Alfie and Me: What Owls Know, What Humans Believe

Television host, ecologist, and award-winning author Safina (Becoming Wild; Beyond Words) offers a fascinating account of his adventures as he and his wife Patricia rehabilitated an injured baby eastern screech owl and taught her the necessary skills to survive. As the couple nursed Alfie back to health, Safina learned that the world is an unpredictable place and that letting go is not as easy as he once believed. He seamlessly intertwines his experiences with Alfie with discussions about the interconnectedness of life and the impact that philosophy and religion have on people’s understanding of nature. Safina narrates his own work, providing a pleasurable listening experience. His retelling of his life alongside Alfie has a dreamy, lovable tone. As the chapters drift back toward his discussion of philosophy and religion, he transitions to a more neutral, even explanation that is steady and well-modulated.