Earth, Water, and Sky: A Naturalist's Stories and Sketches

Corrie Herring Hooks Series

by Paul A. Johnsgard

Paul Johnsgard, a well-known ornithologist and student of bird behavior, especially of migratory waterfowl, is a native son of Nebraska, the setting for many of the essays that make up this small collection. There, above a reservoir called Keystone Lake, he has for years observed the avifauna of the Great Plains--nearly 300 species. "Here no radio stations blare out the most recent results of meaningless sports events, few newspapers ever manage to find their way to this outpost of civilization, and no traffic noises confound the senses," he writes. Instead, he is left to ponder the graceful flight of terns, the meaning of a dead turkey vulture. Offering homespun lessons in conservation biology, Johnsgard takes his readers into the lives of cranes, quails, ducks, pheasants, plovers, geese, curlews, and other birds, for all of which he feels an evident affection. He extends that care to Nebraska's fields and watercourses as well, offering a fine hymn of praise to the Niobrara River, a place only recently made safe from commercial overdevelopment and ecological destruction. His little book is the perfect glovebox companion for anyone doing a little birdwatching in this corner of the world--and for anyone interested in good natural history writing. --Gregory McNamee

186 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[Evelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book that will be enjoyed by a bird lover, or amateur ornithologist. It consists of essays organized by an aspect of nature, ie, earth, water and sky, associated with its subject. The essays, some of which are lyrical and magical, discuss ecology and the behavior of birds. In some instances they discuss the threats to birds including the reasons for declines in their populations, and what actions need to be taken to save them. Although most of the essays were written over 20 years ago, the information disseminated by them still remains relevant today.