The Return of the Oystercatcher

Saving Birds to Save the Planet

By: Scott Weidensaul

As populations fall and once-great migration multitudes wither away, the future of birds may seem grim. But surprisingly, around the world, bird conservation is making things better.

From the hyperlocal to the hemispherically immense, The Return of the Oystercatcher explores the recovery efforts that are not only preventing declines in bird populations but are helping them to thrive. Scott Weidensaul compiles amazing stories of hope and progress in some of the most unlikely places – from the resurgence of ducks in North America to the return of ospreys nesting in Southern Britain – to provide a road map of breathtaking environmental resilience.

Because birds are so diverse, so ubiquitous and cover virtually every square mile of the Earth's surface, Weidensaul argues that by saving the birds we can also save the world. The result is an inspiring story of what's working in bird conservation, recovery and reintroduction, and what can work for the rest of the planet.

©2026 Scott Weidensaul (P)2026 Bolinda Publishing