Hawks and Roses

From 1973 to 1986 Ure ( Bait for Trout ), his wife and two sons cared for some 3000 hawks, eagles, owls, falcons and other birds of prey that had been shot, poisoned, hit by cars, or confiscated from people who held them illegally. Because they were novices at handling raptors, they and their home rehabilitation center in Utah were at first scorned by wildlife agencies and other professionals. With experience, they became expert at the feeding and medical treatment of birds (many were released back into the wild) and soon had to expand their facilities. Ure's tale is compelling. He provides information on the natural history, habits and habitats of birds of prey, writing with verve and wit of a home in which falcons perch on the beams and owls sleep in the bedrooms. Photos not seen by PW. (May)