A World of Watchers

by Joseph Kastner

This anecdotal history of birdwatching provides insights into the often eccentric characters whose research forms the foundation of present-day knowledge and whose efforts gave birth to the Audubon Society and other conservation movements

Genres: Birds

241 pages, Hardcover

First published December 12, 1986

Reviews

[Jean · Rating 3 out of 5]

Birds have always fascinated humans: their flight, beauty, songs, lifestyles, mysteries. In recent times bird watching and birding have developed into organized societies and the science of ornithology. As early as 1911, bird guide author Frank Chapman commented, "Where one person knew common birds, now hundreds do." Bird study has advanced from collecting actual specimens to using binoculars and cameras for studying birds and for collecting lists of bird sightings. Laws to protect birds and wildlife have been enacted, annual bird counts take place, and guide books for identifying birds have become more simplified and easier to use. As the popularity of bird watching has advanced, there have been several controversies among groups with diversified opinions.

Joseph Kastner has undertaken an ambitious project to write about all of the above in this interesting, and sometimes amusing and amazing, history of birdwatching in America to 1986 (the year the book was published.) Some chapters of the book seem like name dropping, but famous names indeed-- those often attached to bird species: Baird, Brewer, Wilson, Kirtland, Cassin, and many more. Famous names such as Roger Tory Peterson and both Roosevelt presidents share this book with lesser known bird fanciers and writers of sentimental children's books about birds. But the latter deserve mention, as many of the more famous promoters of ornithology and bird watching began their interest in birding as children. Teachers and writers for the young certainly had their influence.

More is said in this book about the humans involved with watching and educating about birds and protecting them, than information about birds, but there is a fair amount of bird lore interspersed with the achievements and special interests of historic bird watchers.

[Bcoghill Coghill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been reading this book like a reference book. However, I suspect I should have read it as a read through book. My bad!
I my next life, I shall do better.