One Man's Owl

November 1, 1987
This is not another story of well-intentioned but misguided incarceration of wild foundlings (most of which are kept in violation of the law and are better left alone). Heinrich ( In a Patch of Fireweed ) rescued a young great horned owl after its nest was destroyed by a storm and kept it in a semi-wild state for three years. His entertaining diary of the owl's behavior is also a discourse on natural history, with references to technical literature, as well as musings and philosophy. Heinrich is especially interested in how owls acquire their skills as predators and why smaller birds swarm around them in the daytime. An excellent book that should have wide appeal. Nature Book Society and Library of Science selection. Henry T. Armistead, Thomas Jefferson Univ., Philadelphia

Copyright 1987 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.