As the Condor Soars: Conserving and Restoring Oregon's Birds

by Susan M. Haig (Editor), Daniel D. Roby (Editor), Tashi A. Haig (Editor)

In the early part of this century, few dared imagine that Oregon would ever welcome back the majestic California Condor. Nobody would have predicted record numbers of Snowy Plovers on the coast. Oregon’s raptors and fish-eating birds were almost decimated. Yet, thanks to the heroic efforts of Oregon’s ornithologists, the birds are returning. As the Condor Soars presents a series of engaging essays about the efforts these scientists have made, and continue to make, to reduce the decline of Oregon’s bird species and restore their habitats.
 
The essays collected in As the Condor Soars focus on the role that ornithologists have played in research, management, and conservation debates across the state over the past century. Contributors to this volume discuss new developments in the study of birds, from sophisticated tracking devices to the evolving connections between ornithologists and artists. Readers also learn about the important role of citizen scientists in saving our treasured birds. These essays provide hope for species recovery, despite environmental threats, when scientists and the public work together. They also offer to other regions examples of adaptive management learned through these efforts. 
 
This full-color book is beautifully illustrated by noted Oregon Coast artist Ram Papish and includes over eighty stunning photographs donated by some of the state’s finest nature photographers. Fifty capsule biographies of noted Oregon avian scientists round out the inspirational stories about the monumental efforts that have taken shape in recent decades. Accessibly written for scientists and laypeople alike, As the Condor Soars is a gift to everyone who cares about the conservation and restoration of Oregon’s birds.
 

440 pages, Paperback

Published December 20, 2022

Reviews

[Vjera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very dense. Stuffed full of information on Oregon birds studies, with a variety of essays, mini biographies on Oregon researchers, tables, art, and gorgeous photos. Textbook size and style, with split columns of text.

[Narisafari · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the casual birder to the researchers, this publication has the nuts and bolts of ornithology in Oregon. Beautiful photos by professionals in the field. It would be prudent for all states to have something like this for their conservation efforts.

[Ian Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

We live in a great state for birds, and for anyone with an interest in their conservation history, status, and future, this impressive collection of updates and essays is an excellent place to start. It's more textbook than pop science, so be ready for citations, but it manages not to be jargony or overly technical. As an adopted Oregonian, it's really nice to fill in some of the blanks in my knowledge as well as see people I know and have worked with in the pages. Definitely one I'll refer back to over time.