Bird Brother: A Falconer's Journey and the Healing Power of Wildlife

Rodney Stotts, a Black conservationist and master falconer, grew up in Southeast Washington, D.C., where he faced challenges like drug dealing and incarceration. He found solace in the Smithsonian National Zoo and developed a passion for restoring and conserving the Anacostia River. Despite being arrested on drug charges in 2002, Rodney pursued his dreams and became a master falconer, creating his own raptor education program and sanctuary. His story is a testament to the power of second chances and the healing nature of pursuing dreams.

Format: Hardback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 28 February 2022
Publisher: Island Press

In the late 1980s, Rodney Stotts sought refuge from the challenging streets of Southeast Washington, D.C., by riding the metro to the Smithsonian National Zoo. There, he was captivated by the bald eagles and other birds of prey, igniting a lifelong passion for conservation.

Growing up during the crack epidemic, Rodney faced the pervasive threat of guns, drugs, and incarceration. To secure a stable income, he took a job in 1992 with the Earth Conservation Corps, a nonprofit dedicated to restoring and conserving the polluted Anacostia River that flows through D.C.

Over time, Rodney's love for the work grew, and he played a pivotal role in reintroducing bald eagles to the region. He also formed a deep bond with an injured Eurasian Eagle Owl named Mr. Hoots, the first of many birds whose trust he would earn through his dedication and care.

Bird Brother is a captivating tale of pursuing dreams against all odds. Rodney's journey was nearly derailed when he was arrested on drug charges in 2002. However, the jail sentence served as a turning point, strengthening his resolve to leave the hustling life behind. With the determination of the raptors he had admired, Rodney embarked on a rigorous training program to become a master falconer. He also developed his own raptor education program and sanctuary, dedicated to sharing his passion for these magnificent birds with others.

Rodney's son, Mike, a D.C. firefighter, has also embarked on his journey to becoming a master falconer, with his own children cheering him on. Bird Brother is an eye-opening, witty, and moving love letter to raptors and the humans who transformed Rodney's life. It provides an unflinching look at the uphill battle faced by Black children in pursuing their dreams.

Through his remarkable story, Rodney Stotts inspires others to believe in the power of second chances and to pursue their passions with determination and resilience. His journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of education, determination, and the love for nature.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781642831740