First published 2000
Bird migration creates the planet's most unifying natural force, connecting continents in ways that surpass even massive weather patterns. Scott Weidensaul examines this global phenomenon by following remarkable journeys across the world. He observes impressive concentrations of hawks soaring above Mexico's coastal plains and tracks bar-tailed godwits that ride storm winds for 7,000 miles without stopping, traveling from Alaska all the way to New Zealand. The author also investigates countless songbird species whose populations have suffered severe declines in recent years. These migration routes create a complex worldwide network that shows dangerous signs of breakdown. Weidensaul explores the disasters of habitat destruction and forest loss with compelling urgency, illuminating the enormous challenges facing these extraordinary traveling birds.
Genres: science, nature, animals, environment, non-fiction, biology
Vibes: intimate, lyrical, thought-provoking
Tropes: global-perspective, investigative-journalism
Setting: Alaska, Mexico, New Zealand
420 pages · Paperback · North Point Press