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The Return of the Oystercatcher: Saving Birds to Save the Planet
From the New York Times best-selling author of A World on the Wing, an exploration of the efforts led by scientists, conservationists, and Indigenous peoples to save birds around the world.
As populations fall and once-great migration multitudes wither away, the future of birds may seem grim. But surprisingly, around the world, bird conservation is making things better. From the hyperlocal to the hemispherically immense, The Return of the Oystercatcher explores the recovery efforts that are not only preventing declines in bird populations but are helping them to thrive. Scott Weidensaul compiles amazing stories of hope and progress in some of the most unlikely places—from the resurgence of ducks in North America to the return of ospreys nesting in Southern Britain—to provide a road map of breathtaking environmental resilience. Because birds are so diverse, so ubiquitous, and cover virtually every square mile of the Earth’s surface, Weidensaul argues that by saving the birds we can also save the world. The result is an inspiring story of what’s working in bird conservation, recovery, and reintroduction, and what can work for the rest of the planet.
As populations fall and once-great migration multitudes wither away, the future of birds may seem grim. But surprisingly, around the world, bird conservation is making things better. From the hyperlocal to the hemispherically immense, The Return of the Oystercatcher explores the recovery efforts that are not only preventing declines in bird populations but are helping them to thrive. Scott Weidensaul compiles amazing stories of hope and progress in some of the most unlikely places—from the resurgence of ducks in North America to the return of ospreys nesting in Southern Britain—to provide a road map of breathtaking environmental resilience. Because birds are so diverse, so ubiquitous, and cover virtually every square mile of the Earth’s surface, Weidensaul argues that by saving the birds we can also save the world. The result is an inspiring story of what’s working in bird conservation, recovery, and reintroduction, and what can work for the rest of the planet.
368 pages, Hardcover
Published April 21, 2026
17 people are currently reading
2529 people want to read
About the author
Scott Weidensaul
55 books143 followersBorn in 1959, Scott Weidensaul (pronounced "Why-densaul") has lived almost all of his life among the long ridges and endless valleys of eastern Pennsylvania, in the heart of the central Appalachians, a landscape that has defined much of his work.
His writing career began in 1978 with a weekly natural history column in the local newspaper, the Pottsville Republican in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, where he grew up. The column soon led a fulltime reporting job, which he held until 1988, when he left to become a freelance writer specializing in nature and wildlife. (He continued to write about nature for newspapers, however, including long-running columns for the Philadelphia Inquirer and Harrisburg Patriot-News.)
Weidensaul has written more than two dozen books, including his widely acclaimed Living on the Wind: Across the Hemisphere with Migratory Birds (North Point 1999), which was a finalist for the 2000 Pulitzer Prize.
Weidensaul's writing has appeared in dozens of publications, including Audubon (for which he is a contributing editor), Nature Conservancy and National Wildlife, among many others. He lectures widely on conservation and nature, and directs the ornithological programs for National Audubon's famed Hog Island Center on the coast of Maine.
In addition to writing about wildlife, Weidensaul is an active field researcher whose work focuses on bird migration. Besides banding hawks each fall (something he's done for nearly 25 years), he directs a major effort to study the movements of northern saw-whet owls, one of the smallest and least-understood raptors in North America. He is also part of a continental effort to understand the rapid evolution, by several species of western hummingbirds, of a new migratory route and wintering range in the East.
- excerpted from his website
His writing career began in 1978 with a weekly natural history column in the local newspaper, the Pottsville Republican in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, where he grew up. The column soon led a fulltime reporting job, which he held until 1988, when he left to become a freelance writer specializing in nature and wildlife. (He continued to write about nature for newspapers, however, including long-running columns for the Philadelphia Inquirer and Harrisburg Patriot-News.)
Weidensaul has written more than two dozen books, including his widely acclaimed Living on the Wind: Across the Hemisphere with Migratory Birds (North Point 1999), which was a finalist for the 2000 Pulitzer Prize.
