, and Osborn does a capable job of giving background, and explaining the process, while moving the story along appropriately.

I had no prior knowledge of the topic, but I finished the book eager to learn more about trumpeter swans, as well as to read more books in the Scientists in the Field series. I was skeptical when this book was recommended to me, but sold after having read it. It is complex enough for an older audience, yet clear and direct for middle school students as well. I used it as a hook in my classroom to introduce a project about flight, and it was generally well received by my high schoolers. ( )