Feathers of hope : Pete Dubacher, the Berkshire Bird Paradise, and the human connection with birds /

A novelist and science fiction writer, Chepaitis here tells the story of bird rehabilitator Pete Dubacher, whose Berkshire Bird Paradise Sanctuary tends to many hundreds of birds, some injured, others abandoned, including eagles, cranes, emus, ravens, vultures, parrots, owls, and pigeons. Chepaitis is as concerned with avian spiritual influences, birds in myth and folklore, and birds in her own life, as she is with Dubacher and his charges. The emotional investment of many in birds is here afforded a good look as well as the multiple challenges and hard work involved in running a rehabilitation facility, such as directing volunteers, acquiring foods, fundraising, and the educational and visitation aspects. The focus is narrow, centering on the area around Albany, NY, and there are frequent mistakes in bird names. The short bibliography and list of websites are also unrepresentative and of little use. Verdict Though an optional selection, this book, in spite of its flaws, may be of interest to those concerned with rehabilitating birds, humane matters, and the ways in which birds affect our lives spiritually.-Henry T. Armistead, formerly with Free Lib. of Philadelphia (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.