Bird Brother: A Falconer's Journey and the Healing Power of Wildlife

by Rodney Stotts, Kate Pipkin (Contributor)

To escape the tough streets of Southeast Washington, D.C. in the late 1980s, young Rodney Stotts would ride the metro to the Smithsonian National Zoo. There, the bald eagles and other birds of prey captured his imagination for the first time. In Bird Brother , Rodney shares his unlikely journey to becoming a conservationist and one of America’s few Black master falconers.

Rodney grew up during the crack epidemic, with guns, drugs, and the threat of incarceration an accepted part of daily life for nearly everyone he knew. To rent his own apartment, he needed a paycheck—something the money from dealing drugs didn’t provide. For that, he took a position in 1992 with a new nonprofit, the Earth Conservation Corps. Gradually, Rodney fell in love with the work to restore and conserve the polluted Anacostia River that flows through D.C. As conditions along the river improved, he helped to reintroduce bald eagles to the region and befriended an injured Eurasian Eagle Owl named Mr. Hoots, the first of many birds whose respect he would work hard to earn.

Bird Brother is a story about pursuing dreams against all odds, and the importance of second chances. Rodney’s life was nearly upended when he was arrested on drug charges in 2002. The jail sentence sharpened his resolve to get out of the hustling life. With the fierceness of the raptors he had admired for so long, he began to train to become a master falconer and to develop his own raptor education program and sanctuary. Rodney’s son Mike, a D.C. firefighter, has also begun his journey to being a master falconer, with his own kids cheering him along the way.

Eye-opening, witty, and moving, Bird Brother is a love letter to the raptors and humans who transformed what Rodney thought his life could be. It is an unflinching look at the uphill battle Black children face in pursuing stable, fulfilling lives, a testament to the healing power of nature, and a reminder that no matter how much heartbreak we’ve endured, we still have the capacity to give back to our communities and follow our wildest dreams.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Nature, Birds, Animals, Audiobook, Biography

224 pages, Hardcover

First published February 3, 2022

Reviews

[Susan Gottfried]

This is a quick read, but oh, what a story. Talk about the power of the outdoors, the importance of hope, and how they each affect the other.

I'll have an eye out for Rodney and Dippy's Dream in the news. This is only the start for this man.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bird Brother: A Falconer's Journey and the Healing Power of Wildlife by Rodney Stotts is one of the most interesting books I have read this year. I loved this book! Rodney Stotts makes a marvelous personal journey from the danger-ridden streets of Washington DC to discover and fulfill his inner desire to become a conservationist and one of America’s few Black master falconers.
Rodney experienced some trouble during his life before joining a group of young adults who were given the opportunity to make a vast difference in their area. The Earth Conservation Corps offered work projects to restore and conserve the polluted Anacostia River that flows through D.C. The work was hard, disgusting, and sometimes dangerous. As I read about Monique, I felt heartbroken for her and all the team as Rodney writes of this tragedy.
I don't want to post spoilers, but the pride Rodney feels as he answers a call from his adult son, Mike, a DC firefighter who says, "Dad, I want to be a falconer!" is thrilling. Rodney's experience as he tries to rescue and free a tangled sub-adult eagle is awesome the way it circles back to his personal life.
I thought of this book for several days and felt admiration for the author's spirit of wonder and his experience of self-discovery.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for the opportunity to read this book.

[Chantal Lyons · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Bird Brother' is a heart-warming and unusual story, and I really enjoyed listening to the audiobook version. While I do get an extra kick out of hearing the author tell the story themselves, I still loved the accent and the slightly gravelly tones of this narrator - it felt very genuine, to me at least.

Stotts' narrative moves back and forth in time as he charts his path from dealing drugs to restoring river habitat to becoming a master falconer. Every section held my attention, and it turned out to be an emotional rollercoaster as Stotts recounts a sequence of devastating personal losses. Still, this is mirrored by an equally powerful sense of family and love, as the author encourages his own son to become a falconer, and devotes himself to educating Americans on conservation.

The book is shorter than I'm used to, which was a bit of a downer for me. I would've liked a few sections on the history of raptor conservation in the US interspersed through the narrative. Still, Stotts tells a great story, and it's one that should be celebrated.

(With thanks to HighBridge Audio and NetGalley for this audiobook in exchange for an honest review)

[John of Canada · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read a few nature books this year, both fact and fiction. This was good, a quick read.

[Daniel B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. That’s the review.

[Jesse Amdahl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I mean give me anything about people finding connection and redemption in nature and I’ll enjoy it. Rodney’s story is very cool, and this was a quick read that warmed my heart.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a short and interesting book but I don't feel like I learned everything I wanted to know about falconry. Is it cruel? What is the point of it? I also didn't care for the time jumping, I think it would have read better if he told his story in chronological order. I really enjoyed the anecdotes about doing programs with children and teaching them to overcome their fears and have pride in themselves.

