Like so many others, I was completely captivated by Flaco, the Eurasian eagle-owl who defied all odds and made his home among the skyscrapers of New York City.
After being freed from the Central Park Zoo, following his journey became part of my daily life—I checked Instagram constantly, especially David Lei’s updates, to see where Flaco was, what he was doing, and most importantly if he was safe. His freedom felt symbolic, like a shared dream between him and the city. Flaco reminded us to pause, look up, and witness something extraordinary in a place that never stops moving.
That’s why Finding Flaco: Our Year with New York City’s Beloved Owl feels so special. It’s not just a book—it’s a love letter. Jacqueline Emery and David Lei have created a heartfelt tribute to Flaco and the community that adored him.
The writing is tender and genuine, and the photographs are absolutely stunning. I’m so grateful to have this collection, especially because many of the images were never publicly shared. Seeing these moments, these angles of Flaco’s life that we didn’t get to witness online, feels like being let in on a beautiful secret.
Flaco wasn’t born wild — he was born in a zoo. Raised in captivity, never trained to hunt or survive the chaos of a concrete jungle. A bird never meant to know the skyline, the sirens, the endless fight to survive. And yet, on instinct alone, Flaco soared over a city that was never meant to be his home. He faced every danger — every glass tower, every poisoned rat, every human mistake — without the skills life in the wild would have given him. His story should have been one of hope — not heartbreak. Flaco earned more than an ending like this.
He wasn’t just an owl to us. Flaco became an inspiration—a symbol of resilience, wonder, and unexpected joy in the middle of our busy, sometimes harsh, urban lives. He was a rare gift from nature, reminding New Yorkers (and the world) that wild beauty still exists here, soaring above the noise. In a time when so much feels heavy, Flaco gave us something pure and magical to believe in.
This book perfectly captures that feeling. It’s clear from every page how deeply the authors cared—not only about Flaco but also about sharing his story with those of us who loved him from afar. Finding Flaco is a keepsake, a tribute, and a reminder of how one incredible owl brought us together.
I couldn’t recommend it more.
If you followed Flaco’s story or are just discovering it now, this book is an absolute must-have. It’s not only a stunning collection of photography but also a heartfelt narrative about community, nature, and the incredible ways one owl brought a city together.
⭐️ Overall: 5/5
📖 Writing: 5/5 (sincere, emotional, and engaging)
📸 Photography: 5/5 (gorgeous, rare, and intimate shots)
💡 Inspiration: 5/5 (a reminder of resilience, hope, and wonder)
Why you should buy this book:
🦉 You followed Flaco’s journey and want to hold on to his story forever.
📷 You want to see stunning, never-before-seen photos of NYC’s most beloved owl.
💛 You love stories of nature, community, and unexpected beauty in the middle of the city.
🎁 It makes a perfect gift for any bird lover, New Yorker, or anyone who needs a little more wonder in their life.
Finding Flaco is a keepsake and a tribute. Most of all, it’s a reminder that sometimes, against all odds, freedom really does take flight.
A heartfelt thank you to Jacqueline Emery and David Lei for creating such a beautiful tribute to Flaco—a book that thoughtfully captures his spirit, story, and place in our hearts. Finding Flaco is more than just pages and pictures—it’s a reminder of how one extraordinary owl united a city and inspired people around the world.
If Flaco’s story touched you the way it touched me, I can’t recommend this book enough. And be sure to follow the authors on Instagram to continue celebrating Flaco’s legacy and their breathtaking photography. Their work reminds us to keep looking up — because you never know when wonder might be waiting there.
#LongLiveFlaco 🦉♥️
Were you moved by Flaco’s incredible journey through NYC? 🦉💛 We’d love to hear how this majestic owl touched your heart. Share your thoughts or favorite Flaco memory in the comments below. Let’s keep his spirit soaring. #FlyFreeFlaco
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