ON THE WINGS OF CRANES: Larry Walkinshaw’s Life Story is scheduled for release by publisher iUniverse, Inc. of NY in September 2008. In April 2006, I predicted its appearance this year under the title of Larry: Amateur Birdman of the World. Actually, several titles were considered including Dear Walkinshaw, each with various subtitles.

ON THE WINGS OF CRANES was selected as the most descriptive and inviting title to recognize an amateur Michigan birder now known as the “Father of International Crane Research”. The 350-some page volume includes unique features along with 22 never before published plates. All of Walkinshaw’s 400 published works are chronicled along with access to his banding recorders on over 40, 000 birds. Most importantly, perhaps, “At last, the true story of Larry’s contributions to… the recovery of the Whooping Crane is exposed,” according to past Whooping Crane Conservation Association President and Operation Migration Board Member, Walter Sturgeon of Spring Hope, NC.

Over a half-century span Walkinshaw contributed more, and for longer than anyone, to the salvation of three endangered species - Whooping Cranes, Greater Sandhill Cranes and Kirtland’s Warblers. Acknowledged as “The Model” bird life history scholar for his studies on cranes, warblers and sparrows, Walkinshaw is hearlded as perhaps the world’s greatest finder of bird nests ever.

Signing and presentation events are being scheduled. Contact Dr. Lowell M. Schake, the author, at wschake1@centurytel.net or call 361-749-2315.

Book Details:

An ornithological biography published by iUniverse, Inc. NY 2008 as ISBN 978-0-595-48497 (pkb), $24.95 and as ISBN 978-0-595-71999 (cloth) $34.95. Available through local Barnes & Noble, at Amazon.com, various wholesalers or call the publisher at 1-800-288-4677 to place orders.

Key Words:

Ornithology; Amateur Birding; Species Saving; Conservation; Naturalist; Cranes; Warblers; Sparrows

Lowell M. Schake, Ph.D., is the book’s author.

The Author