What readers are saying

A Must Read

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Reviewed on Amazon by Umit Celebi on May 16, 2023

I did it! This morning, I opened the Merlin Bird ID app, clicked on Sound ID, held my phone out the kitchen window, and made my very first recording. The app identified the birdsong as that of the Northern Cardinal. Though I couldn’t spot it, it was still thrilling to confirm the bird’s existence and present location in Brooklyn, NY. I am hooked.

One of the many important takeaways from A Wing And A Prayer is that anyone can go birding. Of course, authors Anders and Beverly Gyllenhaal are far from just “anyone.” Though the subject matter is one they came to in later years, the story-telling skills on display speak of impressive lifelong careers in journalism, editing and writing.

The format is essentially dispatches from the road. In the authors’ case, thousands of miles covered in their Airstream in the lower 48, and a couple of side trips to Hawai’i and Ecuador. It’s detective story, investigative science reporting, exposés of methods of conservation, deep dives into the culture of birdwatching, stunning accompanying photographs, and love letter to nature all rolled into one. Who wouldn’t want to read this?

A breakthrough in the scientific community made possible by surveillance and smartphone technology and weather-tracking data is the story’s catalyst. The collected data point to the inescapable conclusion that three billion birds have died since 1970, with several species having gone extinct and more in danger of becoming so. Though this finding was reported in the mainstream press it didn’t set off the kind of reaction appropriate to its urgency.

The book aims to resuscitate the finding’s importance. The authors have access to some of the most important bird conservation sites and scientists in the United States and from these first-hand visits they document a record of both distress and optimism. Readers will be startled at just how fragile some of the conservation efforts are but will take heart in the promising road ahead, made possible mostly by the fact that smartphone in hand, we can all become citizen scientists and share our data with institutions such as the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

Two points consistently made an impression on me. The first was that this book is strictly evidence-based. In our apparently “post-truth” world, it was revitalizing to read a book about nature based on Enlightenment values – observation and data analytics. The second is that the authors treasure birds for their own sake. Though the condition of birds often raises red flags for the welfare of humans (“the canary in the coalmine”), this book never justifies the need to conserve and protect birds so that our species can thrive. Here, birds are treasured because they are birds.

Sixty-one years after Rachel Carson’s groundbreaking book, Silent Spring, was published, it’s worth remembering that the title refers to the silencing of birdsong. That book is credited with inspiring the environmental movement. The story of the race to save our vanishing birds, A Wing And A Prayer may similarly rouse the public to act in more decisive ways to preserve this species.

Fascinating look at both the big picture and very specific aspects of the bird loss

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Reviewed on Goodreads website by J. Earl on April 12, 2023

A Wing and a Prayer: The Race to Save Our Vanishing Birds by Anders and Beverly Gyllenhaal is a fascinating look at both the big picture and the very specific aspects of just how great the loss of bird population is.

I think what makes this particularly effective is the very personal nature of the book while also being about the larger problem(s). So often, when numbers are staggeringly large, it is easy to be moved but also paralyzed by the very enormity of the number. While the Gyllenhaal’s give us those numbers, they are delivered with their personal journey to observe people taking very real action to try to reverse this trend. Coupled with additional cases where situations have been at least stalled and possibly reversed, we learn both the enormity as well as how we can do something.

The last chapter about things we can do offer the reader very workable ideas, which may well generate additional ideas in the reader, so this is valuable beyond simply being some casual “we can do it” pep talk.

I would recommend this to anyone concerned with what is happening to the environment in which we live, well, at least until we either finish destroying it or reverse course. Those coming primarily for the science read may well be motivated to find ways to help, even if that mostly consists of spreading the word.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via Edelweiss.

A Wonderfully Engaging Adventure Story about the Race to Save Birds – and how you can help

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Reviewed on Amazon by L. Bennett on May 9, 2023

Most people know now that birds across the globe are vanishing from our skies in staggering numbers. Over the last fifty years, one third of the birds of North America alone have disappeared. But how did this happen? And what can we do about it? In this superbly researched and beautifully written book, veteran journalists Anders and Beverly Gyllenhaal take us on a fascinating journey to the front lines of the fight to reverse this terrifying trend. During the pandemic, they packed up their Airstream and traveled more than 25,000 miles to interview the scientists and foresters, researchers and farmers who are employing age old practices and fascinating new technology to save the birds. Part thrilling adventure story, part top-notch investigative reporting, along with practical advice about what we can do to help, A WING AND A PRAYER is required reading for anyone who cares about the “canaries in the coal mines” who are warning us of things to come.

