I wish to thank everyone who appeared in this book, all of whom have enriched my life in their own unique ways. I would also like to thank those who were a part of Flyaway, Inc., but whose stories remain untold, only because had I included every one, the result would have been too heavy to lift.
I wish to thank Ed Stokes for his long-distance friendship, and for his unwavering insistence that I write a book describing what wild birds are really like. Thanks to Sandy and Howard Hoffen and Karen Haskel, whose generous donations allowed me to avoid writing my yearly fund-raising newsletter and finish the second draft of the book instead. Thank you to Gail Winston, my editor at HarperCollins, for taking that enormous draft and shaping, smoothing, and whittling it into a better book, somehow finessing her way around my initial belief that cutting out any bird’s story would desecrate its memory and drive a stake through my heart. Thanks to Sarah Whitman-Salkin and Shea O'Rourke, who patiently helped me through the details of publishing, to Leah Carlson-Stanisic for her elegant book design, and to Christine Van Bree for her lovely book jacket.
The beautiful illustrations by artist and fellow bird rehabilitator Laura Westlake were based, for the most part, on photographs of the actual birds who appeared in my stories. Although many artists can render a skillful depiction of a bird, Laura’s drawings reflect her rehabber’s understanding and appreciation of each bird’s individual personality; for this, and for her friendship, I am very grateful.
I am indebted to so many of my compatriots, but special thanks to Betty Conley, Elaine Friedman, Melissa Gillmer, Nancy Goldmark, Jennifer Gordon, Pat Isaacs, Ellen Kalish, Karen LeCain, Kim Lennon, Cathy Malok, Lynn Miller, Pat Nichols, Toni O’Neil, Vicky Pecord, Lia Pignatelli, Connie Sale, Meredith Sampson, Michele Segerberg, Giselle Smisko, and Marc and Diane Winn, all of whom have provided me, through the years, with help, advice, and species expertise. My gratitude to Marge Gibson, unsurpassed storyteller and founder of the Raptor Education Group, who somehow found time to read my initial draft and give me her invaluable feedback. I would also like to thank the following veterinarians, who have so generously donated their skill, time, and compassion to relieve the suffering of injured wild birds: Dr. Richard Joseph, Dr. Andrew Major, Dr. Anthony Pilny, Dr. Martin Randell, Dr. S. J. Schimelman, and Dr. John A. Wilson.
My heartfelt appreciation to Susan Landstreet, my partner in Ladies’ Dinners and nonprofit stress management, to Chris Mineo, for his Thanksgiving Day rescue, to Chris Pellettiere, who fell heart and soul for a young redtail and renewed my faith in the public, to Sheila Shuford, my fairy godmother and a bona fide Wise Woman, to Jim Tyrie, who is always willing to harbor a runaway (and her crows), and to Joellen Wheeler, my friend and lifeline, who keeps me laughing no matter what.
I wish to express my ongoing gratitude to my agent, Russell Galen, who read my initial collection of short stories and gave me such a detailed critique—as well as such inspiration and encouragement—that I eventually produced a book I never would have thought I could write.
And my deepest thanks to my family, who fill me with love and wonder and make me believe I can fly.