Return of the Condor is far and away the best book on the subject. John Moir covered the condor recovery effort for magazines and newspapers for years and his extensive and award-winning journalism, including an investigative piece for Birding magazine, became this fine book. Moir presents a unique insider’s view of the remarkable tale of saving a species from the brink of extinction. Down to a population of only twenty-two in the 1980s, the condor owes its survival and recovery to a team of scientists who flouted conventional wisdom and pursued the most controversial means to save it. John Moir’s account shows the depth of their passion and courage and details the bitter controversy that led to a national debate over how to save America’s largest bird.