Tales of a Low-Rent Birder: 19 Flights of Fancy by North America's Second Best Known Bird-watcher

by Pete Dunne, David Sibley (Photographer)

SAME COVER AS STOCK PHOTO SHOWN. MINOR EDGE WEAR AND LIGHT CURLING ON FRONT COVER. CLEAN PAGES.

Genres: Birds, Nature, Nonfiction, Short Stories, Biology, Biography Memoir

157 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1986

Reviews

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have had this book on my list for over a year. I figured it would come to me somehow and I found it at our local rummage sale. It finally opened after COVID (strict rules). And there it was - and the sequel. And not only autographed by Pete Dunne but also by Peter Sibley!

I thoroughly enjoyed the read. Well written and entertaining. I think it best for bird enthusiasts.

[uosɯɐS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only was this a nice read about birds... the guy can write! Thoroughly enjoyed! Unfortunately, I'm so back-logged in quotes that I've stopped saving them, so no updates of that kind for this book.

[Tim Bryant · Rating 4 out of 5]

During my career in ad agency work, I got up early to do a little writing "just for fun" before heading into the office. Eventually, those sessions (just an hour or two) were focused on writing a novel about a generations-old family on one of our (South Carolina's) sea islands (Edisto) and their study of bird life in comparison to human life. This is what led me to Tales of a Low-Rent Birder, a collection of easy-going essays and sketches from the life of an avid bird watcher.

Author Peter Dunne has considerable experience writing about natural history and, in particular, birds. (He founded the so-called World Series of Birding and has held top positions in organizations and publications relating to birds.)

While I was looking for books about different types of birds and their habits, the title of this book caught my attention. Especially the expression "low-rent" because so much of what I was seeing was bland academic stuff and this books seemed to scream out "relax and come birding with me."

So I did.

Dunne writes what I call "slice of life" moments that allow the reader to look over his shoulder and see what he sees. Way beyond the binomial nomenclature (i.e., the stodgy Latin). You don't need to be a much traveled birder to go along for the ride. You don't need the "right" brand binoculars or special shoes. You can simply enjoy being part of what he sees in the bird world and what about it has kept him dedicated for so many years.

Too, for beach bums and boaters, this book says lots about the places where birds live: the lands where they bring alive. And that's important. Because a big part of enjoying the sea for what it is comes from understanding what it is not. The things left behind. Inland.

[Deborah J. Kainauskas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Essays about author's experiences birding and his thoughts about life in general. Interesting for birders, but not particularly helpful in learning about birds. To be fair, not intended to be instructional

[Kristin Rounds · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is full of stories that would appeal to any serious birder, but it's also beautifully written, almost lyrical. Loved it!

[Scott · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved Pete Dunne's Golden Wings, which also consists of short essays. Didn't like this one near as much.

[Brian Jarsma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice compilation of stories to wet the appetite.

[Levi · Rating 4 out of 5]

didn't realize this was partially fiction so I was really confused by the birding special ops team

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of essays and short stories about birds, birders, and birding. It is a nice little book, especially if you are interested in nay of the above.

[Elvira · Rating 3 out of 5]

this was a fun read - short stories from a birding legend - and David A Sibley did the sketches in it!

[Martha Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

All of Dunne's short stories are worth reading. I wish he would continue this series. To enjoying them you may really need to be a birder. I am.