"This book is a gift to Oregon about Oregon birds by the Oregonians who care so much about saving the precious creatures and the habitats they live in. It is a series of engaging essays about the dramatic efforts these scientists have made and continue to make to reduce the decline of threatened Oregon bird species. Readers learn about the innovative approaches avian ecologists have used over the decades and the important role of citizen scientists in saving our treasured birds. Ten years ago, no one would have imagined welcoming majestic California Condors back into Oregon. Very few would have predicted record numbers of Snowy Plovers on the coast. Yet, thanks to the efforts of these authors and others, the birds are returning. These essays provide hope for species recovery, despite environmental threats, when scientists and the public work together. They also offer to other regions examples of adaptive management learned over the decades. The full color book is beautifully illustrated by noted Oregon Coast artist Ram Papish and includes over 80 stunning bird photographs donated by some of the state's finest nature photographers. An additional 50 biographies of noted Oregon avian scientists and conservationists rounds out the inspirational stories about the monumental efforts that have taken shape for decades - often with national and international attention. The book is an easy read for interested nature-lovers and can serve as the basis for conservation-related discussions from the high school level through graduate seminars."--Provided by publisher