MICHAEL FORSBERG grew up in Nebraska and is dedicated to working extensively in the prairies of the Great Plains .

Ultimately, he hopes his photographs capture the true spirit of the wide-open spaces of the Great Plains, build appreciation for its often misunderstood wildlife and landscapes, and inspire conservation efforts far into the future. Michael is currently in the field working on his next book that will focus on the landscapes, wildlife and peoples of the Great Plains.

Michael is also widely recognized for his extraordinary photographic work on sandhill cranes; indeed, many revere his crane images as among the best in the world.  On Ancient Wings is Michael's first book and the result of a five year personal project on sandhill cranes.  In addition to the Platte River in Nebraska, Michael has traveled to 13 locations and four countries on the North American continent to photograph cranes and their habitats, from the Alaskan tundra to the arid High Plains, and from Cuban nature preserves to suburban backyards.  

The Wildlife Society awarded Michael their Conservation Education Award in 2004 for outstanding accomplishments in the dissemination of conservation knowledge to the public.

The BBC's International Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition for 2003 recognized Mike as a Highly Commended winner for his image of a sandhill crane and chick. 

In 2001, Mike won an Award of Excellence in the Science/Natural History category of the 58th Annual Pictures of the Year (POY) competition for his image of a burrowing owl, titled Balancing Act. His image of Nine-Mile Prairie titled October in the Tallgrass was selected by the USPS for an International Postage Stamp, released spring 2001.

Mike's work has appeared in publications including National Geographic, Audubon, Natural History, & National Wildlife and in books published by National Geographic and Smithsonian, among others. Michael is also an Associate with the International League of Conservation Photographers www.ilcp.org and a charter member of the North American Nature Photographers Association www.nanpa.org.

His fine art photographic prints can be found at the Michael Forsberg Gallery in Lincoln, Nebraska and in private and public collections around the world.  Mike lives in Lincoln, Nebraska with his wife Patty, daughters Elsa and Emme, and dogs Grace and Charlie. 

Photo by Larry and Nancy Forsberg, Denali National Park.