Nature Done Wright

I am pleased to share Booklist’s magazine of my upcoming book…

The Peregrine Falcon: The Epic Life and Times of the World’s Fastest Creature.
By Jim Wright
Apr. 2026. 240p. illus. Schiffer, $29.99 (9780764371219); e-book (9781507306796).
REVIEW. First published March 1. 2026 (Booklist).
    The peregrine falcon–apex predator, fastest animal on the planet, hunting companion to royalty—is the star of journalist Wright’s (The Screech Owl Companion, 2023) new survey of this charismatic raptor.
   Beginning with tales from a well-known peregrine pair that nested along the Hudson River, Wright then embarks on a comprehensive overview of the bird’s natural history, hunting techniques, and anatomy.
   In one terrific chapter he discusses the proliferation of nest cameras at peregrine nest areas and how this engages scientists and the public with intimate views of the nesting process. The near loss of the falcon as the result of DDT and its derivatives is covered in several chapters, which also highlight the roles captive breeding and reintroduction have played in returning the falcons to their former range, which includes many major cities.
    Full of personal anecdotes from Wright’s many years as a nest monitor and hawk watcher and quotes from scientists and early naturalists and richly illustrated with beautiful color photos, this will be the peregrine primer for years to come.   
   — Nancy Bent