Perhaps because I'm just not into birds generally, I was less interested in those parts of the book that did not relate to the hawks. Of these sections, the more memorable birds were the saw-whet owls and the woodpeckers. But the prose about these birds is not as moving as the prose about the hawks. Or, perhaps the hawk story is just so well-done it makes the other birds seem, if I can resort to anthropomorphism, pedestrian.

The book is obviously a labor of love, and it was a pleasure to read.


A must read for nature and animal lovers   December 9, 1999
 5 out of 7 found this review helpful

What can I say? This book is truly one of high drama, that stirred my emotions and left me wondering what would happen next. It is rare to see this type of writing done in such a layperson's fashion. The prose is very warm and like a great storyteller, the author gives insight to the characters and scenery of the life around Cental PArk. So if you thought that New York City was just concrete, read this book and discover that NYC is one of the richest places to observe wildlife in the U.S.


Fabulous, quirky book   November 2, 1999
 2 out of 2 found this review helpful

Even if you are not a birdwatcher (I'm not) this is a wonderful, unusual book about birds and birders in an urban and unexpected setting. Very simple and moving, too.


Terrific! Well-written about hawks,humans and Central Park   July 21, 1999
 6 out of 6 found this review helpful

Ms Winn presents the story of red-tailed hawks that appeared in New York City and their unlikely selection of a posh condo building to locate their nest. She does a tremendous job of weaving birds, birders, and others who played key parts in putting this story together. This is not a book just for serious birdwatchers; I keep an eye on my birdfeeders, but have no great interest in doing more than watching. The book does address the adaptability of wildlife to urban areas (nesting in skyscapers, dining on pigeons and rats) with the availability of parkland nearby. Red-Tails in Love is quite readable, with brief encounters with the likes of Woody Allen, Mary Tyler Moore, and an astronomer key in the vital process of reading bird bands from afar. The book would be an excellent choice for anyone who wants a good read, nonfiction, with an element of suspence and lots of humor.


A well written book on people and nature.   June 30, 1998
 2 out of 2 found this review helpful

A great book for people who like to study people and nature. Especially birders and birds!