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| Of a Feather: A Brief History of American Birding | 
| Author: Scott Weidensaul
Publisher: Harcourt
Category: Book
List Price: $25.00
Buy New: $10.86
You Save: $14.14 (57%)
New (5) from $10.86
Avg. Customer Rating:  14 reviews
Sales Rank: 724811
Format: Bargain Price
Media: Hardcover
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 368
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.4
Dimensions (in): 9 x 6.2 x 1.3
Dewey Decimal Number: 598
ASIN: B00155M282
Publication Date: September 10, 2007
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Customer Reviews:
| Showing reviews 1-5 of 14 | | NEXT » |
 Birding and the responsibility for habitat preservation September 15, 2008
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?
Birds June 20, 2008
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!
What a storyteller Scott Weidensaul is June 20, 2008
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.
Exposing American Ornithology's Roots, Warts and All May 18, 2008
A great synopsis of the personalities at the roots of ornithology in the New World. The author shows us the development of birding in America, from its roots as an amateur avocation to the snobbery of the early professionals and back to the amateur "citizen scientists" birders of the current era. He includes some of the personality clashes and egos of the greats in American birding. A good read for those interested in birding and its history.
 Nice Birding History April 1, 2008
Very interesting book for experienced birders as well as beginners. Learned a number of interesting facts and where all those bird names, like Wilson's Warbler, came from. It was very helpful in preparing to give a talk on the history of birdwatching!
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Wildlife, nature and the Environment
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