In Condor Country

Eben and Ian McMillan, octogenarian brothers, have spent their lives in the high, arid, rolling grassland of San Luis Obispo County in Californiacondor country. Self-taught naturalists and conservationists, they made a study of condors for the Audubon Society in the '60s. Over a five-year period, journalist Darlington visited the McMillans, absorbing condor lore and learning the ecology of a unique landscape. As they tool around the countryside, Eben points out the San Andreas fault and evidence of its ""creep''; he identifies both native and introduced vegetation on the Corrizo Plain. Ian's environmental activities resulted in his arrest (he was 71) for demonstrating at the San Diablo Canyon nuclear plant. In addition to an engaging portrait of two remarkably independent men, Darlington gives us an authoritative account of the controversy surrounding the artificial breeding program and the final days of the wild California condor. This is a gem for those interested in nature. (May 15)