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Susie Adams's avatar

Lovely! It struck me that these birds—along with many others—see a lot more of the world than most humans do. And have the luxury of experiencing it without awareness of political boundaries (although they are influenced by those boundaries nonetheless).

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Sophie A. H. Osborn's avatar

I was thinking the exact same thing, while writing this piece! Some of these migratory birds see more of the world than most of us ever will in our lifetimes. I love thinking of these northern birds wintering alongside toucans, parrots, motmots, and monkeys. It's hard to imagine when we see them living out their daily lives during the breeding season!

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Brandon Breen's avatar

Great essay!! (I just saw a peregrine a few days ago, on my way to the hay farm in southern Oregon.) "She may have clutched a parrot or Scarlet Ibis in her talons, or perched near a foraging howler monkey." <-- gorgeous, evocative writing!!

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Sophie A. H. Osborn's avatar

Incredibly kind words coming from a writer of your caliber! Thank you! So cool that you saw a peregrine on the way to the farm. I'll look forward to hearing more details about your sighting.

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Micki's avatar

What an exhilarating visit to the Peregrines' territory! It's one of those moments I won't soon forget. You describe it so well! And in this time of endless challenges to many species, you give us some hope that concerted effort on the part of conservationists can partially reverse some of the damage caused by human behavior. My copy of the book arrived a couple of days ago, and I believe it will offer more hope!

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Sophie A. H. Osborn's avatar

It really was an exhilarating visit and I was so happy to share it with you--my stalwart peregrine-monitoring partner. The peregrine's story gives me hope. We've managed to reverse raptor and waterfowl declines (for many species at least). Now let's hope we can help the rest of our birds--and our insects too. Every little bit helps! Thanks for all YOU do for birds and thanks for reading Feather Trails!

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Dana Osborn's avatar

Your writing is so vivid drawing me in to sharing your experience and thoughts as if I were there. Thank you for all your efforts in saving this species, all endangered species and helping us help them. I shudder to think of what this world would be like without birds.

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Sophie A. H. Osborn's avatar

Thank you for your lovely comment and your ongoing support! I love bringing you along on my journeys. It would be a terrible world indeed without birds. I'm so grateful to all those who help them in ways large and small!

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Bryan McGrath's avatar

Wonderful stuff. The navigation systems in these birds are remarkable.

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Sophie A. H. Osborn's avatar

Remarkable indeed. I love that you highlighted their navigation systems--something that I imagine you've dealt with extensively in your line of work!

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Lisa Koitzsch's avatar

So incredible that these spectacular birds can be found in so many parts of the world. Thank goodness for those reintroduction efforts and for the dedicated monitoring that continues today! Beautifully written, inspiring, and thoughtful! I can’t wait to read Feather Trails in its entirety!

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Sophie A. H. Osborn's avatar

It IS amazing that they're found in so many parts of the world. I remember seeing a beautiful one in Tanzania. Thank you, as always for the kind words and unparalleled support!

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