This book is causing quite a flap

Two birds of a feather flocked together to create the award-winning book “Halcyon Journey: In Search of the Belted Kingfisher.” Join the author and illustrator duo Marina Richie and Ram Papish at Newport Public Library this Saturday, Feb. 25.

The book, published in 2022, received a National Outdoor Book award.

“In this crazy world, it’s good to have a teacher, a spirit guide, a guardian,” said Kim Stafford, author of “Singer Come from Afar.” “Marina Richie has found hers in the blue ball of fire called the kingfisher. In ‘Halcyon Journey’ we join her quest to know this bird through startling science, resonant field observation, and a storyteller’s knack for putting us breathless into the presence of this divine bird."

Richie is a nature writer based in Bend. She has worked as a journalist and managed communications for a number of wildlife-oriented public and private organizations. She is the author of the children’s books “Bird Feats of Montana” and “Bug Feats of Montana.” Her articles and essays have appeared in Birdwatching Magazine, A.T. Journeys, Post Road Magazine and many other publications.

Papish is a professional bird enthusiast who combines an education in fine art with experience working as a field biologist to create artistic and accurate wildlife images. He authored and illustrated the children's books “The Little Fox” and “The Little Seal,” both of which are in the library’s collection. His illustrations appear in many other books and publications, including “As the Condor Soars.” He has illustrated interpretive panels for the National Park Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management and other organizations. He lives in Toledo on six wooded acres.

Saturday’s talk begins at 2 pm in the McEntee Meeting Room of Newport Public Library, located at 35 NW Nye Street. For more information, go to newportoregon.gov or call 541-265-2153.