Project Puffin

“Engaging. . . . Here is one of the great success stories of conservation. The verdict: Of interest to birders, natural history buffs, New Englanders, conservationists, and environmentalists.”—Henry T. Armistead, Library Journal

“Readers who love the nitty-gritty of conservation will get a good flavor of it here.”—Bob Holmes, New Scientist

“A well-told drama.”—Natural History

“Kress and Jackson present a ripping yarn. . . . A fine read.”—Iain J. Stenhouse, The Condor

“A story that is, at its heart, about how a kid from Ohio accomplished one of the biggest conservation victories of our time.”—BirdWatching

“Kress’s achievement is impressive both as a conservation victory and as an example of personal devotion and patience. . . . [His] charm and wit bring the project to life.”—Thomas Urquhart, Portland Press-Herald

“Project Puffin documents how one determined scientist with a real passion for the region, its ecology, its history, and its birdlife, can accomplish the reality of bringing back a species with a highly complex life history. It is exactly what lay readers and students need to read in order to begin to understand what conservation science actually is. And it is really fun (and I daresay inspiring) to read.”—John Kricher, author of The Balance of Nature and A Neotropical Companion

“A story of struggle and hope, and an inspiration to future wildlife stewards.”—Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods and The Nature Principle

“An inspiring book on Stephen Kress’s dream of re-introducing puffins to an island where man had eradicated them. A brilliant case study of how drive and enthusiasm can overcome problems.”—Mike P. Harris, coauthor of The Puffin

“The world needs more people like Steve Kress, whose singular commitment and passion—dedication to one bird at one island—has had a global impact. This book brings his story wonderfully and personally to life. I’m sure it will inspire and encourage a new generation of caretakers of the natural world.”—David Sibley, author of The Sibley Guides

“Restoring puffins to Maine has been a glorious, four-decades obsession for Steve Kress—one underpinned by plenty of stubbornness and grit, as this frank retelling of Project Puffin’s remarkable history makes clear. And thank goodness for that tenacity, because the techniques he pioneered on Eastern Egg Rock are today helping endangered seabirds around the world. This is the compelling story of the messy, uncertain, ultimately uplifting work of real conservation.”—Scott Weidensaul, author of Living on the Wind