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Finding Flaco: Our Year with New York City's Beloved Owl Hardcover – December 15, 2024

by Jacqueline Emery (Author), David Lei (Author)
5.0 out of 5 stars 100 ratings
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Flaco the Eurasian eagle-owl landed on Fifth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan bewildered and afraid after his enclosure at the Central Park Zoo was vandalized on February 2, 2023. Many feared for his safety and welfare because he could not fly well and had never hunted before. He evaded rescue for the next two weeks and began to embrace his new life as a wild owl. Flaco initially settled in Central Park and later explored neighborhoods around Manhattan, enchanting New Yorkers everywhere he went. He sadly and unexpectedly died a year after his release on February 23, 2024, when the hazards of the urban environment finally caught up with him.

Wildlife photographers Jacqueline Emery and David Lei were immediately fascinated by Flaco and observed him more than 150 times, from the night of his release until the week before his death. The photos and firsthand accounts they shared contributed to making Flaco one of the most well-known and beloved animals in the world. Finding Flaco tells the story of this beautiful, charismatic, and intelligent bird based on the intimate looks that Emery and Lei had into his life. They document Flaco’s remarkable transformation as he learned how to do owly things like fly, hunt, establish territory, protect himself from mobbing birds, and adapt to the four seasons. And they draw exciting parallels between Flaco’s behavior and that of the other owls who have recently resided in the park. The book also examines how and why Flaco meant so much to so many, showcasing stories and artwork by some of Flaco’s most ardent admirers.

Although Flaco’s adventures in the city ended tragically, his legacy lives on. The book explores the community response to his death and ongoing efforts to make New York safer for raptors and other birds. Emery and Lei also offer insights gleaned from their observations of nearly twenty wild Eurasian eagle-owls in Spain, Germany, and the Netherlands and their conversations with local conservationists and researchers.
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  1. Print length
    224 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Owls of New York
  4. Publication date
    December 15, 2024
  5. Dimensions
    10.24 x 10.2 x 0.87 inches
  6. ISBN-13
    979-8991510509
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The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now

Editorial Reviews

Review

"As somebody who lives near the park, I don't know how many times I saw people whose goal was finding Flaco—and who greeted him with wonder and gratitude. Whether or not you had the good fortune to see this wonderful being in real life, Finding Flaco is like meeting him in the places shared by all New Yorkers."
—KEITH OLBERMANN, American sports and political commentator and writer

"Heart-warming and immensely inspiring! Finding Flaco is the beautifully told tale of the Eurasian eagle-owl who, despite being raised in captivity, remembers how to live as a wild owl in the heart of New York City. In his determination to remain wild and free, Flaco reminds us of the resilience of Nature and the importance of even the most fleeting moments of connection with the Wild. I loved this book!"
—LEIGH CALVEZ, author of The Hidden Lives of Owls

"The intimate photos and compelling account in Finding Flaco create a heart-grabbing story of an eagle-owl relying upon his instincts to navigate an unfamiliar urban environment. This beautiful work is a testament to the power of owls to encourage our empathy and will hopefully motivate education and action to protect the natural habitats each species relies upon to survive."
—PAUL BANNICK, author and photographer of Owl: A Year in the Lives of North American Owls

"Emery and Lei document Flaco's remarkable adventures in text and in many magnificent photos, taken by the authors and other enthusiastic followers. It's packed with details about the physiology and habits of owls, as well as delightful vignettes of Flaco's antics (including fun images of him peering into apartment windows). This ode to Flaco is also effectively a tribute to the community he brought together—a diverse collection of city folk who shared real-time sightings and formed new friendships. Despite Flaco's eventual sad demise, this is an inspirational tale of a valiant, curious escapee." "Charming, informative, touching, and full of riveting photographs."
—"Get it," KIRKUS REVIEWS

"Stunning photography captures the thrill of spotting Flaco in the city (witness him perched on balconies, park benches, and construction equipment) while also vividly conveying the owl's emotions, from curiosity to triumph. Emery and Lei's narrative invites us to walk alongside them on the chase, sharing in their awe and wonder at this remarkable owl's transformation."
—"Editor's Pick," BOOKLIFE by PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

