BirdNote Daily Migrations: The Triumphant Comeback of the Aleutian Cackling Goose
Oct 8, 2025
Discover the inspiring journey of the Aleutian Cackling Goose, a bird nearly driven to extinction by introduced foxes. Learn how biologists found a small group nesting in the 1960s, sparking conservation efforts that led to its recovery. With habitat protections in place, these geese have rebounded to over 120,000 and are now successfully migrating between Alaska and the Gulf of Mexico. Join in on this remarkable comeback story of resilience and restoration in the avian world!
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Rediscovery On Buldir Island
- Aleutian cackling geese nest on islands off western Alaska and faced a severe decline after foxes were introduced in the 1700s.
- In the 1960s a biologist found about 300 birds on Buldir Island, revealing they were not extinct.
Invasives And Conservation Turnaround
- Invasive foxes introduced by fur traders nearly wiped out the Aleutian cackling goose population on their nesting islands.
- Federal protections and habitat conservation enabled a dramatic recovery to over 120,000 birds.
Protect Seasonal Habitats
- Listing the geese as endangered unlocked federal protections for their nesting and wintering habitats in Alaska, Oregon, and California.
- To protect migratory birds, focus on conserving seasonal habitats across their full annual range.