No one reading this book can fail to take a new interest in our common American birds. Though Bubo and Black Talon, his mate, are the primary heroes of the story, many other forest creatures take their places beside them, live out their short span, reproduce their kind and return to oblivion.

Bubo is recognized as the dreaded tiger of the forest. He and Black Talon build their nest in an ancient beech, but are repeatedly defeated in raising their fledglings. Corvus, the yelling crow destroys one batch of eggs; a storm with freezing rain ruins another. However, finally a pair of beautiful owlets face the world. Black Talon, no longer young, lame and uncertain, pounces on Mephitis, the skunk, as a welcome tidbit to carry home to them. She had made her one, her fatal mistake. That night Bubo for the first time receives no answer when he calls her.

Restrained, yet richly dramatic writing and countless stunning pictures make this a book any young nature lover will be proud of.

From the dust jacket