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jkkb332's review against another edition
4.0
This book made me want to become a master falconer. Cowan does a great job of relaying how majestic and magical birds of prey are and you can't help but envy the connection she has with them.
mountain_adventures's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
4.0
This is an excellent book if you want to understand the how and whys of falconry without picking up a falconry textbook and getting really far into the technical aspects.
However, her first bird's name is Injun. She addressed why she named the bird that and why she felt it was not insensitive, but some readers may find it offensive.
However, her first bird's name is Injun. She addressed why she named the bird that and why she felt it was not insensitive, but some readers may find it offensive.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs
Moderate: Animal death
Minor: Injury/Injury detail and Car accident
chocodile28's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.25
libbyajt's review against another edition
4.0
This book really helped me to understand the fascinated world of falconry. I've been interested in this since I was a child, and it was incredible to learn first hand about these birds and their care. I highly recommend this book to anybody who's interested in falconry or just wants a step away from what you usually read.
My one critique is that the author's first bird is named Injun. While she does address the racial insensitivity of the name somewhat in the book, it did slightly tarnish my enjoyment of the book overall. Besides this, I found it to be a riveting and lovely read.
My one critique is that the author's first bird is named Injun. While she does address the racial insensitivity of the name somewhat in the book, it did slightly tarnish my enjoyment of the book overall. Besides this, I found it to be a riveting and lovely read.
sbletham's review against another edition
5.0
Delightful. A must read for beginner falconers and those considering it. While the book is not a "how to" guide, the processes are included. More important are the lessons about how falconry would change your life. A good read for nature lovers.
readingpenguin's review
3.0
3.5 Stars
Earlier this month I read H is for Hawk by Helen MacDonald, and because that is so fresh in my mind it's impossible not to compare the two. They are both memoirs about falconry, and they are both reasonably accessible to a non-falconer such as myself. But where H is for Hawk has a psychological journey and literary tone to it, Peregrine Spring reads a lot like a (well written, thoughtful) blog journaling the author's various experiences with many birds of prey throughout the years. It's...chattier. And the thing is, I think I liked it better and found it more relatable for that very reason. Your mileage may vary.
I think the portion of this book that I found the most interesting was the couple of cases where Cowan takes on a wild bird for rehabilitation with the goal of releasing back into the wild. She was fairly open about the pros and cons of rerelease, and she made me aware of flaws in the laws regarding these practices.
The only thing that held me back from a higher rating was the sheer number of birds being discussed--you as the reader don't get much time to know if love any particular bird before Cowan's relationship with it ends for one reason or another. I tend to like a slightly more personal story, but obviously that is a preference thing.
Earlier this month I read H is for Hawk by Helen MacDonald, and because that is so fresh in my mind it's impossible not to compare the two. They are both memoirs about falconry, and they are both reasonably accessible to a non-falconer such as myself. But where H is for Hawk has a psychological journey and literary tone to it, Peregrine Spring reads a lot like a (well written, thoughtful) blog journaling the author's various experiences with many birds of prey throughout the years. It's...chattier. And the thing is, I think I liked it better and found it more relatable for that very reason. Your mileage may vary.
I think the portion of this book that I found the most interesting was the couple of cases where Cowan takes on a wild bird for rehabilitation with the goal of releasing back into the wild. She was fairly open about the pros and cons of rerelease, and she made me aware of flaws in the laws regarding these practices.
The only thing that held me back from a higher rating was the sheer number of birds being discussed--you as the reader don't get much time to know if love any particular bird before Cowan's relationship with it ends for one reason or another. I tend to like a slightly more personal story, but obviously that is a preference thing.
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