Amidst concern about animal species on the verge of extinction, we wanted to look at some success stories: species that were highly endangered, but whose populations are now making a comeback in Michigan.
The Kirtland's warbler is one of those species. Fifty years ago, the songbird was nearly extinct. Today, it has an estimated population of around 5,000.
Dan Kennedy is the endangered species coordinator for the Michigan DNR, and he joined Stateside to discuss the bird's remarkable comeback.
Listen above to hear why the Kirtland's warbler was endangered, how conservationists worked to save the bird, and how this comeback story could affect the survival of other species.