Who would have suspected the astonishments of vultures? Katie Fallon has given us an ingenious, funny, delightful book.
A heartfelt and authoritative account of the world’s most numerous and misunderstood avian scavenger. Writing in a style reminiscent of Edward Abbey and John McPhee, Fallon successfully captures the natural history of the species and its ability to succeed in both natural and man-made landscapes. Destined to change the mind of anyone who reads it.
Fallon shines a bright light on this clan of sadly unloved birds, which are not only vitally important ecologically, but are also among the most imperiled avian groups on the planet. Vulture is an overdue love letter to a bird that deserves far better than we’ve given it.
"[A]n excellent quick read, suitable not only for bird lovers and naturalists but for anyone with a bit of natural curiosity and an inclination to root for the common, the misunderstood, and the underdog.
"Through thorough research, interviews, and firsthand experience, Fallon establishes unquestionable credibility; however, it is her own narrative writing and descriptive skills that make Vulture a book that is not only educational and inspiring, but readable and entertaining."
This is a book that begged to be written. . . . Fallon allows that the study of flying turkey vultures is akin to meditation. Rarely hurried, coursing the heavens like a setter seeks quail, this most widespread of North American vultures invites both contemplation and envy. . . . A book as inspired as the bird that is its focus.
Fallon’s personal accounts of her field experiences are engrossing and entertaining. . . . Recommended.
"Fallon truly loves these skillful gliders, and she hopes that readers will see the light. Every time I've seen a vulture this year, this book has come to mind, so I guess I'm hooked."
"This enthusiastic volume nicely proves that Turkey Vultures are spokesbirds for vultures and indicates new avenues for raptor studies in a rapidly changing world. This book should be on the shelves of ecologists, ornithologists, and conservationists."
“Entertaining, well-researched. . . . [Fallon] displays great passion and enthusiasm yet writes knowingly and dispassionately on the science of her subject in an engaging, literary style.”—Library Journal (starred review)
“Through thorough research, interviews, and firsthand experience, Fallon establishes unquestionable credibility; however, it is her own narrative writing and descriptive skills that make Vulture a book that is not only educational and inspiring, but readable and entertaining.”—The Los Angeles Review
“Fallon truly loves these skillful gliders, and she hopes that readers will see the light. Every time I’ve seen a vulture this year, this book has come to mind, so I guess I’m hooked.”—The Exponent Telegram
“Fallon’s personal accounts of her field experiences are engrossing and entertaining. . . . Recommended.”—Choice
“This book is about vultures in the human world, but nowhere in the story does the human aspect overly intrude. The great birds are front-and-center, consistently painted in a positive and empathetic light. It is to Fallon’s credit that she is able to coax the reader into the same love affair with vultures that she herself enjoys, without romanticizing her subject to the point of putting off her audience.”—Sense of the Misplaced
“As highly readable as it is fact-filled. . . . [Vulture’s] biggest strength might be how Fallon manages to share her empathy for these birds without romanticizing them.”—Journal of Appalachian Studies
“This informative, beautifully written book will give you a deep appreciation for these valuable but widely-maligned birds—and, who knows? You may even find yourself falling in love with vultures.”—Forbes
“Though the narrative is not a scientific work, therein lies its strength and potential for conservation impact. Her prose is designed to educate and encourage more positive opinions of vultures, not to give in-depth species accounts.”
—BioOne
★ 03/15/2017
Naturalist and bird rehabilitator Fallon (Cerulean Blues: A Personal Search for a Vanishing Songbird) presents an entertaining, well-researched title that nominally concerns the familiar turkey vulture but ranges widely, incorporating up-to-date information on condors and vultures worldwide, especially in California, India, and southern Africa. Fallon also delves into vulture folklore and the bird's place in history, mythology, and archaeological settings such as Sumer (modern-day southern Iraq), Native American sites, ancient Egypt, and the Battle of Gettysburg. She displays great passion and enthusiasm yet writes knowingly and dispassionately on the science of her subject in an engaging, literary style. The author describes her and her veterinarian husband's work rehabilitating injured birds, never skimping on complex technological and medical details. VERDICT Of interest to all naturalists, veterinarians, and birders. There is much here for professional biologists, too, and even historians.—Henry T. Armistead, formerly with Free Lib. of Philadelphia
