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jyunker's review
3.0
Here in Ashland, Oregon, I listen to our local radio station KSKQ. And for the past several years I’ve enjoyed the weekly, two-minute BirdNote programs.
So I was excited to find that there is now a BirdNote book. What the book lacks in audio, it makes up for in very high print production values; it is beautifully designed, with full-color illustrations and a handy bookmark tassel.
This will make an excellent gift for the would-be birder in your family. And even veteran birders will enjoy it. While I’d like to think I’ve learned a fair amount about birds over the years spent gazing upwards, I still learned plenty, such as:
The Northern Flicker and Pileated Woodpecker rely heavily on ants that bore through the trees. A Norther Flicker was known to consume 5,000 ants in one sitting (or perching).
The Green Heron may use a “bait” of twigs, feathers or insects to attract fish within reach of their bills.
A barn swallow eats up to 850 insects a day — making this a wonderful bird to have around not just a barn, but any yard.
There is a crow roost in Illinois that is home to 100,000 crows. I would love to hear that.
The cardinal (who I sorely miss out here in the Oregon) was named after the red hats and robes of the Roman cardinals.
And speaking of red, cars this color are most often targeted by birds doing their business, according to a study. Green cars are least likely to be targeted.
And the much-maligned starling gets some deserved love. I find their symphony of sounds to be truly remarkable. And I was not alone; turns out Mozart had a pet starling that he wrote a poem about after it passed on.
My only complaint is that it would have been nice to see longer, more informative notes. A number of notes come in at just a few paragraphs.
Also, while some chapters do explain why certain species are threatened, such as the California Condor, I would have liked to see more of this, such as regarding the many species of albatross now under threat.
Quibbles aside, I recommend this book to anyone who loves birds (or anyone you think should love birds).
PS: All BirdNotes can be listened to online here
NOTE: This review first appeared on EcoLit Books:
https://ecolitbooks.com/2018/05/birdnote-chirps-quirks-and-stories-of-100-birds-from-the-popular-public-radio-show/
So I was excited to find that there is now a BirdNote book. What the book lacks in audio, it makes up for in very high print production values; it is beautifully designed, with full-color illustrations and a handy bookmark tassel.
This will make an excellent gift for the would-be birder in your family. And even veteran birders will enjoy it. While I’d like to think I’ve learned a fair amount about birds over the years spent gazing upwards, I still learned plenty, such as:
The Northern Flicker and Pileated Woodpecker rely heavily on ants that bore through the trees. A Norther Flicker was known to consume 5,000 ants in one sitting (or perching).
The Green Heron may use a “bait” of twigs, feathers or insects to attract fish within reach of their bills.
A barn swallow eats up to 850 insects a day — making this a wonderful bird to have around not just a barn, but any yard.
There is a crow roost in Illinois that is home to 100,000 crows. I would love to hear that.
The cardinal (who I sorely miss out here in the Oregon) was named after the red hats and robes of the Roman cardinals.
And speaking of red, cars this color are most often targeted by birds doing their business, according to a study. Green cars are least likely to be targeted.
And the much-maligned starling gets some deserved love. I find their symphony of sounds to be truly remarkable. And I was not alone; turns out Mozart had a pet starling that he wrote a poem about after it passed on.
My only complaint is that it would have been nice to see longer, more informative notes. A number of notes come in at just a few paragraphs.
Also, while some chapters do explain why certain species are threatened, such as the California Condor, I would have liked to see more of this, such as regarding the many species of albatross now under threat.
Quibbles aside, I recommend this book to anyone who loves birds (or anyone you think should love birds).
PS: All BirdNotes can be listened to online here
NOTE: This review first appeared on EcoLit Books:
https://ecolitbooks.com/2018/05/birdnote-chirps-quirks-and-stories-of-100-birds-from-the-popular-public-radio-show/
carriepond's review
3.0
I picked this up at the library because of the beautiful illustrations. It's been sitting around my house for quite awhile and I finally read it today so that I could return it.
It's beautifully illustrated throughout and had some fun and interesting facts about birds. There would certainly be better resources out there I imagine for bird guides or even for more comprehensive nature writing, but this is a nice, fun, easy coffee table type book that was worth the two hours it took me to read it. Would be a nice gift for bird lovers.
It's beautifully illustrated throughout and had some fun and interesting facts about birds. There would certainly be better resources out there I imagine for bird guides or even for more comprehensive nature writing, but this is a nice, fun, easy coffee table type book that was worth the two hours it took me to read it. Would be a nice gift for bird lovers.
bookish_spoonie's review
5.0
5 stars
A glorious book filled with information and stories of American birds.
The information is spot on and really interesting and the illustrations are stunning. A great coffee table book for bird lovers.
A glorious book filled with information and stories of American birds.
The information is spot on and really interesting and the illustrations are stunning. A great coffee table book for bird lovers.
seyfert's review
4.0
Short, whimsical, and full of interesting facts. It's a simple read, with little stories about a variety of birds (most North America, some Eurasian). No matter how much you think you know about birds, you'll learn something new.
abbierca's review
5.0
I adored this book. I’m a trivia nut and love art so the little blips of info combined with the lovely illustrations was a fun treat.
n8duke's review
4.0
A beautiful book full of important bird info. My friend Brandon would *hate* it.
sarahsnacks's review
5.0
A wonderful book with beautiful art and quick fun facts! A great gift for the bird enthused friend. 💚
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