Weidensaul's writing has appeared in dozens of publications, including Audubon (for which he is a contributing editor), Nature Conservancy and National Wildlife, among many others. He lectures widely on conservation and nature, and directs the ornithological programs for National Audubon's famed Hog Island Center on the coast of Maine.
In addition to writing about wildlife, Weidensaul is an active field researcher whose work focuses on bird migration. Besides banding hawks each fall (something he's done for nearly 25 years), he directs a major effort to study the movements of northern saw-whet owls, one of the smallest and least-understood raptors in North America. He is also part of a continental effort to understand the rapid evolution, by several species of western hummingbirds, of a new migratory route and wintering range in the East.
- excerpted from his website
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
As populations fall, the future of birds may often seem grim. However, The Return of the Oystercatcher: Saving Birds to Save the Planet by Scott Weidensaul reveals that around the world, bird conservation is making things better. From the hyperlocal to the hemispherically immense, Scott Weidensaul explores recovery efforts that are not only preventing declines but helping species thrive. He compiles amazing stories of hope and progress in unlikely places—from tiny Pacific islands and the Canadian boreal forest to a rewilding estate in England and the wilderness on the edge of a Ukrainian war zone—to provide a roadmap of breathtaking environmental resilience. Weidensaul argues that because birds are so ubiquitous, covering virtually every square mile of the Earth, saving them is a vital step toward saving the world. The result is an inspiring look at what is working in conservation and how these successes can be applied to the rest of the planet.
I listened to the audiobook version of this title, narrated excellently by Joel Richards. As a terrestrial ecologist and amateur birder, I found this book to be an absolute "bible" of information. Weidensaul takes readers on various global expeditions, following experts on the ground to understand the evolution and recovery of numerous bird species.
The book is deeply rooted in scientific study, providing essential facts regarding population declines (numbers and reasons), human impacts and the specific human interventions helping these species recover. My favourite chapters explored the evolution of raptors in the UK, the Knepp rewilding project in England, the Danube Delta at the border of Romania and Ukraine, and the conservation of puffins and mountain plovers in the US Great Plains. The sheer volume of data on human impacts, restoration projects and rewilding is impressive. While the narrator truly brings these stories to life, as a "visual learner," I found myself wishing for a physical copy to better absorb the dense facts and figures shared throughout the chapters.
My only minor critique is the title; I felt slightly misled as oystercatchers are only discussed briefly (roughly 20 minutes of the audiobook). However, I was pleasantly surprised by the global scope. I initially worried the focus would be strictly on the US, but the inclusion of migratory species and conservation efforts worldwide was enlightening. It is incredibly comforting and hopeful to read so many success stories in one volume. This is an ecologist's 'bible' and an essential read for conservationists, ecologists, ornithologists and any citizen looking to advocate for birds and for the environment.
Thank you to NetGalley, Highbridge and Scott Weidensaul for the opportunity to review this inspiring work.
I listened to the audiobook version of this title, narrated excellently by Joel Richards. As a terrestrial ecologist and amateur birder, I found this book to be an absolute "bible" of information. Weidensaul takes readers on various global expeditions, following experts on the ground to understand the evolution and recovery of numerous bird species.
The book is deeply rooted in scientific study, providing essential facts regarding population declines (numbers and reasons), human impacts and the specific human interventions helping these species recover. My favourite chapters explored the evolution of raptors in the UK, the Knepp rewilding project in England, the Danube Delta at the border of Romania and Ukraine, and the conservation of puffins and mountain plovers in the US Great Plains. The sheer volume of data on human impacts, restoration projects and rewilding is impressive. While the narrator truly brings these stories to life, as a "visual learner," I found myself wishing for a physical copy to better absorb the dense facts and figures shared throughout the chapters.
My only minor critique is the title; I felt slightly misled as oystercatchers are only discussed briefly (roughly 20 minutes of the audiobook). However, I was pleasantly surprised by the global scope. I initially worried the focus would be strictly on the US, but the inclusion of migratory species and conservation efforts worldwide was enlightening. It is incredibly comforting and hopeful to read so many success stories in one volume. This is an ecologist's 'bible' and an essential read for conservationists, ecologists, ornithologists and any citizen looking to advocate for birds and for the environment.
