Ahoy there mateys! The What's Non-Fiction?blog introduced me to this book.  It deals with the Blakiston fish owl.  These owls are HUGE at two feet tall with six foot wingspans.  The author is a wildlife conservationist who studied these elusive owls.  If ye want lots of fish owl facts, this is not necessary the book for you as not much is known about them yet.  The majority of the book focuses with the practicalities of fieldwork and dealing with the local populations and life in Russia.  I found the stories of the Russian people to be the most fascinating part. It is such a dangerous part of the world.  I listened to the author tell the story in audiobook.  His love for owls and the people he met is palpable.  Recommended.