Alfie and Me: What Owls Know, What Humans Believe

Alfie & Me is the story of Carl Safina and his wife, Patricia, who took in a near-death baby owl and discovered that the healing was mutual. It is a work of profound beauty and magical timing, drawing Carl and Patricia into Alfie's world and allowing them to view existence from Alfie's perspective.

Format: Hardback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 14 November 2023
Publisher: WW Norton & Co

When ecologist Carl Safina and his wife, Patricia, welcomed a near-death baby owl into their care, they anticipated that, like other wild orphans they had rescued, it would be a temporary resident. However, Alfie's feathers were not growing correctly, necessitating extended care. As time passed, Carl and Patricia began to realize that their healing was mutual.

Alfie & Me is the captivating tale of the extraordinary influence this little owl had on their lives. The enduring bond of trust formed after her release and her successful raising of her wild brood brought Carl and Patricia into Alfie's world, granting them a unique perspective of existence from Alfie's viewpoint. Interwoven with Safina's profound reflections on humanity's relationship with the natural world across cultures and throughout history, Alfie & Me is a work of immense beauty and impeccable timing encapsulated within a year that turned everything upside down.

As Alfie's feathers began to grow, she became more active and curious. Carl and Patricia spent countless hours observing her and learning about her behavior. They discovered that Alfie was fiercely independent and had a strong sense of curiosity. She would often explore the surrounding area, chasing after insects and birds.

Despite her wild nature, Alfie developed a deep bond with Carl and Patricia. She would often perch on their shoulders or snuggle up in their hands. They would feed her and talk to her, and she would respond by cooing and chirping. Carl and Patricia felt a sense of joy and fulfillment in caring for Alfie, and they knew that they had made a difference in her life.

As the year went on, Alfie grew stronger and more confident. She began to fly more frequently and explore new areas. Carl and Patricia were amazed at her progress and were proud of the young owl that they had helped to grow.

One day, Alfie returned to the nest where she had been found. She was now an adult owl, and she was ready to take on the world. Carl and Patricia watched as she flew away, feeling a sense of sadness but also joy. They knew that Alfie had grown up strong and independent, and that she would be able to thrive in the wild.

Alfie & Me is a beautiful and heartwarming story that showcases the power of compassion and the resilience of nature. It reminds us of the importance of protecting and preserving the natural world and the incredible creatures that inhabit it. Carl and Patricia's journey with Alfie teaches us that even the smallest actions can have a profound impact on the lives of others, and that the bonds we form with the natural world can be truly transformative.

Weight: 702g
Dimension: 161 x 236 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781324065463