"Their pictures show Flaco in every phase of his adventure — from Central Park to the East Village to the Upper West Side — alongside contributions from a handful of other photographers. The book's captions balance information and humor, as do mini-essays in which Emery and Lei reflect upon various stops on Flaco's grand tour. They show his big moments — the first time he dangled a dead rat from his talons, for instance — and less momentous ones, when Flaco preened, displaying his distinctive ear tufts, on fire escapes, water towers, ledges and cornices."
—ELISABETH EGAN, New York Times Book Review

About the Author

JACQUELINE EMERY'S interest in birding began in 2019 when a spunky tufted titmouse caught her eye in Central Park. Soon after, she began photographing birds and other wildlife in New York. Her fascination with owling took flight when observing and photographing Barry the barred owl in Central Park in 2020.

When she is not with the birds, she teaches literature and chairs the English Department at SUNY Old Westbury. She is editor of the awardwinning collection, Recovering Native American Writings in the Boarding School Press.

DAVID LEI started photographing birds and wildlife in 2018 with his first African safari. That safari ignited a new passion that David brought back with him to the parks, rivers, and beaches in New York. David's spark bird was the snowy owl, and he saw his first when one improbably visited Central Park in early 2021. Today, he is best known for his long exposure night-time photographs of owls in urban environments.

When he is not with the birds, he makes real estate investments globally on behalf of endowments, foundations, pension plans, and other institutional investors.

THE AUTHORS' photos have been published by the New York Times, Associated Press, and numerous other media outlets.

They support the Wild Bird Fund and New York City Bird Alliance and volunteer with the NYC Plover Project. David also serves on the board of directors for the Wild Bird Fund. A portion of the proceeds of this book will be donated to causes benefiting the welfare of birds and other wildlife.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DLSGG5DY
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Owls of New York; First Edition (December 15, 2024)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 224 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8991510509
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 3.17 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 10.24 x 10.2 x 0.87 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    5.0 out of 5 stars 100 ratings

About the authors

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Previous page
  1. Jacqueline Emery

    Jacqueline Emery

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    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    Jacqueline Emery is a part-time professional wildlife photographer and co-author of Finding Flaco: Our Year with New York City’s Beloved Owl. Her photos have been published by the New York Times, Associated Press, and numerous other media outlets. She began birding in 2019, and her fascination with owls took flight while photographing Barry the barred owl in Central Park in 2020. Jacqueline is passionate about wildlife conservation. She volunteers with NYC Plover Project, a nonprofit that protects piping plovers and other shorebirds that nest on city beaches. She also supports NYC Bird Alliance and Wild Bird Fund.

    When she is not with the birds, she teaches literature and chairs the English Department at SUNY Old Westbury. She is editor of the award-winning collection, Recovering Native American Writings in the Boarding School Press, published by the University of Nebraska Press in 2017.

    See more on the author's page
  2. David Lei

    David Lei

    Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    David Lei is a part-time professional wildlife photographer and co-author of Finding Flaco: Our Year with New York City’s Beloved Owl. His photos have been published by the New York Times, Associated Press, and numerous other media outlets. David started photographing birds and wildlife in 2018 with his first African safari. That safari ignited a new passion that David brought back with him to the parks, rivers, and beaches back home in New York. David’s spark bird was the snowy owl, and he saw his first when one improbably visited Central Park in early 2021. Today, he is best known for his long exposure night-time photographs of owls in urban environments.

    When he is not with the birds, he makes real estate investments globally on behalf of endowments, foundations, pension plans, and other institutional investors.

    See more on the author's page
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Customer reviews

5 out of 5 stars
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Customers say

Customers praise the book's heartwarming stories and over 200 stunning photographs, with one customer noting how they meticulously document Flaco's movements. They appreciate the authors' work, with one describing it as written with true love, and another highlighting the detailed experiences with Eurasian eagle owls.

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33 customers mention "Story quality"33 positive0 negative

Customers praise the heartwarming stories in the book, which elevate the overall narrative, making it a beautiful and inspiring read.

