How to Be a (Bad) Birdwatcher
by Simon Barnes
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other reviews (showing 1-20 of 20)
Read in January, 2008
This book is recommended for anyone curious about birds (or about birdwatchers, for that matter). Simon Barnes is an English journalist who is a self-confessed bad birdwatcher. As near as I can tell, bad birdwatchers are altogether more fun than good birdwatchers, for what it's worth. Bad birdwatchers don't get caught up in ticking birds off a life list, or become obsessed with having the right equipment (bad birdwatchers use any old binoculars to bring the birds closer), or become guarded (so c...more
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Read in December, 2005
Can't beat a book that is both informative and funny. His no nonsense approach to birdwatching can inspire the most confused animal lover. The author is a sports writer by trade he covers the English football and American sports. He is a passionate bird watcher, the love of birds instilled in him by his equally passionate retired BBC reporter father.
His sarcasm is appreciated, I loved how he referred to birds and described his reactions to new found discoveries. Due to his very English ways hi...more
His sarcasm is appreciated, I loved how he referred to birds and described his reactions to new found discoveries. Due to his very English ways hi...more
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A book that basically tells you that you should look at birds sometimes, because sometimes they do weird stuff. Also, you can play a game where whenever you see a bird, you keep track of it and thereby "collect" it, kind of like real-life Pokemon Snap. You won't learn much of anything useful concerning the hobby in question, but that's kind of its charm. The author doesn't pretend that he knows a great deal about his subject, just kind of puts in a kind, goofy word for the pleasures...more
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Read in November, 2007
This was a handy, short book about one man's love of birds and the incremental steps taken to achieve an even better understanding and appreciation of birds, and the world. Filled with anecdotes, it actually does read as a "How to" book. Step 1: Look out the window and spot a bird. Subsequent steps are getting binoculars and further on, studying and memorizing bird calls. While obvious, they are actually something I haven't carried out, so this book provides insight and tips. More than...more
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Read in October, 2004
A witty and charming book that teaches one to enjoy ordinary beauty despite not having any wisdom in the subject matter.
I love big tits, blue tits, and small tits: those wonderful little tits mousse birdies.
I love big tits, blue tits, and small tits: those wonderful little tits mousse birdies.
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Read in April, 2007
The miracle of life is the infinite diversity that makes up this planet.
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