At the Avian Conservation Center in Awendaw, South Carolina, miracles happen every day. Heartfelt thanks to Debbie Mauney, Kori Cotteleer, and especially to my dear friend Mary Pringle, who took me along to rescue pelicans.
I’m indebted to Steve Baptiste and Linda Marshall, canary breeders extraordinaire. Thank you for an education on canaries, for my five canaries whose songs brighten my every day, and for your friendship. I share your passion for these joyful singers.
I am blessed to have an amazingly talented editor who stands shoulder to shoulder with me during the writing process. Lauren McKenna—there are not enough words to thank you. Thanks as well to Elana Cohen and my copy editor Joel Hetherington. I am also blessed to have a stellar team at Gallery Books. Heartfelt thanks to my fabulous publishers Jennifer Bergstrom and Louise Burke, to Liz Psaltis, Jennifer Long, Jean Anne Rose, Angela Januzzi, Diane Velasquez, and Lisa Litwack.
My home team makes every book and every day I work with them a joy. Thanks for being my best cheerleaders and brilliant backup: Angela May, Kathie Bennett, Susan Zurenda, Meg Walker, Abby Dunne, and Lisa Minnick.
I cannot thank enough two amazing nature photographers (and dear friends) who provided me with photographs of birds for my research and inspiration. To Barbara J. Bergwerf and Judy Drew Fairchild, whose photographs grace my book, and to Barb’s magic at creating the “stamps” in the book. Thanks to Judy, as well, for providing me the chance to stay at the magical place called Dewees Island.
A special nod to Shane Zeigler at the Barrier Island Ecotour on Isle of Palms. My scenario with Brett’s Coastal Ecotour is strictly fictional but the character’s devotion to guiding visitors to the joys of the lowcountry is inspired by Shane. The Barrier Island Ecotour business is thriving and I highly recommend that you take a trip.
The character of Bo Stanton was inspired by my friend Bo Stallings of Isle of Palms. He’s a true lowcountry gentleman and I couldn’t have written the fishing scene without his guidance. Thank you, Bo!
The name for my character Heather came from the winning bid for a worthy horse rescue group, HERD, in Tryon, North Carolina. A joyous thank-you to Cindy Boyle and to Katherine Bellisimo for their donation that spawned the naming of two characters! The character Heather and her story are completely fiction, yet Heather Freeman inspired my character’s gentle grace, intelligence, and passion for animals.
I’m fortunate to have writing friends who help the ideas flow, read and critique the pages, and keep me going. Much love and thanks to Patti Callahan Henry, Gretta Kruesi, Leah Greenberg, and Linda Plunkett.
As always, my final words go to Markus. Truly, I could not have written this book without you.