Winter Wren
Conservationists hope that bird species such as this winter wren, photographed on the island in 2009, will bounce back without the threat of rats. The island was declared officially rat-free in 2010, two years after the 2008 eradication mission.
The Song Sparrow Returns
According to Island Conservation, the song sparrow is now a common sight on Rat Island. Before the rat eradication, the birds were few and far between.
Tufted Puffins
Tufted puffins, such as these in the Pribilof Islands, are expected to nest in far greater numbers in the restored island ecosystem.
Red-Faced Cormorants
Conservationists are also monitoring the population of red-faced cormorants, such as these.
Rat Island From Sea
Now that the rats are gone from Rat Island, the Aleutian Pribilof Island Association is working to get a new name approved for the island. The name hasn't been announced, but will likely be an Aleut name in tribute to the early Alaskan people.
Puffins return
Breeding tufted puffins have been seen on Hawadax Island for the first time since long before the rats were exterminated in 2008.
New chicks
Numbers of black oystercatchers (seen here as chicks) have been on the rise since the rats were removed.
