Cool North Wind

by Stephen Steubner, Jim Fowler (Introduction), Stephen Steubner

The biography of famed raptor biologist Morely Nelson. Morley Nelson s achievements with birds of prey conservation have had a major impact on the welfare of raptors around the world.

429 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Mary Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great read if you are interested in raptors (hawks, eagles, falcons), Idaho natural history or falconry. Mr. Nelson was instrumental in protecting a large natural area along the Snake River, Idaho for raptors and was an amazing falconer and advocate for birds, their protection and conservation. It’s an interesting read; however, I had a hard time not getting angry with him for the lack of involvement he had with his family. His life revolved around his birds at the expense of his first wife and to some extent his more supportive second wife. Of course, much of the book takes place in the 1950s and early 1960s when women’s rights and freedoms were not acknowledged. Still, if you love raptors, it’s a great story.

[Erin Bowen · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I don’t want to take away any of the conservation efforts done by Nelson, the book itself didn’t strike my fancy. I was bored at times, huge sections have nothing to do with falcons and I didn’t find Nelson overall likable. I was glad when the book was over.