A Timely and Important Read for All of Us

Reviewed on Goodreads by AnnieM on April 26, 2023

This is a timely and important read for all of us – I knew the bird population was in trouble but did not know the magnitude of the problem The authors are a journalist couple who toured multiple states in North America as well as Central America (Ecuador most notably because of the large number of bird species) In the past 50 years, nearly one-third of the bird population in North America (which equals an astonishing 3 billion birds) has disappeared due to loss of habitat, invasive predators, urban sprawl and climate change. The authors take an Airstream on the road as they travel to visit different habitats and organizations that are focused on conservation and making experiments to address the root causes of the endangerment of bird species. Organizations are finally recognizing the need to collaborate on solutions and this includes corporations, government, not-for-profit organizations as well as individual birders and communities. Many of the solutions give me some hope — such as “renting” farmers’ land during the migration in the central valley of California or working with ranchers and the military to help protect the habitats of endangered species. The rise of technology has enabled individuals to help track and count birds (citizen research) such as E-Bird and BirdCast Each chapter begins with a beautiful photo of a bird including ones that are most endangered right now including ones that in the past that were considered “common.” (and this is when I finally recognized how big the problem is). The book ends with practical solutions individuals can adopt – and it gave me a lot of ideas of how I can help. The book left me feeling hopeful — it is easier to face the problem when we know the magnitude of it and can take steps to create change. I highly recommend this book.

Thank you to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster for an ARC and I left this honest review voluntarily.

Essential reading for bird lovers and all who care about preserving nature

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Reviewed on Amazon on May 8, 2023

I quite like birds but I’m not a serious birder and until recently using the Merlin app was the most engagement I’ve had with our feathered friends. Recently I learned we’ve lost one third of the bird population in North America in less than a single lifetime, and that was very disturbing news. On a friend’s recommendation I got a copy of A Wing and a Prayer and I have to say it’s eye opening – in a positive way. Learning about the tireless champions of bird conservation and the cool modern technologies they deploy is fascinating, and so good to see that their efforts are succeeding.

The Gyllenhaals are engaging writers with a simple and accessible style, and they are quite good storytellers too. The photographs are wonderful; clear and intimate.

Our Birds are in a World of Trouble

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Reviewed on Amazon on May 3, 2023

Best bird book I have ever read! The Gyllenhaal’s know their subjects and are leading all levels of bird lovers to join them in the race to save our vanishing birds.

An Absolute must read – there’s still time to save birds

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Reviewed by Anniem on April 26, 2023

This is a timely and important read for all of us – I knew the bird population was in trouble but did not know the magnitude of the problem The authors are a journalist couple who toured multiple states in North America as well as Central America (Ecuador most notably because of the large number of bird species) In the past 50 years, nearly one-third of the bird population in North America (which equals an astonishing 3 billion birds) has disappeared due to loss of habitat, invasive predators, urban sprawl and climate change. The authors take an Airstream on the road as they travel to visit different habitats and organizations that are focused on conservation and making experiments to address the root causes of the endangerment of bird species. Organizations are finally recognizing the need to collaborate on solutions and this includes corporations, government, not-for-profit organizations as well as individual birders and communities. Many of the solutions give me some hope — such as “renting” farmers’ land during the migration in the central valley of California or working with ranchers and the military to help protect the habitats of endangered species. The rise of technology has enabled individuals to help track and count birds (citizen research) such as E-Bird and BirdCast Each chapter begins with a beautiful photo of a bird including ones that are most endangered right now including ones that in the past that were considered “common.” (and this is when I finally recognized how big the problem is). The book ends with practical solutions individuals can adopt – and it gave me a lot of ideas of how I can help. The book left me feeling hopeful — it is easier to face the problem when we know the magnitude of it and can take steps to create change. I highly recommend this book.

 “A Wing and a Prayer” is Essential Reading for Bird Lovers & Anyone Concerned About Our Environment

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Reviewed by Carolyn Sexton on Amazon on May 23, 2023

My husband, a fellow bird lover, purchased “A Wing and a Prayer: The Race to Save Our Vanishing Birds” as a gift for me. The book written by veteran journalists Anders and Beverly Gyllenhaal is an important book for anyone who loves birds and for all those concerned about our environment. I knew that birds were on the decline due to habitat loss, climate change, and urban hazards, but knowing that a full third of North America’s birds have vanished over the past 50 years (with almost no species being spared) was alarming.