[Douglas Juno · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this. A story of someone overcoming adversity and eventually thriving once he found his passion.

Rodney presents every experience in the book as a lesson. Something to learn from. Both his experiences (for lack of better term) “on the streets” and out in nature, doing his falconry. He used those experiences to both become a better person himself and give back to his community.

It’s an i spiring read and potentially motivating for someone looking to find their “thing”.

[Nicola · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every time I spot a bald eagle on my runs on the banks of the Anacostia River, I stop in awe. Bird Brother gave me even more appreciation for those majestic sightings. This memoir of a former Southeast DC drug dealer turned conservationist and master falconer is truly delightful. It’s a short read about not just Rodney Stott’s life, but the story of the efforts to clean the notoriously polluted river and how nature can heal. It’s not all rosy, though. Some really horrible things happen along the way. It’s a real, unvarnished story.

[Lieke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and inspiring book!
Also the narrator did a good job and has a great voice to listen too.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

[JC · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book knowing I wanted it in my collection of bird-related books. Now I want to buy a copy for every bird-loving friend of mine.

Bird Brother is a memoir about Rodney Stotts's journey from the dangerous life of a drug dealer in southeast DC to his realization that he is passionate about birds, nature and conservation. Through perseverance and dedication, he eventually becomes a master falconer.

"The thing was, hope in the future was something alien to kids like me growing up in the projects, surrounded by violence, drugs, guns, and poverty. Trying to hope for something was like trying to catch a butterfly: it was always just out of reach, and even if you were lucky enough to gently close your hand around its fluttering wings, it was so dang fragile that you knew it would never survive, and so you just had to let it go."

This book leads you on an adventure, full of hope and grit, and leaves you wanting more.

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed Rodney’s inspirational journey in “Bird Brother”. This book was unlike any other I have read before. That is largely in part to Rodney’s unique life experiences transitioning from a life of drug deals and violence in southeast DC to that of a respected Master Falconer, educator, and conservationist.

He doesn’t shy away from describing the traumas he encountered through his life, and how nature and caring for the animals that became his purpose helped to heal him.

TW: murder, suicide, addictions, gun violence, death of a loved one

[Mark Frazier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a hard time putting this book down. This person is a awesome humanitarian and sharing his life story and his life work is very spiritual. Thank you Mr Stotts for sharing your story and if I'm in your area for vacation, I would be more than happy to take 1 or 2 of my days to volunteer and help out.

[Maggie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a really sweet little book about a man who has had a very unusual life. Through a twist of fate, he was able to leave a life of drug dealing in the DC projects for caring for raptors in the countryside of Maryland and Virginia. His story is a testament to the ability of one person or one decision or one opportunity having the ability to change lives. If you like reading stories about how people overcome insurmountable obstacles, or how nature can change someone's life by giving them a purpose, I encourage you to read this short book. It's an easy read, and it will feed your soul.

I met Mr. Stotts in person, when he came into my library one day to print something, and we got to chatting. Then he gave me a copy of this book to read. I had seen the book in our collection, but hadn't put together that he is the same person as the guy on the cover! I was so excited, not only to meet him, but to read his story. It turns out, one of his sanctuaries is right around the corner from our library! Amazing. I look forward to working with him to arrange for a presentation at our library some day.

I will tell you that after meeting him in person, I can honestly say he is one of the nicest, most patient, kindest people I have ever met. He is a gentle soul. I look forward to seeing him again soon, and am proud to call him a neighbor. If nothing else, you should read this because Mr. Stotts is good people, and there seems to be a shortage of them around these days.

[Maya · Rating 4 out of 5]

"We'll be a family of Black falconers. Like the Jackson Five, but with birds."

I was glad to come across this book. Recommended read for those look to increase their reading about Nature and wildlife from a real world, personal perspective. Publishers: there need to be more books in this category written by People of Color about their own lives.

Author Rodney Stotts' reading of the audiobook offers an enhanced reader experience. [Correction: James Fouhey's resonant tones are those shared with the readers of the audiobook.]

I liked hearing about Mr. Stotts' path to becoming a falconer, and especially looked forward to his conversations and observations about children in how they responded to the birds: his adult son, Mike; his own grandchildren; and the school groups and nature centers to whom he presents. He continuously honors the memory of his mother. And speaks openly and frankly - unapologetically - about his past.

I additionally appreciate short books that keep the telling succinct and clear.

Would I read this author again? Yes. I would like that. Please keep writing. Wishing you all the best with Dippy's Dream bird sanctuary.

