The Return of the Oystercatcher: Saving Birds to Save the Planet by Scott Weidensaul blends natural history and environmental reflection into a well-written narrative about conservation and rewilding. In this engaging work, Weidensaul chronicles his efforts to restore a declining population of American oystercatchers along the Atlantic coast while exploring broader questions about conservation and humanity’s relationship with nature.
Weidensaul’s journey starts in his home state of Pennsylvania, where he chronicles the efforts that went into the formation of the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary during the Great Depression. He also takes us to Europe, showcasing rewilding efforts in Romania, along with the middle of the boreal forest in Northern Canada to highlight a decades-long conservation effort. In each location, the author focuses primarily on how these efforts and how human intervention and conservation is impacting bird populations. In some cases, the outcomes are not as intended.
Weidsenaul’s book is written through an environmental lens; not quite at activist levels but one where you can see his passion and concern for the environment. He provides a well-written chronicle that showcases the important role birds play in the ecosystem and our role in helping ensure they continue to survive in our world.
MY RATING: 4