The authors travelled more than 25,000 miles, mostly in an airstream trailer to scientifically report on their findings and to explore what is already being done by individuals, scientists, government agencies and conservation organizations to confront this crisis and the successes of those efforts. I found the book to be troubling, but ultimately hopeful, as it lays out in specific terms the concerns and what we can all do to contribute in tangible ways to reverse current trends. A Georgetown scientist is quoted as saying, “If we can save birds, we can save ourselves.”

You don’t have to be a birder to enjoy and appreciate this book!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Reviewed on Amazon on June 1, 2023

Our bird population has declined by nearly a third in the past 50 years. “A Wing and a Prayer” is an enjoyable and informative look at the many ecosystem services provided by birds, and the potential consequences of their population decline. The authors describe an extremely complex set of problems facing birds in a clear and comprehensible way, whether the reader is a veteran birder or someone who has never paid much attention to birds. The authors have meticulously researched and referenced the roles of economics, politics, land use, climate change, technology and innovation in efforts to slow and stop the the population decline. The authors are master story tellers, and their story reads like a travelogue–a very enjoyable one. Most importantly, they make the case for why we should care about the decline in birds and what we as individuals can do to help.

A Call to Action

Reviewed by Jan on Barnes and Noble website on April 17, 2021

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I live in a suburb on a Great Lake and my sister lives on a farm in south central Wisconsin, so we both were of the opinion that the most major cause of the drastic reduction in songbirds that we observed was due to deadly chemical pollution by farmers and those who want weed-free lawns. We’re not birders, so we have no documentation, but we are each observant septuagenarians who love birdsong. But what these dedicated and committed people from various NGOs as well as government Fish and Wildlife service are doing to identify causes and in some cases bring nearly extinct species back to life is beyond impressive. Habitat often cannot be restored, but it’s destruction can be halted, and sometimes the species might be relocated to a comparable habitat in some small way that helps to improve their numbers. This book details their efforts in a very personal way and should serve as a call to action for each and every one of us. Very impressive!
I requested and received an EARC from Simon & Schuster Publishers via NetGalley. Thank you!
#BringBirdsBack

The wake-up call we all need to hear

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Reviewed by Krista K. on Amazon on May 31, 2023

It staggers the imagination, 3 billion birds lost in the span of one lifetime, our lifetime. This is the story that leads the way in Anders and Beverly Gyllenhaal’s new book A Wing and a Prayer: The Race to Save our Vanishing species. Travelling the country towing their Airstream trailer, the authors dig deep into what we can do to reverse this terrible trend – and it’s inspiring. The minds and hearts of so many amazing people working to solve this crisis is really the focus of this book as they highlight new technologies, new community-building efforts restoring habitats that are also providing incomes and even the military getting in on the action. This is the book for the moment and its message is that we can all contribute to making sure we bring our beloved birds back from the brink. I’m in!

This is a great overview

Reviewed on Goodreads by Melody on April 10, 2023

I really enjoyed this book. I’m passionate about conservation (and the environment, in general), but have never had a particular interest in birds. (I don’t dislike them, but if I tried to identify a bird, I’d probably be wrong nine times out of ten.) That said, this was a compelling read.

I definitely prefer some of the conservation efforts to others, but they were all interesting to read about, and the stories of the people involved and the challenges they faced were much more fascinating than I would have expected.

(Side note: I really need for someone – Ann Patchett? – to write a novel about the secret mission to find the ivory-billed woodpecker, ideally with multiple POV characters including at least one expert researcher, a member of their immediate family, and an amateur volunteer.)

I’ll note that I find it a bit sad that humans have created a situation in which high-tech solutions and satellites and banding and further human intervention are possibly the only way to “save” nature, but I’m glad there are thoughtful people trying to make a difference. (I also think it’s worth noting that flying planes to track birds – or traveling to check off a rare bird on a life list – contributes to climate change, which is part of how birds got to where they are right now. While these concerns aren’t raised in this book, hopefully they’re being discussed.)

Overall, I thought this was a great overview of what’s happening in the world of bird conservation. It’s a well-written, compelling read for anyone interested in birds, nature, or environmental issues. Immediately after reading this book, I signed up for action alerts from a number of the organizations highlighted in the book, sent a handful of emails to Congress, and am looking into ways to support native plants locally. I’ve also been taking more notice of birds! Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for providing an e-galley and the opportunity to review.