Thank you to NetGalley, Highbridge and Scott Weidensaul for the opportunity to review this inspiring work.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
I am a fan of oystercatchers-they move in packs across the beach and graze at the ocean's edge while calling their distinctive "beep beep" as they land. That's why I had to read a book that heralded their return.
According to the author, a noted ornithologist and author of several books on the natural world, Weidensaul's friend gave him a challenge. Since his last book described the vanishing of so many bird species, could he write another one describing the good news about their return. This book describes the hopes and efforts for making this a reality. Bird diversity is essential to our ecosystem, and therefore essential to us. Before the sixties, however, birds were considered a nuisance-if they weren't just wholesale slaughtered, their environment was stripped making their existence impossible. Things began slowly changing in the sixties, especially after the publication of Silent Spring by Carson. She recognized that eliminating birds of prey, including the American Bald Eagle, as a consequence of DDT use, would cause a catastrophe. It was one of the first wakeup calls on the way to the policy of conservation.
The author describes his travels all over the world to find the places that have become central to bringing their birds back. We follow him from Hawk Mountain in Pennsylvania to England, Cape Cod, the coast of Maine, Rumania, the prairies of Wyoming and the boreal of Canada to see how different groups of concerned citizens work together to conquer impossible obstacles. When the priority is regrowing the bird population, it butts up against the wants and needs of ranchers, hunters, and people who don't want to be restricted when they are used to enjoying driving their dune buggies on the beach or walking unleashed dogs.
The author ends on a very hopeful note-an extremely large holding on Canadian land has been co-managed by the government and the indigenous people who have always lived there. It has now been handed over to the native people with the support and financial assistance of the Canadian government. This will be a great test of a good future for saving the world's bird populations.
According to the author, a noted ornithologist and author of several books on the natural world, Weidensaul's friend gave him a challenge. Since his last book described the vanishing of so many bird species, could he write another one describing the good news about their return. This book describes the hopes and efforts for making this a reality. Bird diversity is essential to our ecosystem, and therefore essential to us. Before the sixties, however, birds were considered a nuisance-if they weren't just wholesale slaughtered, their environment was stripped making their existence impossible. Things began slowly changing in the sixties, especially after the publication of Silent Spring by Carson. She recognized that eliminating birds of prey, including the American Bald Eagle, as a consequence of DDT use, would cause a catastrophe. It was one of the first wakeup calls on the way to the policy of conservation.
The author describes his travels all over the world to find the places that have become central to bringing their birds back. We follow him from Hawk Mountain in Pennsylvania to England, Cape Cod, the coast of Maine, Rumania, the prairies of Wyoming and the boreal of Canada to see how different groups of concerned citizens work together to conquer impossible obstacles. When the priority is regrowing the bird population, it butts up against the wants and needs of ranchers, hunters, and people who don't want to be restricted when they are used to enjoying driving their dune buggies on the beach or walking unleashed dogs.
The author ends on a very hopeful note-an extremely large holding on Canadian land has been co-managed by the government and the indigenous people who have always lived there. It has now been handed over to the native people with the support and financial assistance of the Canadian government. This will be a great test of a good future for saving the world's bird populations.
April 21, 2026
This book, written by experienced ornithologist and naturalist Scott Weidensaul, offers a balanced discussion of what is and isn’t working in bird conservation. He discusses conservation efforts around the world, but primarily in the United States, Canada, and Europe. Weidensaul provides enough to detail to be useful to those with professional or academic interest, while keeping it light and entertaining enough to appeal to those with a casual interest in birds and ecology like me.
The text really shines when Weidensaul discusses his time out in the field. I also loved his explanation of how conservation efforts can benefit more than just the targeted species. While I strongly support legislation such as the Endangered Species Act, laws are only as good as the effort to enforce them. Whenever possible, it’s more effective to convince people that conservation projects are in their own best interests. A great example is the discussion of persuading ranchers to improve sage-grouse habitat, because “What’s good for the bird is good for the herd.”
