The Rise and Fall of Bird Rookeries

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This chapter delves into the dynamic history of bird rookeries in Florida, detailing the vital role alligators played in their ecosystems and the devastating impact of fashion trends on bird populations. It highlights the alarming trade of bird feathers for extravagant hats in the late 19th century, driving millions of birds to extinction and sparking conservation efforts. The chapter culminates in the formation of the first Audubon Society in response to these challenges, advocating for bird protection amid rampant plume hunting.

Hunters in the Everglades used to kill millions of birds every year for their feathers. In 1902, a man named Guy Bradley was hired to stop people from shooting the birds – but it wasn’t easy. “If you’re working alone in the wilderness, no witnesses, and the people that you’re going up to are armed, it’s really dangerous.”

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