How does a bird learn to fly?

Most people credit instinct. They believe the young bird just decides one day to flap its wings and take off. After spending three years observing a bald eagle nest, I believe the story is much more fascinating than that.

During nearly 1,000 hours of study, I have seen adults restrict food and attention in an effort to motivate their young birds. And I have documented one young bird inventing games to help its weaker sibling.

Even after three years, these birds continue to amaze me and I want to share their stories. I'm a professional nature photographer with image credits in Smithsonian, National Wildlife, Lonely Planet, New Scientist, and more. I pitched the story to several magazines and while they expressed interest, they didn't have room for a very long story. Faced with the prospect of having to leave out a lot of images and anecdotes – like the time I photographed two young birds playing catch in midair with a stick – I decided to turn the story into a book.

This has allowed me to expand the story even more. I documented how Pacific Northwest bald eagles spend the winters following salmon runs and followed them to the Olympic Peninsula of Washington state where older juveniles learn to hunt.

Now that this year's eagles are flying, my research is nearly complete. What I need is to pre-sell enough copies of the book so I can have it printed at a reasonable cost.

What You Get

For just $10, you can have the book in electronic form. You'll get two PDFs. One PDF will be a reproduction of the printed book and compatible with a wide variety of PDF readers, including iBooks on the iPad. A second PDF will be enhanced with interactive features, including HD video. You'll need a PC or certain models of Android tablets to view it. You will automatically get both versions.

For just a little more, you get the print edition too. I enjoy reading National Geographic on my iPad, but there's something special about the printed magazine. At any of the printed book levels in this campaign, you won't have to choose. You'll get electronic versions for your devices and a print book to hold. And all printed books will be signed.

The Impact

This project has involved one of the most detailed observations ever of a bald nest and it would be the first book on this subject in nearly 40 years.

I believe that the more people know about wildlife and nature, the more likey they are to take steps to preserve it. Already, awareness of these nesting bald eagles have prompted the city of Kirkland, Wash. to move its Fourth of July fireworks show farther from the nest.

Thank You

I can't wait to share this story and your support will make it possible. Even if you can't contribute financially, please share this project with bird lovers you know so that we can make this book happen.