A Supremely Bad Idea: Three Mad Birders and Their Quest to See It All

[Barbara, Founder and Moderator]

Discuss this book here...

[Barbara, Founder and Moderator]

Would you ever go to extremes to see something you loved whether it be birds like in this book, or something else? How far would you travel?

[Barbara, Founder and Moderator]

Did you ever see a rare bird? What kind if you did?

[Barbara, Founder and Moderator]

What did you think about the three main characters in the book?

[Tui]

I've seen some of the world's most rare birds. Many of the world's most rare birds live right here in this country and some very close to my home.
I once saw a very rare native NZ falcon sitting in a tree near my back fence.
I dream of seeing the world's most rare marine dolphin, the Maui's dolphin. It also lives in waters near my home and there are only 55 (approx) left alive.

[Barbara, Founder and Moderator]

Tui, That would be great to see the dolphin you'd like to see.

When I was picking out my skunk the guy had pure white ones, and I never knew they had pure white skunks. Along with silver backs, brown ones, reddish, etc. It was a site to see for sure.

[Barbara, Founder and Moderator]

How did you feel about Don's asking Luke about tomatoes all the time?

[Barbara, Founder and Moderator]

Is there a particular bird you'd like to really see?

[Barbara, Founder and Moderator]

I really enjoyed this book. I'm not a "mad" birder, but I learned alot about different birds, habitats, etc. I loved the sense of humor in the book.

Candy Bar? lol. When you read the book you'll know what this is about.

[Bob]

A few years ago, I drove 198 miles round trip to see a rare bird (an Alaskan Ancient Murrelet that ended up on Lake Michigan). And for the third year in a row I'm driving almost 500 miles round trip for the spring warbler migration at Ohio's Magee Marsh on Lake Erie. So I'm probably the perfect reader for this book, even though by birder standards I don't get out that much.

I really enjoyed the way Luke Dempsey portrayed the sort of fever that overtakes a bird enthusiast and his descriptions of birders' quirky personalities. I would have liked to have seen more of an overall story that extended through the chapters, but I liked the book well enough that I'll definitely read it again.

[Barbara, Founder and Moderator]

Bob wrote: "A few years ago, I drove 198 miles round trip to see a rare bird (an Alaskan Ancient Murrelet that ended up on Lake Michigan). And for the third year in a row I'm driving almost 500 miles round tri..."

I loved how the book took us to different places and Dempsey seemed honest on his thoughts about different places.

I enjoyed this book so much. Maybe you will write your own version of birding sometime. I would enjoy it.

Like you, I love watching birds but don't get out much to do it. I've never driven miles and miles to spot a bird though. I can see where the "bug" gets you.

Right now I got the "bug" with auctions. lol.

[Bob]

Auctions must be lots of fun. I'm sure that they're really addicting, especially once you start finding cool stuff.

I'm working on my birding book, thanks!

[Barbara, Founder and Moderator]

Bob wrote: "Auctions must be lots of fun. I'm sure that they're really addicting, especially once you start finding cool stuff.

I'm working on my birding book, thanks!"

Yeah, it's the knowing you got a good deal cheap on something you want. And the win of course. lol.

Good luck on your new book.

[Connie]

I just bought this book and I am excited to read it. I don't know much about birds but I find this passion so interesting!

[Bob]

I never cared about birds until a few years ago when I accidentally stopped at a wildlife refuge during the peak of the spring warbler migration. It was so amazing, I got hooked.

[Barbara, Founder and Moderator]

Connie wrote: "I just bought this book and I am excited to read it. I don't know much about birds but I find this passion so interesting!"

I loved this book. Hope you like it too.

[Barbara, Founder and Moderator]

Bob wrote: "I never cared about birds until a few years ago when I accidentally stopped at a wildlife refuge during the peak of the spring warbler migration. It was so amazing, I got hooked."

Isn't it amazing how we get interested in something?

[Ari]

Bob wrote: "I never cared about birds until a few years ago when I accidentally stopped at a wildlife refuge during the peak of the spring warbler migration. It was so amazing, I got hooked."

I didn't know that about you, Bob.

[Bob]

Cayr wrote: "Bob wrote: "I never cared about birds until a few years ago when I accidentally stopped at a wildlife refuge during the peak of the spring warbler migration. It was so amazing, I got hooked."

I di..."

It's sort of true!

[Connie]

I just started the book and so far I am really enjoying it.
He has a terrific sense of humor.

[Barbara, Founder and Moderator]

Connie wrote: "I just started the book and so far I am really enjoying it.
He has a terrific sense of humor."

Connie, I agree. I didn't think I would like a book on birds and this is one that I really enjoyed and hated for it to end.

[Jami]

I also just started the book, but for some reason am finding it very difficult to get into. Based on the all of the comments, I want to continue as it sounds like its a great read! I'm not sure what it is that just isn't grabbing me yet.

[Barbara, Founder and Moderator]

Jami wrote: "I also just started the book, but for some reason am finding it very difficult to get into. Based on the all of the comments, I want to continue as it sounds like its a great read! I'm not sure w..."

I think if you get to the part where they start traveling you will enjoy it. Keep reading.

[Jami]

Barbara wrote: "Jami wrote: "I also just started the book, but for some reason am finding it very difficult to get into. Based on the all of the comments, I want to continue as it sounds like its a great read! I..."