"...It is a quintessential New York story with lessons to be learned for all...." Read more

"...a resilient urban predator, with breathtaking photography and heartfelt storytelling...." Read more

"...with Eurasian eagle owls in urban ecosystems in Europe and engages in a moving discussion about the impact Flaco had on the communities of New York..." Read more

"...all who encountered him, and the creators of this book offer a magnificent memorial in his honor for the rest of us." Read more

22 customers mention "Photography"22 positive0 negative

Customers praise the spectacular photos in the book, with one mentioning over 200 pages of large colorful pictures, and another noting it's written by two of Flaco's photographers.

"...uniqueness and power of this story both in beautiful prose and glorious photography...." Read more

"...The book contains over 200 stunning photographs that showcase Flaco in his element—perched on historic New York buildings, soaring over Central Park..." Read more

"Finding Flaco is a stunning tribute to the beloved Eurasian eagle-owl who captured the hearts of New Yorkers...." Read more

"...just a collection of photos, "Finding Flaco" is a treasure trove of images and encounters that tell the story of Flaco the owl's life outside of the..." Read more

9 customers mention "Author quality"9 positive0 negative

Customers praise the authors' work, with one describing them as a creative wordsmith and another noting their dedication to the project.

"...and Jackie capture the uniqueness and power of this story both in beautiful prose and glorious photography...." Read more

"...The photos are breathtaking -- clearly the work of dedicated and talented people at the top of their game...." Read more

"Finding Flaco is brilliant. A bold, brave, and magical story about the NYC Eurasian eagle-owl, Flaco, affectionately narrated through tales and..." Read more

"...He’s a talented photographer and creative wordsmith...." Read more

9 customers mention "Bird content"9 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the bird content in the book, with one customer highlighting the detailed experiences with Eurasian eagle owls, while another notes how wildlife can coexist with humans.

"...This is a story about an exquisite owl....and so much more. It is a quintessential New York story with lessons to be learned for all...." Read more

"...Finding Flaco raises important questions about how wildlife can coexist with humans and how we can better protect birds in our increasingly..." Read more

"...A must-read for anyone who followed his journey or loves wildlife and Central Park!" Read more

"...tabs on Flaco for the rest of us, this book also details experiences with Eurasian eagle owls in urban ecosystems in Europe and engages in a moving..." Read more

3 customers mention "Movement"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's movement, with one noting how meticulously it documents Flaco's movements.

"...What a stunning and moving tribute to this most magical creature...." Read more

"...Over the course of a year, they meticulously documented Flaco’s movements, interactions, and survival strategies, offering readers a glimpse into..." Read more

"This is a beautiful book. It’s a moving, lovely story that’s worth reading! So happy I ordered this book!" Read more

RIP FLACO 🦉what a tribute!
5 out of 5 stars
RIP FLACO 🦉what a tribute!
If you’re a New Yorker that followed Flaco through his time in the park, you NEED this book. If you like birds, you also NEED this book. And if you need to buy a gift for someone that likes anything nature, owls, or nyc, then BUY THIS BOOK! The photos are amazing and the stories from the authors are heartwarming. As a (very) amateur photographer, I can understand and appreciate the difficulty involved with taking photos of birds at night, let alone carrying heavy photo gear, on top of finding where he flies off too each night—truly a feat! I think Flaco would approve.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Valerie
    5.0 out of 5 stars Stunning and Special! Flaco Remembered and Celebrated.....Thank You!
    Reviewed in the United States on January 4, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I received my copy of this magnificent book last week and have been savoring every single page. What a stunning and moving tribute to this most magical creature. Flaco captured the hearts and minds of so many as he liberated and "untamed" himself right in front of our eyes in and around Central Park. Beloved inside the CP Zoo, his unusual escape (vandals cut his habitat), provided a most unexpected next chapter. A year of living unabashedly authentically and free for all to witness. David and Jackie capture the uniqueness and power of this story both in beautiful prose and glorious photography. This is a book for the ages as it helps those of us who "lived" this remember and reflect. And those in the future who will benefit from learning and embracing the story and legend of Flaco. This is a story about an exquisite owl....and so much more. It is a quintessential New York story with lessons to be learned for all. Thank you Jackie and David for sharing your journey with all of us and in turn preserving the legacy of the gift to all of us that was dear Flaco.
    5 people found this helpful
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  • DG
    5.0 out of 5 stars Finding Flaco is a poignant, beautifully crafted tribute to one of New York’s most beloved creatures
    Reviewed in the United States on March 19, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Emery and Lei, both dedicated wildlife observers and photographers, bring a rare level of intimacy to their subject. Over the course of a year, they meticulously documented Flaco’s movements, interactions, and survival strategies, offering readers a glimpse into the life of an owl navigating a metropolis. The book contains over 200 stunning photographs that showcase Flaco in his element—perched on historic New York buildings, soaring over Central Park, and even engaging with other birds of prey. These images alone make Finding Flaco an extraordinary visual experience.

