The Kite and the Snail

“A fascinating and often heartening story of adaptation and survival in a fast-changing world. The Kite and the Snail will expand your capacity for surprise.”—Michelle Nijhuis, author of Beloved Beasts: Fighting for Life in an Age of Extinction

“The Kite and the Snail is a chronicle of nature’s resilience in the face of change—and the endurance of conservationists’ spirits. Flower’s enthusiasm for the adaptable kites is infectious; she’s a fantastic guide through the complex ecology and even knottier ethical issues surrounding these iconic birds. With more twists than a thriller, this book makes for a wonderful read.”—Emma Marris, author of Wild Souls: Freedom and Flourishing in the Non-Human World

“Flower has done something novel and compelling in telling a story of the recovery of the snail kite while simultaneously writing about the resilience and adaptation of life itself. What emerges is a better understanding of both the snail kite’s future, and possibly our own.”—Mark Rains, chief science officer for the State of Florida

“The Kite and the Snail examines the decline of the Everglades and the progress of its management and restoration through the lens of a single dynamic endangered species. Flower introduces a cast of scientists, activists, and decision-makers, exploring what humans have wrought on this awe-inspiring landscape. The book is both entertaining and educational, even for those of us who have been immersed in the science and policy of the Everglades for a very long time. I was thoroughly engrossed.”—Jerry Lorenz, former director of research, Audubon Florida Everglades Science Center

“Flower brings us along on her quest to discover new secrets about one of Florida’s most exquisite birds—the snail kite. I learned so much about my beloved native state! This book deserves to perch alongside other great books about Florida’s unique natural history.”—R. Scot Duncan, author of Southern Rivers: Restoring America’s Freshwater Biodiversity