Of a Feather: A Brief History of American Birding
- ISBN13: 9780156033558
- Condition: USED - VERY GOOD
- Notes:
Product Description
Arriving in the New World, Europeans were awestruck by a continent awash with birds. Today tens of millions of Americans birders have made a once eccentric hobby into something so mainstream it’s (almost) cool.Scott Weidensaul traces the colorful evolution of American birding: from the frontier ornithologists who collected eggs between border skirmishes to the society matrons who organized the first effective conservation movement; from the luminaries with checkered pasts, such as convicted blackmailer Alexander Wilson and the endlessly self-mythologizing John James Audubon, to the awkward schoolteacher Roger Tory Peterson, whose A Field Guide to the Birds prompted the explosive growth of modern birding. Spirited and compulsively readable, Of a Feather celebrates the passions and achievements of birders throughout Americcan history.
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I am so lucky to have run across this wonderful book. I have a number of interests; no, actually passions in life and this single volume encompasses three of them; birding, history and good nature writing. Of the well over one hundred and fifty books I go through each year, this by far has been one of the most enjoyable, productive and informative reads I have had for, well I must say, a long, long time.
Scott Weidensaul, the author of this delight is one of the most skilled and passionate (for his subject) of the many writers in this genre I have ever read. His story telling abilities that are finely entwined with a vast reserve of pure knowledge of his subject matter enable him to bring us not only a surprisingly scholarly work, but a work that infuses you with his passion and has you marveling at the simply readable of his work. He has the ability via his written word to pass along to the reader his enthusiasm for nature, birding, natural history; indeed, life in general. Like a good football coach, who at half time has you chomping at the bit to go out and hit someone and play your heart out, Scott causes you to want to grab your bird books, glasses and the junk you usually carry on your trips, dash out the front door and hit the woods, lakes, streams, mountains, desert or where every you might ply and practice your hobby or, in some cases, your obsession and keep going back for more.
This work gives an account of the history of birding from the early days, days before even the God of Birders John James Audubon. From the earliest wondering naturalists to the leaders in the field of today, the author covers them all. Now keep in mind and read the full title of this work carefully! Of a Feather: A Brief History of American Birding is indeed just that. For the most part, there have been (lucky for us) many wonderful biographies written of these earlier naturalists and birders. This little work cannot hope to match a 300 plus page biography on Audubon for details, nor does it try. We have here a brief, survey type of look at these great men and women and the events that surrounded their lives. It does however, create in you the curiosity to go, seek out and read these many wonderful biographies which are available.
The author has not only covered individuals who have had an impact in the field of ornithology, but has discussed the various field guides; who developed them and how and why they did so, at great length. Drawing, painting, photography, optical and the method of written documentation are all addressed and placed in a coherent manner which allows the reader to get the most from each chapter and page. I was particularly delighted with the discussion on the various field guides that have developed down through the years (yes, I fear to report that books are another of my passions). I gained much knowledge in this area from reading this work. The author also discusses, at length, the motivation behind this activity, and the sometimes overt competitiveness and nature of the hobby. It was interesting to read of the overall evolution of this pass time and why it continues to be one of the, if not the, fastest growing hobby in the world.
This book is very well written and very well researched. It is simply a wonder to read. If you have the slightest interest in birding or natural history, then you are depriving yourself of an excellent read if you don’t give this one a go. It adds even more and better spice to an already great dish you love.
On the other hand, if you have no interest in the subject, read it anyway, as it will give you some insight to some aspects to the behavior of certain fellow humans. The next time you see an old man crouching on a rock out in the lake with a spotting scope, huddled against a 30 mph wind in sub freezing weather, you will know why I am there. The next time you spot an old man, half naked, with a grey beard staggering though a swamp, binoculars hung around his neck, clutching a bird book in one hand and madly swatting gnats and misquotes with the other while mumbling obscure rantings and strange names, you will know why I am there.
Don Blankenship
The Ozarks
Rating: 5 / 5
Of a Feather: A Brief History of American Birding
I received “Of A Feather” as a Christmas gift in 2008. No other natural history writer has had as much effect on me as Weidensaul. His books are introductory in nature, but not so much so that you feel you are being spoon-fed information, and advanced enough that you are guaranteed to learn something or gain a new persepctive on our natural world without losing youself in erudite text. I dub him a “Citizen Naturalist” if I may put a tag on him. His “Mountains of the Heart” is the best, most comprehensive, and most accessable overview of the natural history of the Appalachian Mountains, and has had a profound impact on my understanding of the community I live in. All of his books, “Of A Feather” included, are a delight to read.
I had the opportuntiy to meet Scott at a lecture in 2005 near my home in the Pennsylvania Appalachians where he was kind enough to sign a few of my books. He also gave an outstanding lecture on his travels across America when he was writing the excellent “Return to Wild America.”
With “Of A Feather” you are reading about the history of American birding by a contemporary expert on the topic. I love and devote time to birding myself (I have a modest life list), but more than anything, I have a deep appreciation and respect for these remarkable creatures. Just watching them in their natural environment, whether in my backyard or on hikes, brings me closer to the natural world and renews my committment to protect their habitats. While recounting the lives and careers of those who pioneered the study and understanding of birds, Scott draws us to the very notion I describe above - birding should be more about respect, appreciation, and enjoyment of these creatures, and a neverending responsibility to them and the future of our natural world rather than a competition to “see” as many birds as you can.
Rating: 4 / 5
Of a Feather: A Brief History of American Birding
Scott Weidensaul, a natural born naturalist if there ever was one, has written a book that provides both the factual history of birding and the philosophical changes that have occurred in the field. FIrst, he explains the historical interest in birds as food sources and how this evolved into sport, and a fanatical period of decorations for women’s hats. He describes early American naturalists, such as William Bartram, and the quest for a nomenclature to be shared by collectors and observers in all regions of the country.
Weidensaul reminds us that early ornithologists relied upon specimens for identification purposes, but soon there was an outcry to limit the carnage and become more observational. Field guides evolved [great descriptions here] and soon the bird “life list” was an obsession of many birders. WWII surplus binoculars provided additional impetus because identification became easier.
Weidensaul emphasizes our responsibility for being sure the birding experience is available for future generations by protecting nesting and food source habitats for birds. He writes eloquently and with an obvious love for the natural world. Who wouldn’t want to take a nature walk with this man?
Rating: 5 / 5
Of a Feather: A Brief History of American Birding
This is a wonderful book, of interest even to those who never take a pair of binoculars into the woods in the hope of glimpsing a favorite bird. Scott is a literate, knowledgeable, and entertaining writer who navigates deftly through the history of birding in the United States.
Recently we heard him give a talk based on this book–if you have the chance to read or to hear him, don’t miss out!
Rating: 5 / 5
Of a Feather: A Brief History of American Birding
I found as a lover of American history that this book naturally added context to so much history I already knew. Scott Weidensaul wrote a bird watching book for the rest of us. Most books I read, I give away. This book I not only will keep my own copy but I will buy more to give to others which is my highest prize.
Rating: 5 / 5
Of a Feather: A Brief History of American Birding