    One of the book’s strongest elements is its reflection on what Flaco’s journey reveals about the modern cityscape. As urban environments continue to expand, Finding Flaco raises important questions about how wildlife can coexist with humans and how we can better protect birds in our increasingly hazardous built environments. The authors also highlight ongoing efforts to make cities safer for raptors and migratory birds, ensuring that Flaco’s legacy extends beyond his own life.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Roxanne Taylor
    5.0 out of 5 stars A stunning tribute for Flaco, who captured our hearts
    Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Finding Flaco is a stunning tribute to the beloved Eurasian eagle-owl who captured the hearts of New Yorkers. After purchasing the book myself, I loved it so much that I bought copies for friends and neighbors—everyone was enthralled by Flaco’s incredible journey. The book beautifully documents his transformation from a zoo escapee to a resilient urban predator, with breathtaking photography and heartfelt storytelling. Spotting Flaco in the park became a cherished adventure, and his story remains deeply moving. A must-read for anyone who followed his journey or loves wildlife and Central Park!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Nickolas
    5.0 out of 5 stars A treasure trove, essential for anyone interested in the story of Flaco!
    Reviewed in the United States on February 25, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    "To some, he was a symbol of freedom, of hope, and of resilience. Others saw him as an outsider or as an underdog."

    More than just a collection of photos, "Finding Flaco" is a treasure trove of images and encounters that tell the story of Flaco the owl's life outside of the zoo for more than a year, from photographers who followed him closely and intimately during that time. Filled with the meaningful accounts of those who kept tabs on Flaco for the rest of us, this book also details experiences with Eurasian eagle owls in urban ecosystems in Europe and engages in a moving discussion about the impact Flaco had on the communities of New York City.

    It seems like wherever Flaco went, he left a bit of curiosity and a bit of wonder. "Finding Flaco" is an eyewitness view into the production of the images of New York's favorite owl, and an emotional narrative about our relationship with him. For anyone interested in the story of Flaco, or about urban birding in general, it's essential.
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  • Thomas E Beach
    5.0 out of 5 stars Spectacular photos and heartbreaking story
    Reviewed in the United States on January 6, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I can't say I've read this story yet because... it hurts. The photos are breathtaking -- clearly the work of dedicated and talented people at the top of their game. That the authors and other contributors found such inspiration from this singular bird shows the power of life in other forms -- the magnificence of wild things that usually live far outside of our daily experience. Anyone with pets knows what scientists have been reporting for a while now: these creatures share many of the emotions and perceptions that we humans have. For so much of history they were seen as objects -- beautiful and intriguing perhaps, but still just "objects". They are so much more, and so worth saving from the messy, voracious world we've created. Flaco was clearly a joy for all who encountered him, and the creators of this book offer a magnificent memorial in his honor for the rest of us.
    7 people found this helpful
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  • AW
    5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant
    Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Finding Flaco is brilliant. A bold, brave, and magical story about the NYC Eurasian eagle-owl, Flaco, affectionately narrated through tales and amazing photography. This book is exquisite. You will be impressed with the exceptional quality- from the book jacket to the hard copy cover to the over 200 pages of large colorful pictures- with every detail considered. The artistry shared by Emery and Lei visually captures Flaco’s life in a vivid way that you feel as though you are exploring NYC alongside Flaco. Be prepared to feel raw emotions- surprise, happiness, anger, and grief- all while witnessing a community within one of the largest cities in the world uniting and a background story of friendship and love.
    2 people found this helpful
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