The back matter in the hardcover and ebook editions includes an illustrations insert, acknowledgments, references, and an index.
The audiobook production was good, and I enjoyed Joel Richards’s narration. He has a pleasant voice, and his narration suited the material, with good pacing and clear pronunciation. I think those with a serious interest in this content will likely want a hardcover or ebook that includes the back matter and allows for highlighting and notes, but for casual listeners like me, the audiobook is a wonderful choice.
This well-written book will likely appeal to anyone interested in birds, ecology, field research, and conservation efforts. I appreciate that the book left me feeling hopeful, although it didn’t gloss over the many challenges we face.
Thanks to Highbridge Audio for providing me with a free advanced review copy of the audiobook through NetGalley. I volunteered to provide an honest review.
The text really shines when Weidensaul discusses his time out in the field. I also loved his explanation of how conservation efforts can benefit more than just the targeted species. While I strongly support legislation such as the Endangered Species Act, laws are only as good as the effort to enforce them. Whenever possible, it’s more effective to convince people that conservation projects are in their own best interests. A great example is the discussion of persuading ranchers to improve sage-grouse habitat, because “What’s good for the bird is good for the herd.”
The back matter in the hardcover and ebook editions includes an illustrations insert, acknowledgments, references, and an index.
The audiobook production was good, and I enjoyed Joel Richards’s narration. He has a pleasant voice, and his narration suited the material, with good pacing and clear pronunciation. I think those with a serious interest in this content will likely want a hardcover or ebook that includes the back matter and allows for highlighting and notes, but for casual listeners like me, the audiobook is a wonderful choice.
This well-written book will likely appeal to anyone interested in birds, ecology, field research, and conservation efforts. I appreciate that the book left me feeling hopeful, although it didn’t gloss over the many challenges we face.
Thanks to Highbridge Audio for providing me with a free advanced review copy of the audiobook through NetGalley. I volunteered to provide an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
4 Stars
I am a huge bird lover, have studied and worked within wildlife conservation and so this book instantly caught my eye. Especially because I really enjoyed Scott Weidensaul's book A World on the Wing which was about issues facing migratory birds. So a book about what is going well for bird conservation?! Sign me up!
Unsurprisingly, I really enjoyed this book and thought it was a well thought out, well written and interesting book. It is split into 12 sections which look into different bird species or issues that bird conservation has overcome. Some of these include:
- The rebound of snow geese in North America
- Peregrine falcon reintroduction success post DDT bans
- Osprey and Hen Harrier success in the UK
- The rebound of vultures in Asia post NSAID poisoning (yes...anti inflammatory drugs used by Vets for livestock killed off millions of vultures, reducing their numbers by 99% and as a result increasing disease transmission in humans and a huge increase in rats. You'll have to buy the book to learn more!)
plus many many many other case studies and stories.
I thought it was a really well done book, although felt the title a little misleading since there wasn't actually much information on Oystercatchers! And I absolutely adore them so was looking forward to their section.
However, there was such a variety of bird and countries covered that I didn't feel cheated.
The writing was super interesting and engaging and held my attention. As with most nature books, I had sections that I found more interesting than others but that is normal. I would have liked some artwork of the birds featured or even a case study like summary as well. I was glad for the maps which helped me picture the scale of some of the environments spoken about.
Overall, a very good book that I highly recommend to bird lovers and conservationists. It was nice to read a book of success stories!
Please note that I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
I am a huge bird lover, have studied and worked within wildlife conservation and so this book instantly caught my eye. Especially because I really enjoyed Scott Weidensaul's book A World on the Wing which was about issues facing migratory birds. So a book about what is going well for bird conservation?! Sign me up!
