The Kirtland's Warbler: The Story of a Bird's Fight Against Extinction and the People Who Saved It Paperback – Illustrated, May 30, 2013

The Kirtland's Warbler may be obscure to non-birders, but the fascinating story of the fight to save it from extinction involves a high-profile fire and the co-defendant in one of the most notorious murder cases of the 20th century.This warbler is a very fussy bird indeed. In order to build its nest, the Kirtland's Warbler insists on a particular amount of land (over 60 acres per bird) hosting a particular species of tree (the jack-pine) at a particular height-range (6.5' to 13') and surrounded by a particular type of undergrowth. Consequently, in the entire US only 13 counties in northern Michigan provide suitable breeding grounds capable of sustaining the bird. Attempts to create more habitat via a controlled burn resulted in the disastrous Mack Lake fire of 1980. And if that wasn't bad enough publicity for the bird, the first person to identify the threat to the Kirtland's Warbler from Brown-headed Cowbirds, which lay eggs in the warbler's nest, was Nathan Leopold. At the tender age of 20, Leopold presented a paper to the American Ornithological Union on the subject a few months before his name would be irrevocably linked to Richard Loeb in the thrill killing of 14-year-old Bobby Franks in 1924.William Rapai tells these stories and many more in a vigorous, engaging manner, never letting his account turn dry. He's skilled not only at building the larger narrative of how dedicated individuals helped to save this bird, but he's also adept at delivering the smaller stories in individual chapters. Although it may not be a page-turner in the same way that a mystery novel might be, once I started reading this book, I didn't want to put it down. I can only imagine how much work it must have been organizing all of the material and presenting it in a way that feels natural and effortless.Best of all, the story of the warbler has a happy ending. Through careful management of the warbler's nesting ground, trapping of cowbirds, and other measures, the Kirtland's Warbler has recovered from a disastrously low population of only 167 singing males in 1974 to the 2011 census result of 1,805 singing males in Michigan (and 23 more in Wisconsin and Ontario). Challenges to the bird's future persist, but the picture is considerably rosier than it was a few decades ago. William Rapai deserves much credit for writing such an approachable history of this warbler and in stimulating interest that will contribute to its longevity.- Bob Tarte, Author of  Kitty Cornered , Enslaved by Ducks , and  Fowl Weather

I read the book since I summer in the Kirtland's Warblers breeding range in Michigan and am also in the Kirtland's Warbler Audubon Society club. The book was interesting as a great review of what it takes to work on saving an endangered species. The author included an interplay between the scientific and natural forces affecting the extinction outcome. A great historic and educational reference as well as easy to read.

I had the pleasure of hearing Bill Rapai speak about this book at a local Audubon meeting shortly after its publication. I had put the book on a pile of "to reads", hoping to get to it soon. The story he told at the meeting was so engaging that I immediately came home and started the book.Avid birders and Michiganders are a natural audience for this book, but even if you're a more general nature lover you'll enjoy the story of this fascinating little bird. What I found really interesting is how much hard work it takes from many dedicated people to protect a single species.Now I'm more stoked than ever to see a Kirtland's Warbler. My chance is coming -- it's warbler migration time on the south shores of Lake Erie!

Kirtland's Warbler is one of the rarest birds nesting in the U.S. and was close to extinction. This book describes how dedicated ornithologists and conservationists helped bring it back from the brink. The work was difficult due to lack of knowledge and mistakes were made. In the end however the effort has been successful and can serve as a model for work with other species.The author tells the story well.

Very interesting history of the fight to save the Kirtland's Warbler from extinction in the State of Michigan.

Though I have never seen a Kirtland's Warbler, I'm glad this book introduced me to this fascinating species. The author engagingly details the history of the bird and the many issues surrounding saving it from extinction. I particularly enjoyed reading about the ups, downs, obstacles, and successes of the Kirtland's Warbler Recovery Team. This is a great behind-the-scenes look at conservation in action.

I think this was a terrific book, very informative about the bird itself, nesting habits, amazing winter retreat and more on the history of acceptance by local residents, the military and the government. Quite the little birdie.

This is a comprehensive look at the campaign to save a bird species. It is well and accessibly written and shows a broad range of perspectives. Lots of good information.