Recommendations welcome for future reads. Hoopla and Libby are usually good about this, but their "similar books" features came up empty here.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rodney Stotts grew up on the dangerous streets of Southeast Washington D.C. He was full of bad choices and risky behavior, and he did not expect to live much past his teens, but he did. Through an unlikely series of chance and choice, he took a job with a new youth organization run by Bob Nixon, an environmentalist, and a man wanting to help change lives. The crew's first job was to clean up the Anacostia River, a filthy and trash ridden mess. Rodney's love for the outdoors kicked in and he stuck with it, although he did not give up his street hustles for quite some time. Slowly the kids on the crew started to make a difference. The birds started to come back and stay.

Bird Brother is a very interesting memoir, packed full of people, projects, events, and wildlife, that moved Mr. Stotts off the trajectory that he was on, and into his present life as a well known and respected master falconer. The process that it takes to become a falconer is fascinating! Not easy, but that isn't all. Stotts has been involved with so many things since the early days on the river that have benefitted not only the birds that he loves, but that have assisted underprivileged kids like the one he once was. This is not a long book, but it is tightly written and packed with inspiration: each word is important. Rodney Stotts is now hard at work on his latest nature project, a big one, named in honor of his mother. I am looking forward to reading about how he makes his wonderful vision into reality, a place of education and personal growth, of nature and peace.

[Donia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bird Brother is a heartbreaking read yet at the same time, an uplifting one as well. Rodney Stotts tells it "like it is" from losing someone you loved to murder, to the street gangs that surround the ghettos, the short life expectancy of many poverty stricken minority youth to the drug scene. Yet at the same time, his story tells how it was that he was able to make something constructive and enjoyable out of his life.

The writing itself is a bit choppy and for that I was considering a rating of three *** stars BUT for environmentally minded, wildlife lovers this is an inspiring ***** 5 star read and educational as well. Stotts explains in great detail how baby falcons are raised and released and or trained depending upon the circumstances.

PS: As a mostly housebound person, I read this on Earth Day as a way to acknowledge the desperate needs of our planet.

[Mira · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's always fascinating to read about a person who does something original and elaborate, and Rodney's Raptors is quite a thing. Not the greatest written book (written with a coauthor and does not have a clear voice) but plenty readable, quick, and engaging for the most part. Would certainly recommend to anyone who works with teens/new adults outdoors, or people interested in the wildlife/environmental degradation/city living interactions.

[James Biser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a memoir. Rodney Stotts is the master falconer that has built his life around falconry and family education after abandoning the dangerous conditions of dealing drugs and living in difficult urban homes. This story is excellent.

[Marisa Gettas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick, fantastic read about a Mastor Falconer. I am struck by the ethics and commitment to the environment that Mastor Falconer’s dedicate their lives to.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book wasn’t what I expected but I did enjoy it and appreciated the vulnerability within this memoir.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t usually rate memoirs but this was beautiful. I cried, I learned, I wished for more.

[angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

recommend for washington DC stans and nature/animal enjoyers :-)

[Sean Gallagher · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good. Made me tear up a couple times. What a powerful story. Thanks to Rodney Stotts for sharing. Gave me a little more hope for this world and for my future

[BookGirlHepp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring and engaging!
This book tells the story of Rodney Stotts' transformation and redemption from a life of drug-dealing and violence through the healing power of wildlife. As the story unfolds, he moves from a job cleaning up a polluted river just for the paystubs to learning to love nature and discovering his special connection to raptors. Against all odds, he eventually becomes a master falconer and shares his gifts and knowledge with people all over the world.

This book is written with a dual time period, switching back and forth between the early part of Rodney's life and the present day. It surprised me with how engaged I felt in the story, and learned so much along the way. I also learned that there is a documentary about his life on PBS called "The Falconer." Highly recommended!

[Rachel Cece · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick read but so many powerfully impactful moments. I laughed, I cried (a lot!) and I felt overwhelming hope.

[June · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been a fantastic inspirational story. If you open yourself up you can feel peace and freedom. The collected trauma of people gets passed down. "There's something bigger than you in life, if you don't know what it is, then nature is a great place to start!" Rodney's troubled history and falconry skills are amazing. A must read.

[Olivia]

Found this man's story through a short news clip on youtube and I am glad I read this to get his full beautiful story.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nature is healing. Thankful for Rodney's story and vision.

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful insight in the world of raptors, from the perspective a black Master Falconer. The author, Rodney Stotts, had a rough path before finding his way, dealing drugs in DC but also loving nature and the outdoors. Smart and passionate about the environment and birds, he's now involved and/or started non-profits, to help get kids in DC and to show them a world beyond those streets. Representation matters.

If you enjoy Helen MacDonald and Sy Montgomery, this read will be your jam.

I received an arc from the publisher but all opinions are my own.