A Season on the Wind

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What to expect

A close look at one season in one key site that reveals the amazing science and magic of spring bird migration, and the perils of human encroachment.

Every spring, billions of birds sweep north, driven by ancient instincts to return to their breeding grounds. This vast parade often goes unnoticed, except in a few places where these small travelers concentrate in large numbers. One such place is along Lake Erie in northwestern Ohio. There, the peak of spring migration is so spectacular that it attracts bird watchers from around the globe, culminating in one of the world’s biggest birding festivals.

Millions of winged migrants pass through the region, some traveling thousands of miles, performing epic feats of endurance and navigating with stunning accuracy. Now climate change threatens to disrupt patterns of migration and the delicate balance between birds, seasons, and habitats. But wind farms—popular as green energy sources—can be disastrous for birds if built in the wrong places. This is a fascinating and urgent study of the complex issues that affect bird migration.

Critics Review

  • “This season on the wind, relevant far beyond Ohio, is beautifully described—the personalities involved, its significant economic impact, and the conditions causing it to happen. Kaufman is still full of wonder, awe, and admiration for the birds, some flying thousands of miles across continents.”

    Library Journal

  • “Readers will learn about winged migration and better understand the significant threats to bird environments covered in this thoughtful, informative book…Nature-loving readers will be moved by Kaufman’s detailed look at a fascinating yearly process.”

    Publishers Weekly

  • “He allows readers to share both his joy and his concerns…Highly readable and thoroughly enjoyable for all lovers of nature books but will be of greatest interest to active birders.”

    Kirkus Reviews

  • “Kaufman’s voice isn’t emotive or passionate, but his fascination with birds is evident in his narration. He makes the listener smile as he describes a sandpiper’s mating ritual…When he talks about the effects of climate change on migrating birds, Kaufman has concern but also shows faith in birds’ resilience. The fight to stop a wind turbine in northern Ohio weaves through the audiobook. Kaufman’s soft-spoken voice is unfailingly polite toward turbine supporters, while still showing determination to advance his own viewpoint. Overall, Kaufman is an enthusiastic ambassador for birding.”

    AudioFile

  • “Kenn Kaufman knows his birds and their miraculous journeys—and he feels them deeply, too. An enlightening, thought-provoking, and poignant read.”

    Jennifer Ackerman, author of The Genius of Birds

  • “Some people love birds, but others have a passionate commitment to birding. Kenn Kaufman has that kind of dedication, which includes a fascination for bird watching, but also he’s a genuine part of the birding community dedicated to protecting these beautiful creatures.”

    Craig Newmark, founder of Craigslist

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