Synopses & Reviews
Illumination in the Flatwoods is the account of an extraordinary experiment: Naturalist Joe Hutto incubates two dozen wild-turkey eggs with the intention of human-imprinting and raising the hatchlings in the spirit of Konrad Lorenz. But the relationship that develops between the author and the wild birds so profoundly changes his life that he wonders, appropriately, who has imprinted whom.Hutto's is an unforgettable story. Lovingly told with skill and humor, and vibrating with the natural wonders of the Florida flatwoods and the fascinating behavior of the most elusive of the wild game birds, Illumination in the Flatwoods will amaze and enrich all who share this season with the wild turkey. (6 X 9, 256 pages, b&w photos, illustrations)
Review
"An extraordinary tale."--K
irkus Review Review
“Hutto beautifully chronicles an audacious, inventive experiment in ethology. It is an extraordinary tale of man-animal interaction related with bemusement, wonder, and, ultimately, reverence for the complexity of nature.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“Joe Hutto has with empathy and patience entered the wild turkeys world like no one before. His insight is a revelation and his writing a delight.”
—George B. Schaller
“Beautifully written and observed, Illumination in the Flatwoods is a work of art worthy of its subjects. The book takes us to a place we might never have even dreamed and gives our minds the courage to believe things our hearts have always known.”
—Rick Bass
“This book is all about turkeys, and yet you will come away from it thinking not about poults and jakes but about the overlap of art and science, the difference between love and sentiment, and what fine creatures humans can be when they are at their best.”
—Bailey White
“Huttos book will join Gavin Maxells Ring of Bright Water and Joy Adamsons Born Free as a classic work of natural history and human-animal interaction. . . . Huttos prose flows with lyrical beauty, carried on the respect and deep love he holds for his charges.”
—Bird Watchers Digest
Synopsis
The acclaimed account of any astonishing, human-turkey relationship.
Synopsis
An unforgettable story about the fascinating behavior of the most elusive of wild game birds.
Synopsis
When Joe Hutto began his experiment in imprinting two dozen wild turkey—in the tradition of the great animal behaviorist, Konrad Lorenz—he had no idea that it would change his life. Told with skill and humor, and vibrating with the natural wonders of the Florida flatwoods, Illumination in the Flatwoods will amaze and enrich all who share this season with the wild turkey.
About the Author
Joe Hutto is a nationally recognized naturalist and wildlife artist. He is currently living with and studying a herd of mule deer in the Wind River Mountains. His last study of a wild sheep herd culminated in the book A Light in High Places. He and his wife, Leslye, own and operate a small, historic working ranch.