Michele Raffin

A fascinating read by a true bird fanaticist. First, she took in foster and rescue birds, particularly "companion birds". Then she began rescuing endangered "exotic" species, and ultimately breeding them to help try to re-populate and save them from extinction. Along the way, we lucky readers grow to understand how communicative birds are, what outsized personalities many of them have, and why she is so passionate about her avian friends. Illustrated with gorgeous photographs (truly--the photographer should have been credited on the title page, in my opinion).… (mer)

In this charming memoir, Pandemonium Aviary's founder Michele Raffin describes her journey from attempting to rescue an injured bird on the side of the highway to becoming the head of a successful conservation non-profit that houses hundreds of birds in her converted backyard. The story is fascinating and inspirational, and full of charming human and avian characters. Raffin does a lovely job communicating the intelligence and emotional range of her charges, and the stunning color photos bring these exotic creatures to life. A genuinely fun and informative read.… (mer)