Unsurprisingly, I really enjoyed this book and thought it was a well thought out, well written and interesting book. It is split into 12 sections which look into different bird species or issues that bird conservation has overcome. Some of these include:
- The rebound of snow geese in North America
- Peregrine falcon reintroduction success post DDT bans
- Osprey and Hen Harrier success in the UK
- The rebound of vultures in Asia post NSAID poisoning (yes...anti inflammatory drugs used by Vets for livestock killed off millions of vultures, reducing their numbers by 99% and as a result increasing disease transmission in humans and a huge increase in rats. You'll have to buy the book to learn more!)
plus many many many other case studies and stories.
I thought it was a really well done book, although felt the title a little misleading since there wasn't actually much information on Oystercatchers! And I absolutely adore them so was looking forward to their section.
However, there was such a variety of bird and countries covered that I didn't feel cheated.
The writing was super interesting and engaging and held my attention. As with most nature books, I had sections that I found more interesting than others but that is normal. I would have liked some artwork of the birds featured or even a case study like summary as well. I was glad for the maps which helped me picture the scale of some of the environments spoken about.
Overall, a very good book that I highly recommend to bird lovers and conservationists. It was nice to read a book of success stories!
Please note that I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I don’t want to be overly critical of this book because 1) I went in with unwarranted expectations and 2) it is very clear the author cares about and loves birds a great deal. Indeed, he’s successfully gotten me to care about and understand more about species I’ve never heard of or think about rarely.
That said, I don’t understand why this book is titled the way it is. Oystercatchers take up, no joke, less than five pages. The 12 chapters (the middle ones I enjoyed the most as they aligned most closely to my marine interests) focus on policy and individual or community level approaches to protecting various bird species around the world and much of that focus is on land conservation and rehabilitating ecosystem functioning. It is fascinating stuff but often I found myself, after tens of pages of reading about land conservation policy, wondering what exactly that had to do with birds (these two are, of course, closely linked, a bit more organization within the chapters and book as a whole would have guided my expectations).
I’m not a bird person, so this was going to be out of my comfort zone from the get go. For ornithologists, professionals or amateur, though this is probably an excellent survey of critical bird species. I deeply appreciated how Weidensaul tied in domestic and international policy throughout as again, that is closer to my interests and what I look to get out of nonfiction.
While I did find chunks of the book challenging to get through, others I raced through and even found prose that beautifully rendered the conversation in emphatic and moving ways.
That said, I don’t understand why this book is titled the way it is. Oystercatchers take up, no joke, less than five pages. The 12 chapters (the middle ones I enjoyed the most as they aligned most closely to my marine interests) focus on policy and individual or community level approaches to protecting various bird species around the world and much of that focus is on land conservation and rehabilitating ecosystem functioning. It is fascinating stuff but often I found myself, after tens of pages of reading about land conservation policy, wondering what exactly that had to do with birds (these two are, of course, closely linked, a bit more organization within the chapters and book as a whole would have guided my expectations).
I’m not a bird person, so this was going to be out of my comfort zone from the get go. For ornithologists, professionals or amateur, though this is probably an excellent survey of critical bird species. I deeply appreciated how Weidensaul tied in domestic and international policy throughout as again, that is closer to my interests and what I look to get out of nonfiction.
While I did find chunks of the book challenging to get through, others I raced through and even found prose that beautifully rendered the conversation in emphatic and moving ways.
April 13, 2026
The Return of the Oystercatcher is an interesting look at avian conservation world wide. It’s both informative and cautiously optimistic, showing successes in the world of conservation.
The author travels worldwide, from various places in the USA (Hawk Mountain, Cape Cod, Maine) to England, Romania and the Canadian Boreal Forests. Each place explores a different approach to avian conservation and the people working for it.
The work on re-establishing puffins in Maine, and the unique aspects of puffin biology that allow this to work was particularly interesting. The work as well with ranchers for sage grouse conservation as well was very interesting, as ranchers are typically opposed to this due to land use.
I really liked the final chapter, showing indigenous groups in Canada working to preserve the boreal forests as well as detailing the Canadian governments involvement/cooperation.
The narration in the audiobook was really good and very engaging!
A very interesting and optimistic look into avian conservation and its successes.
