Introduction
An extraordinary photograph showing a conservationist flying in an ultralight aircraft while singing through a megaphone to guide a flock of northern bald ibis has won Nature's 2026 Scientist at Work photography competition. The image, taken by student Gunnar Hartmann, captures a pivotal moment in the ongoing effort to reintroduce this critically endangered bird to its former European range.
The Winning Image
Hartmann's photograph depicts Helena Wehner in the passenger seat of an ultralight aircraft, singing a German song through a megaphone to lead the birds on their migration route. Pilot Johannes Fritz is at the controls. The scene unfolds over olive groves in Jaén, southern Spain, during the 50-day, 2,800-kilometer journey from southeast Germany to southwest Spain. The northern bald ibis (Geronticus eremita) had vanished from the northern Alps foothills about 400 years ago due to poaching and climate change. Now, thanks to the efforts of the Austrian conservation group Waldrappteam—named after the ibis's local name—the species is making a comeback.
Conservation Strategy
The Waldrappteam hand-raises the birds, which form strong bonds with their human carers. This attachment allows the birds to follow the ultralight aircraft, which serves as a surrogate parent guiding them to new wintering grounds. Since the project's inception in 2004, it has garnered a loyal following among local communities along the migration route. The birds' successful journey is a testament to the dedication of the team and the innovative use of aircraft to reestablish natural migratory behavior.
Photographer's Perspective
Gunnar Hartmann, a science undergraduate at the University of Koblenz in Germany, joined the conservation team as a volunteer in 2024. In a statement about the award, Hartmann said the image evokes “so many emotions” for him, adding, “I can smell the air from this day and imagine the sounds.” His photograph was selected as the overall winner of Nature's 2026 Scientist at Work competition, which celebrates images that showcase researchers and conservationists in action.
Other Winning Entries
The competition also recognized other outstanding photographs. Marine biologist Uli Kunz captured an image from the Red Sea off the Saudi Arabian coast, showing scientists installing an incubation chamber over a coral reef ecosystem. The project measures oxygen output to understand how different corals, such as Acropora, respond to rising water temperatures caused by climate change. Another winning shot by Robert Harcourt shows biologist Michael Doane diving to collect skin samples from a whale shark (Rhincodon typus) at Ningaloo Reef off Western Australia. The samples help study the microorganisms living on the shark's skin.
Significance of the Award
The Scientist at Work competition highlights the vital role of fieldwork and conservation science. Hartmann's winning image not only showcases the beauty of the northern bald ibis and the innovative methods used to save them but also underscores the urgent need to protect endangered species. The Waldrappteam's success offers hope for other species threatened by habitat loss and climate change.
Conclusion
As the northern bald ibis returns to the skies of Europe, Hartmann's photograph serves as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through dedication and creativity. The image will inspire future generations of scientists and conservationists to continue the work of preserving our planet's biodiversity.
This article is based on reporting by New Scientist. Read the original article.
Originally published on newscientist.com
