Whooping Crane Chronicles
This website is dedicated to one of the world’s most endangered birds, the whooping crane. Explore their natural history, listen to inspiring conservation stories, and experience never-before-seen imagery of whoopers in the wild.
Pedaling the Whooper Highway
Imagine pedaling by bike 2,500 miles through the heart of the Great Plains–following an ancient migration of one of the rarest birds in the world, powered by grit, determination, and love for a species we almost lost.
For 49 days in Spring 2026, conservation photographer Mike Forsberg and ecosystem ecologist Andy Caven did just that.
Voices
Read, listen, and engage with the stories and art from those who love whooping cranes.
Mike’s Journey
Follow conservation photographer Mike Forsberg on a five-year journey to document the hidden lives of whooping cranes
Timelapse
Watch change over time on whooping crane nests and up and down their flyway.
Podcast
Episode 0: Introduction
Welcome to the Whooping Crane Chronicles Podcast, hosted by Mike Forsberg.
Episode 1: White Birds on Halloween
Stories with bird biologist and Mike’s daughter, Elsa Forsberg.
Episode 2: Crane City
A conversation with International Crane Foundation’s Anne Lacey and Hilary Thompson.
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Meet the Whoopers
Stories Coming Soon!
Husker Red
Mike has photographed Husker Red more than any other whooping crane, and along his journey, she keeps popping up in the most serendipitous ways…
Brutus
Injured from battle and thought to be dead, Brutus’ story began in 2019 and is not over yet…
The Church Family
A multigenerational family of four, this wild whooping crane family navigates the flyway and intercepts Mike and others along the way…
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Explore Gallery
Learn More About Whooping Cranes
Natural History
Explore whooping crane biology, behavior, habitat, diet, and more.
Conservation History
Follow the challenges, successes, and what’s to come for the conservation of whooping cranes.
Get Involved
There are many ways to support whooping cranes, whether that’s through making a donation or sharing your whooping crane story.