Thank you to the NetGalley and Highbridge Audio for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The author travels worldwide, from various places in the USA (Hawk Mountain, Cape Cod, Maine) to England, Romania and the Canadian Boreal Forests. Each place explores a different approach to avian conservation and the people working for it.
The work on re-establishing puffins in Maine, and the unique aspects of puffin biology that allow this to work was particularly interesting. The work as well with ranchers for sage grouse conservation as well was very interesting, as ranchers are typically opposed to this due to land use.
I really liked the final chapter, showing indigenous groups in Canada working to preserve the boreal forests as well as detailing the Canadian governments involvement/cooperation.
The narration in the audiobook was really good and very engaging!
A very interesting and optimistic look into avian conservation and its successes.
Thank you to the NetGalley and Highbridge Audio for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thoroughly enjoyable and compelling. I sped through it! Very interesting but sometimes depressing stories. I enjoyed the stories of the authors adventures more than politics or policy.
BUT, I think with a title and cover like this the book should be focus on Oystercatchers! They only get some attention nearly 80% of the way through. I was looking forward to learning more about them and comparing to our Oystercatchers.
It should've been named something like Adventures in Bird Conservation or The Rewards of Rewilding.
The audiobook was very easy to listen to but the narrator should check the pronunciation of foreign/overseas people and place names. Eg since I'm from NZ: Our previous prime minister was John Key not kay. (also the book makes it sound like Macquarie Island belongs to NZ when it's Australian. The author should've visited Tiritiri Matangi Island! It's an amazing predator free offshore island you can visit. Bird paradise!).
The American pronunciation was at times a bit jarring eg : Fecund, quarry.
Recommended for any nature lovers!
Thank you to Netgalley for the advance audiobook copy.
BUT, I think with a title and cover like this the book should be focus on Oystercatchers! They only get some attention nearly 80% of the way through. I was looking forward to learning more about them and comparing to our Oystercatchers.
It should've been named something like Adventures in Bird Conservation or The Rewards of Rewilding.
The audiobook was very easy to listen to but the narrator should check the pronunciation of foreign/overseas people and place names. Eg since I'm from NZ: Our previous prime minister was John Key not kay. (also the book makes it sound like Macquarie Island belongs to NZ when it's Australian. The author should've visited Tiritiri Matangi Island! It's an amazing predator free offshore island you can visit. Bird paradise!).
The American pronunciation was at times a bit jarring eg : Fecund, quarry.
Recommended for any nature lovers!
Thank you to Netgalley for the advance audiobook copy.
April 22, 2026
The Return of the Oystercatcher by Scott Weidensaul distinguishes itself by doing what most environmental narratives fail to achieve, it presents credible, evidence-based optimism without diluting the urgency of ecological decline.
Rather than centering loss, the book systematically highlights recovery. Through rigorously reported case studies, Weidensaul demonstrates that targeted conservation efforts, spanning scientific innovation, policy alignment, and Indigenous stewardship, are not only slowing decline but actively reversing it. This reframes conservation from a defensive effort into a strategic, results-driven discipline.
The broader implication is clear: birds function as both indicators and leverage points within global ecosystems. By focusing on their recovery, the book presents a scalable model for environmental restoration, positioning it as both a compelling narrative and a practical blueprint for planetary resilience.
Rather than centering loss, the book systematically highlights recovery. Through rigorously reported case studies, Weidensaul demonstrates that targeted conservation efforts, spanning scientific innovation, policy alignment, and Indigenous stewardship, are not only slowing decline but actively reversing it. This reframes conservation from a defensive effort into a strategic, results-driven discipline.
The broader implication is clear: birds function as both indicators and leverage points within global ecosystems. By focusing on their recovery, the book presents a scalable model for environmental restoration, positioning it as both a compelling narrative and a practical blueprint for planetary resilience.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Review will be forthcoming in Audubon Magazine!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Beautifully written and thought-provoking especially in terms of human attitudes and relationships towards animals and land.
May 5, 2026
Another treasure from Scott Weidensaul.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews