Books
A Journey of Discovery Among Endangered Birds
“If you take care of birds, you take care of most of the environmental problems in the world,” according to conservationist Thomas Lovejoy. FEATHER TRAILS—A JOURNEY OF DISCOVERY AMONG ENDANGERED BIRDS is the compelling story of a young woman’s attempts to “take care of birds” by working to save three endangered species. As she introduces captive-reared Peregrine Falcons, Hawaiian Crows, and California Condors to the wild, she discovers not only what it takes to be a wildlife biologist, but also what threatens the birds that she and others work so passionately to save. And as she learns about the dangers that have imperiled these charismatic species, she discovers that what is harming them may well threaten our own lives too.
FEATHER TRAILS was published by Chelsea Green Publishing on May 2, 2024.
Reviewers for the American Birding Association (ABA) chose Feather Trails as their favorite bird book of 2024 (for review, go to minute 46:25 of the podcast).
REVIEWS
“ I cannot put Feather Trails down. The book flies, and gracefully. It is timely, important, and applies widely… and I hope it will be widely read.”
—Bernd Heinrich, author of The Mind of the Raven.
“Feather Trails takes you behind the front lines of conservation to experience the daily rigor and reward of a field biologist. Osborn guides you through forests and canyons where our most endangered birds eat, sleep, and breed. As she works to understand and restore their populations, her splendid recounting explores the science of birds and their conservation, reveals the challenges a young technician must overcome, and inspires care for the rarest creatures among us.”
—John M. Marzluff, author of Gifts of the Crow.
“Few biologists have had Sophie Osborn’s front-row seat to the challenges and triumphs of saving critically endangered birds. In Feather Trails, Osborn does more than take us deep inside her [work] to bring Peregrine Falcons, Hawaiian Crows, and California Condors back from the brink. By immersing us in the lives of these birds, we see them as she sees them—unique individuals whose successes and tragedies become our own. I can’t recommend it highly enough.
—Scott Weidensaul, author of A World on the Wing
“Field biologists are my heroes. Sophie Osborn is one of the main reasons why. Her fieldwork, like her writing, does more than draw attention to the plight of sacred species like the California Condor, the Peregrine Falcon, and the Hawaiian Crow. It also shows us how and why those creatures can be saved.”
—John Nielsen, former National Public Radio environment correspondent; author of Condor: To the Brink and Back
“Sophie’s dedication to conservation and love of birds and the environment shine through the pages of this book.”
—David Lindo, author of The Urban Birder
“Through the adventures of a spirited field biologist, we are awakened to the plight of imperiled birds. This is a story of tenacity, the power of the Endangered Species Act, and ultimately of hope for bringing back birds from the brink of extinction.”
—Marina Richie, author of Halcyon Journey
See Also: Feather Trails review on 10,000 Birds—Birds, Birding and Blogging by Donna Schulman
Reviewers for the American Birding Association (ABA) chose Feather Trails as their favorite bird book of 2024 (review begins at minute 46:25 of the podcast).
Coming soon: September 1, 2026
Adventures of Women Field Biologists
Wild Work is an inspiring and entertaining anthology that brings to light the often untold stories of women who work with wild creatures in wild places. Featuring first-person accounts by 37 adventurous field biologists, these true stories immerse readers in the thrilling and compelling reality of studying and conserving fish, wildlife, and plants across the globe.
From playing tag alongside wolves and cuddling wild foxes to wading through rivers filled with venomous snakes or evading poachers, these women share stories of courage, curiosity, and resilience. Alongside the adrenaline and adventure, they reveal the delicate balancing act of juggling demanding fieldwork with family life, the lifelong friendships they forge in the wild, and the transformative power of connecting deeply with the natural world.
Perfect for aspiring biologists, nature and animal lovers, or anyone captivated by outdoor adventures, this anthology offers a rare and powerful glimpse into the extraordinary work, risks, and rewards experienced by people who dedicate their lives to understanding and protecting our planet’s wild inhabitants.
***Bird lovers will find stories featuring Harpy Eagle, Rüppell’s Vulture, Yellow-naped Amazon, Brant, Guianan Cock-of-the-Rock, White-bearded Manakin, California Condor, Prairie Falcon, Golden Eagle, and other species.
REVIEWS
These field biologists have studied everything from grizzly bears to fig wasps to California condors, and some have got the scars to prove it. Everybody’s daughter needs to read these stories. So should you.
-- John Nielsen ― author of Condor: To the Brink and Back
By allowing us to step into their shoes and hearts, these courageous and dedicated women provide access to the wild creatures and ecosystems they are trying to save.
-- Tina Morris ― author of Return to the Sky
I read much of this captivating book in one sitting--one fascinating story after another continued to unfold. Each wonderful tale holds little gems about our precious natural world and our relationship with it.
-- Douglas W. Smith ― author of Decade of the Wolf
The Return of the California Condor to Grand Canyon Region
Ten thousand years ago, the California Condor’s shadow raced across the rock faces of canyon walls throughout the Southwest, but, over time, the majestic condor disappeared from this land. Last seen in Arizona in 1924, the California condor was on the brink of extinction by the 1980s, with only twenty-two condors remaining—all in California. Thanks to a successful captive-breeding program, their numbers have now increased dramatically.
Sophie A. H. Osborn’s groundbreaking book, CONDORS IN CANYON COUNTRY, is an in-depth, highly personal narrative that chronicles the condor’s triumphant return to the Grand Canyon region and the ongoing recovery of the species. The only book of its kind, Condors in Canyon Country is a must-read for anyone passionate about endangered species and what humankind can do to save them.
Published 2007 by Grand Canyon Association
AWARDS
National Outdoor Book Award for Nature & Environment (2007)
National Association for Interpretation Award (2008)
Arizona Book Award for Nature/Environment (2008)
Southwest Books of the Year - Panelist pick (2007)
Border Regional Library Association Southwest Book Award (2007)
REVIEWS from Amazon readers
“Every so often a book comes along that makes you feel good and offers a glimmer of hope for the environment. This is such a book.”
“fabulous”
“the best source about these birds I have read”
“just awesome, hard to put down”
“the writing is absolutely beautiful”