Emptying the Skies

Bestselling author Jonathan Franzen says here that he has avoided environmentalism because he was afraid of turning into a “misanthropist.” But when he became transfixed by wild birds, he could not help himself, especially when assigned to write about uncontrolled poaching of vanishing songbirds in southern Europe. Migrating birds, already suffering habitat loss, are caught by the millions and sold on the black market as elitist gourmet delicacies. Although laws against the practice exist in the European Union, practically nobody (except grassroots activists) is actively combating the cruel glue-like traps, selfish landowners, thug peasants, and mafiosi in Cyprus, Italy, France, and other hotspots. Filmmaker Douglas Kass rides along with the dedicated young men of a tiny Committee Against Bird Slaughter, as they try to sabotage traps and liberate birds—or, just as often, have to euthanize mutilated, hopelessly crippled victims. Scenes of dead, dismembered, or suffering fowl are disturbing—and rightfully so—in this film that reminds us that behind the quaint charm of the Old World lie some unspeakably cruel customs and traditions. Highly recommended. (C. Cassady)