Look up and take notes

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Reviewed by Adel on Amazon on June 7, 2023

Amazing how much we take for granted like fact that birds we see all around us are declining at rapid rate due to light pollution and habitat loss etc and so on. Once they are gone they are very very gone though this book describes several species which defy the odds. The authors look at case studies which depict avian plights like restoration projects and the debate over whether the ivory billed woodpecker is extinct. They intersperse science with anecdotal stories that capture the imagination. The balance is harmonic- helping us understand with our head and our hearts.

Must read for bird lovers

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Reviewed by Kathy Hart on Amazon on May 9, 2023

If you love birds, you must read this book! I knew our birds were in decline, but I was shocked at the extent of the loss. Highlighting a variety of species at locations across the U.S. and in South America, the authors describe the causes behind the losses and the efforts to mitigate the decline. While the book clearly offers hope for the future, it reminds us that our birds — the ones we feed, watch, count and house — offer us a visible measure of our environmental health!

Not just the problem, but also hope

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Reviewed on Amazon on May 8, 2023

Beverly and Anders don’t give us only doom and gloom. Through their interviews and research, they offer hope and ways to help. I love the way they combine science with human interest, teaching and revealing through stories. The book is absolutely compelling! Never heard of a grasshopper sparrow? Learn why you should care! And although this is not a “picture book,” the photos that are included are beautiful. I am heartened by all the conservation work that is being done by so many individuals and groups. It gives me hope. Now, let’s just work together!

Fascinating and Hopeful

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Reviewed by Angie on May 10, 2023

Highly recommend this thoroughly-reported, well-written book about an untold story: the vast, passionate effort to save birds. The authors, a married couple with significant journalism careers, traveled 25,000 miles in their Airstream trailer to tell this captivating story, beautifully illustrated with their exquisite photos. They bring to life the dedicated scientists, birding advocates and conservationists who are going to extraordinary lengths to save birds from devastating habitat loss. This remarkable book raises profound questions about where the planet is headed and offers hopeful solutions.

2 people found this helpful

Not just for bird lovers!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Reviewed on Amazon by PAG on May 9, 2023

A wonderful account of what’s going on with the birds in our world! A book not just for birders but for anyone who is concerned or interested in nature’s role in the health of our planet. The writing/storytelling is beautiful, the topic is compelling, and the book offers what might/must be done to save the birds, which will ultimately save ourselves. Everyone can find something to enjoy in this lovely book. Highly recommend!

The Authors Shine a Spotlight

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Reviewed on Goodreads by Olive Fellow on May 14, 2023

Many bird species are experiencing a decline in numbers, largely because of human actions. But there are people out there who are stepping in, trying to help. The authors of the book shine a spotlight on them and their stories. This is a little like Under a White Sky: The Nature of the Future, bird edition.

Extremely Interesting and very well organized

Reviewed on Goodreads by Lisa Lajma on May 5, 2023

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I found this book extremely interesting and very well organized. The topic of birds and bird conservation is really a niche genre within the non-fiction realm, but I, who have never considered myself a bird lover or bird watcher, was intrigued at the plight of these birds and the sadness I felt when one was taken off the endangered species list because it was officially “extinct.”

I think it is so easy for humans to be dismissive of the dwindling bird population. Even hearing a phrase like “3 billion birds” are gone doesn’t seem like that many (I mean, how many birds in the world are there??)…. But 3 billion of any other species like cats (as an example) would wipe out every domesticated cat (~4million) and then some!

It was also a nice mix of history of birds which have gone extinct and what predecessors did to try and save them vs. current challenges (such as wind turbines) and efforts.

While many times non-fiction books focus on the “what’s wrong” but I found this book had a nice balance of negative truths with positive hopes. There were many examples of how we, as private citizens or government agencies, have seen the writing on the wall and made changes to directly impact birds. I learned a lot about these safety programs and the organizations that are in place to try and save these birds. There was mention of Air Force bases that completely changed their drill schedules to accommodate birds in their migratory patterns; Ducks Unlimited and how they have so many members and so much money to help conserve water fowl habitats; and the Audubon Society.

While, the change needs to be large scale, there are also small “do-able” changes listed in the book that the everyday person could do to help. As an example- “2.6 billion birds are killed by cats every year.” Let me say that again— OVER 2 BILLION BIRDS ARE KILLED BY CATS A YEAR! Keep your cats inside. There are other practical solutions like screens on windows and doors so birds don’t fly into them, etc.

Overall, I thought this was intriguing and while I don’t think I’ll be a bird watcher any more than I am now; I have a much greater appreciation for how birds fit into life and plant cycles and help keep our planet healthy. I would recommend to anyone interested in birds, and conservation.