Comments on: 10 Great Books on Birds: A Big Year Reading List

By: John Nelson

John Nelson — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 23:08:08 +0000

“The Peregrine” by J. A. Baker is unmatched for insight and powerful, evocative prose.

[This comment has been migrated from an earlier post version by Cornell Lab staff.]

By: Charles Mollenhauer

Charles Mollenhauer — Fri, 12 Dec 2014 18:49:36 +0000

Here Am I–Where Are You?: The Behavior of the Greylag Goose
by Konrad Z Lorenze

By: Simchah Fastow

Simchah Fastow — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 02:14:18 +0000

In reply to Joe Wallace. I also love Gerald Durrell's books. He inspired me to be an amateur amateur naturalist and forager. "The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill" is another great bird book and movie. I think I'll check out some of the books listed in the article and comments too.

By: John Nielsen

John Nielsen — Wed, 12 Feb 2014 12:08:10 +0000

In reply to Marilyn Koenitzer. I agree that Bird Without a Name belongs on this list.

By: Denise Brownlie

Denise Brownlie — Sat, 02 Jun 2012 21:57:14 +0000

“The Owl Papers” by Jonathan Maslow is as enchanting now as when it was first published in the ’80’s.
“With a naturalist’s eye and a poet’s soul, Maslow pursues owls through history, literature and myth. A superb and utterly fascinating book.” (The New York Times Book Review)

By: Sue Hannon

Sue Hannon — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 22:32:28 +0000

I have read 4 of the 10 on your list – going to have to get to work on the rest, I guess. In addition, I loved A Supremely Bad Idea, which is mentioned several times in the comments. Also Wesley the Owl, Alex and Me, Scott Weidensaul’s Of a Feather, and Hawk of Mercy – a wonderful biography of Rosalie Edge, the founder of Hawk Mountain. The earliest memories I have of bird-themed books (apart from the field guides that went along on every family trip or drive in the country) is of my mother reading Silent Spring when it was just published (I was about 3 or 4), and That Quail, Robert, not too long after. Both books are still on her shelves, and both are among my favorites.

By: Joanna Cabanna

Joanna Cabanna — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 12:47:24 +0000

I love birds but I’ve never read a book with this subject. Seems like some of these titles are very interesting so I might give them a try.
Songbird Journeys is a very interesting title so I think I’m gonna start with it…

By: lydia schindler

lydia schindler — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 22:26:40 +0000

Very glad to see “A Parrot without a Name” making the list. Other additions: “Season at the Point” by Jack Connor, “Rare and Elusive Birds” by William Burth, and, more offbeat, “Illumination in the Flatwoods” by Joe Hutto.

By: Marilyn Koenitzer

Marilyn Koenitzer — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 05:22:29 +0000

“A Parrot without a Name, the search for the last unknown birds on earth,” by Don Stap, c. 1990, about Louisiana State Univ. ornithologists John O’Neill and Ted Parker’s search for tropical birds. Set in Peru. Unforgettable.

By: Jennifer Strand

Jennifer Strand — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 16:04:44 +0000

“A Guide to the Birds of East Africa” by Nichlas Drayson is a novel of love, bird-watching, and a wager to see which of two rivals can achieve the highest bird count in 7 days. Set in Nairobi and centered at the Asadi Club, this is a truly enjoyable story where the individuality of the characters is reflected in their approach to birdwatching and the competition itself. Throw in well-drawn supporting characters, Tusker Beer, flamingos, sunbirds, and a blue turaco and you’ve got an irresistible tale told in only 200 pages.