The Great Plains is a well-known and well-studied hybrid zone for many animals, most notably birds. Powell explores the history, geography, and geology of the plains and the birds that inhabit it. From the sandhill crane to ducks and small shorebirds, he explains migration patterns and shows how human settlements have affected the movements of birds. Powell uses historical maps and images to show how wetlands have disappeared, how grasslands have been uprooted, how rivers have been modified by dams, and how the distribution of forests has changed, all the while illustrating why grassland birds are the most threatened group of birds in North America. Powell also discusses conservation attempts and how sporting organizations have raised money to create wetland and grassland habitats for both game and nongame species.

Great Plains Birds tells the story of the birds of the plains, discussing where those birds can be found and the impact humans have had on them.

'From modern-day prairie birds (and where to see them), to geography, history, and conservation, this book is an excellent introduction for anyone wanting to learn more about the vast heart of America, the Great Plains. Wonders abound, if only we look.' -Joel Sartore, Photo Ark founder and National Geographic photographer and fellow

'My high expectations were met when I read Powell's book Great Plains Birds, but they were exceeded when I found myself laughing and living vicariously through his personal narrative. This book is honest and important and presents a clear-eyed view of bird conservation today in our heartland.' -Michael Forsberg, photographer and author of Great Plains: America's Lingering Wild The Great Plains is a broad expanse of flat land, much of it covered in prairie, steppe, and grassland, located in the United States and Canada, encompassing Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado, Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico, and the three Prairie Provinces of Canada: Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta.