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penguin_emperor_of_the_north's review against another edition
5.0
I really liked this. It wound up being more about the quest to study the fish owls than fish owls themselves. The details about fish owl life are dropped throughout and builds up to the end as a sort of climax but the focus is definitely on the work done to collect that data.
The book dwells on the author's adventure in the Russian Far East most. There's the tracking and identifying where the eagles live, figuring out how to trap and attach a transmitter to the owls and later trapping and removing the transmitters for data retrieval. And throughout it all, there's the constant difficulties of navigating the Russian Far East, dealing with the extreme cold of winter, working against the deadline where the spring thaw will render the area impassable and dealing with the various eccentrics in the area who range from everyday Russians curious about the foreigner to, apparently, voluntarily self-exiled recluses in the back country.
The fish owls manage to be a ghostly, illusive presence in their own book. It makes sense as it sounds like Slaght was the first to do a field study on the fish owls but we only get more details on the fish owl's life and behavior as that information is learned in the narrative. On the one hand, it made the book not about the fish owls as much as I would've liked but it did give a good idea of what Slaght (and presumably other naturalists) went through to learn this information.
Finally, at the beginning and towards the end, the book emphasizes the need for conservation solutions that work for humans, fish owls and other wildlife alike. Which I always appreciate seeing, a lot of popular science books seem to take a 'humans bad' standpoint towards the end so I liked seeing the proposals for how humans and fish owl could coexist in this book.
And I found an article talking about Slaght's work in the Far East here. The fish owls are a dang cool looking bird.
The book dwells on the author's adventure in the Russian Far East most. There's the tracking and identifying where the eagles live, figuring out how to trap and attach a transmitter to the owls and later trapping and removing the transmitters for data retrieval. And throughout it all, there's the constant difficulties of navigating the Russian Far East, dealing with the extreme cold of winter, working against the deadline where the spring thaw will render the area impassable and dealing with the various eccentrics in the area who range from everyday Russians curious about the foreigner to, apparently, voluntarily self-exiled recluses in the back country.
The fish owls manage to be a ghostly, illusive presence in their own book. It makes sense as it sounds like Slaght was the first to do a field study on the fish owls but we only get more details on the fish owl's life and behavior as that information is learned in the narrative. On the one hand, it made the book not about the fish owls as much as I would've liked but it did give a good idea of what Slaght (and presumably other naturalists) went through to learn this information.
Finally, at the beginning and towards the end, the book emphasizes the need for conservation solutions that work for humans, fish owls and other wildlife alike. Which I always appreciate seeing, a lot of popular science books seem to take a 'humans bad' standpoint towards the end so I liked seeing the proposals for how humans and fish owl could coexist in this book.
And I found an article talking about Slaght's work in the Far East here. The fish owls are a dang cool looking bird.
kmthomas06's review against another edition
4.0
Absolutely fascinating tale about an owl species I had never heard of and the small team working to learn more about them to protect their homes. Slaght is an engaging writer who gives the humans around him as much as a spotlight as the elusive birds they are trying to capture. It also paints a vivid picture of a part of the world I had never thought about before.
momokomoon94's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
5.0
I really enjoyed this book and was hooked from the get go! I had never heard of Fish Owls before, but learning about them was fascinating.
aclinton13's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism and Animal death
Moderate: Mental illness
Minor: Racial slurs, Sexism, Xenophobia, and War
lena_emma02's review against another edition
5.0
I thought this was a really interesting book. Not only because I am studying ecology and conservation in college and have been since I can remember passionate about wildlife and preserving our natural resources, but also because in my younger years I spent many years in that part of the world and found myself enthralled in the efforts of conservation happening in Primorye. It was especially fun to see some familiar names in Slaght’s book of whom I had luckily had a chance to meet and develop a relationship with (Hi Dale Miquelle!) I really appreciated Slaght’s obvious passion for field work and conservation and his tenacity and ambition in studying and protecting Fish Owls, a species I’m embarassed to say I didn’t know anything about. Definitely an inspiring read for a young scientist and considering the fact I hope to return to the Far East in my studies, I also hope at some point Slaght’s and my paths will cross!
lambsears's review against another edition
4.0
An interest in ornithology or the Russian Far East (and who even knew that was a place?!) is not necessarily a prerequisite for enjoying this book. A lot.
This engagingly written memoir traces the author's years spent wintering in the remote Russian wilderness tracking these unusual, dishevelled and endangered birds. At the same time it is a fascinating glimpse into some of the communities and personalities who populate this extraordinary region.
This is a compelling look at a region, people and wildlife I had no idea existed - and I loved it.
Remarkable.
This engagingly written memoir traces the author's years spent wintering in the remote Russian wilderness tracking these unusual, dishevelled and endangered birds. At the same time it is a fascinating glimpse into some of the communities and personalities who populate this extraordinary region.
This is a compelling look at a region, people and wildlife I had no idea existed - and I loved it.
Remarkable.
mapo's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
5.0
This read has stuck with me for days. The authors passion and distinct candor when recounting the field work and study of fish owls is captivating. The ingenuity, persistence, and optimism left me feeling inspired to go on an adventure and see new, amazing creatures. I spent many hours googling things Slaught mentioned, and spent too many hours on Google Maps following along the rivers and tiny Russian towns as he named them. I loved the respect Slaught had for the fish owls, and for all the hunters, locals, hermits who helped his team along the way.