This book is causing quite a flap

Schools, libraries and nature lovers are joining together for the Lincoln County Reads 2023 program. This year’s chosen tome is “As the Condor Soars, Conserving & Restoring Oregon’s Birds” by Susan M Haig, Daniel D. Roby and Tashi A. Haig, and illustrated by Oregon Coast artist Ram Papish. 

Check out the book in time for a conversation with the authors and illustrator at Newport’s Pacific Maritime Heritage Center on Thursday, Nov. 30.

The talk will cover topics such as the role that ornithologists have played in research, management and conservation across the state throughout the past century; and new developments in the study of birds, from sophisticated tracking devices to the evolving connections between ornithologists and artists.

Readers of the book will also learn about the important role of citizen scientists in saving treasured birds. These essays convey that, despite environmental threats, there is hope for species recovery when scientists and the public work together.

The book is published by Oregon State University Press, which describes it as “a gift to Oregon about Oregon birds by the Oregonians who care so much about saving the precious creatures and the habitats they live in.”

“Ten years ago, no one would have imagined welcoming majestic California Condors back into Oregon,” the publisher added. “Very few would have predicted record numbers of Snowy Plovers on the coast. Yet, thanks to the efforts of these authors and others, the birds are returning.”

In addition to illustrations by noted Oregon Coast artist Ram Papish, the book includes more than 80 bird photographs donated by some of the state's finest nature photographers.

The November 30 conversation will begin at 5 pm at the Pacific Maritime Heritage Center, located at 333 SE Bay Blvd. in Newport. “As the Condor Soars” is available at all Lincoln County libraries.