In Bald Eagles, Bear Cubs and Hermit Bill, wildlife biologist Ron Joseph recounts his youth in central Maine, the importance of his family's dairy farm, and his adventures in the field over the course of a career that spanned more than three decades. A gifted storyteller, he also introduces readers to other like-minded people and fascinating characters who have worked in some way to preserve the natural beauty of Maine. Joseph's forty stories are told with the compassion and appreciation of a man who truly loves Maine, its people, and its many wonders. The book includes an introduction by Paul Doiron, author of the Mike Bowditch series of Maine crime novels and former editor-in-chief of Down East magazine.
Ronald A. Joseph was born in Waterville, Maine, in 1952 and grew up in neighboring Oakland. He developed a love for the outdoors and wildlife on his grandparents' dairy farm in Mercer, where he spent many weekends, summers, and vacations working and exploring. He especially loved birds, a passin nurtered by his mother, and spent hours perched on stacks of hay bales watching swallows dart in and out of the barn to feed their nestlings. That fascination led him to study ornithology at the University of New Hampshire where he earned a degree in wildlife conservation. He later earned a master's degree in zoology from Brigham Young University. In 1978, he began a career as a state and federal wildlife biologist, mostly in Maine, bugt also for a time in New Hampshire and Utah. One particular focus during his career was the restoration of endangered species. He is now retired, but continues to speak, volunteer, and lead birding trips. He lives in Sidney. This is his first book.