Thanks for the encouragement Barbara! I just got throught their first trip (Arizona) and you are right - it got more interesting. I definitely will be finishing.

[Barbara, Founder and Moderator]

Jami wrote: "Barbara wrote: "Jami wrote: "I also just started the book, but for some reason am finding it very difficult to get into. Based on the all of the comments, I want to continue as it sounds like its ..."

I'm so glad you're liking it better.

[Jami]

Barbara wrote: "Would you ever go to extremes to see something you loved whether it be birds like in this book, or something else? How far would you travel?"

When I first started this book, my answer to your question would be a resounding "no." But, as I read the book, I can see why they went to the various areas to see the birds. It obviously meant quite a lot to them to do this, and I suppose its no different than people travelling to see attractions they are interested in, such as beaches, Disneyland, Niagara Falls, etc.

[Jami]

Barbara wrote: "Did you ever see a rare bird? What kind if you did?"

I actually have never seen a rare bird - or if I did, I wouldn't have known it! I can't imagine what it would be like to live in an area like Tui's, where she sees rare birds on a regular basis. That is so fascinating to me, and its interesting what we all have access to (or not) on a regular basis. It would be interesting to live in an area where people travel for many miles to see what you see on a regular basis. When I lived near Niagara Falls, that was similar - people who lived there didn't go there that often, yet it is an international attraction.

[Jami]

Barbara wrote: "What did you think about the three main characters in the book?"

I loved the main characters, but I was a bit disappointed to read in the acknowledgements section that Don and Donna weren't exactly real. I know they were loosely based on people he knows, but I was sort of let down when I found out they weren't this crazy and zany couple after all.

[Jami]

Barbara wrote: "How did you feel about Don's asking Luke about tomatoes all the time?"

I thought it was funny the first time or two, but by the end of the book, I was like "okay, enough already!" I found it got a bit irritating.

[Barbara, Founder and Moderator]

Jami wrote: "When I first started this book, my ans...I suppose its no different than people travelling to see attractions they are interested in, such as beaches, Disneyland, Niagara Falls, etc.
"

I agree. I thought maybe I wouldn't either but I think if it's truly a passion then you would do it. I drive places to find out my family history, so why not birds.

[Barbara, Founder and Moderator]

Jami wrote: "Barbara wrote: "Did you ever see a rare bird? What kind if you did?"

I actually have never seen a rare bird - or if I did, I wouldn't have known it! I can't imagine what it would be like to live in a area like Tui's, where she sees rare birds on a regular basis...."

I know they are "rare" to us because we don't see them, but maybe not to Tui. Tui, do you think birds you never see in our areas are rare? Or, are these birds becoming extinct in your area?

[Barbara, Founder and Moderator]

Jami wrote: "Barbara wrote: "What did you think about the three main characters in the book?"

I loved the main characters, but I was a bit disappointed to read in the acknowledgements section that Don and Donn..."

Oh, I don't think I remember reading that. Sigh! I do think they were based on his friends. Maybe just the names? What do you think?

[Jami]

Barbara wrote: "Jami wrote: "Barbara wrote: "What did you think about the three main characters in the book?"

I loved the main characters, but I was a bit disappointed to read in the acknowledgements section that..."

The only thing similar about the names are the first initals - the male's name is David Drake and the woman's is Deborah (I can't recall her last name)- and I don't know if they are married as they have different last names! I thought the names were cool, so I was disappointed that the names weren't really Graffiti!

[[deleted user]]

Barbara wrote: "Did you ever see a rare bird? What kind if you did?"

When we went to the Grand Canyon a few years ago I saw a Burrowing Owl. It was the highlight of my trip seeing that owl. The train gave it a horrible surprise and it leaped out of its hole. I was too delighted to see it. I have seen many owls and hope to see more. I keep a Birder's Life list.

[Barbara, Founder and Moderator]

~☆ Alice☆~ wrote: "Barbara wrote: "Did you ever see a rare bird? What kind if you did?"

When we went to the Grand Canyon a few years ago I saw a Burrowing Owl. It was the highlight of my trip seeing that owl. The ..."
Just wondering do you keep all your bird sightings separate by states? Or how do you do this?

I have really been looking at birds more since reading this book.

[[deleted user]]

Well, when my husband and I were at the Big Bend I broke down and bought a Birder's Life List book which sure helps. I used to just write my sightings in a diary but this makes a big difference.

We own about 5 birding books and now we also write on the page when we make a sighting. Sometimes we have trouble making an accurate identification and so have to keep checking. You can usually pick them up at second hand book stores for not too much.

[[deleted user]]

When we travel we tend to carry these books around with us. I highly recommend it.

[Barbara, Founder and Moderator]

~☆ Alice☆~ wrote: "Well, when my husband and I were at the Big Bend I broke down and bought a Birder's Life List book which sure helps. I used to just write my sightings in a diary but this makes a big difference. ..."

Thanks and that's a good idea about just marking them on the page. A lady on Facebook said she doesn't feel like it counts if she doesn't have a picture of it. She keeps an album of all her sightings.

I'm trying to take photos of them too but I see them but can't get a photo.

Do you feel it counts even if you don't take a photo?

[Barbara, Founder and Moderator]

~☆ Alice☆~ wrote: "My husband has had the good fortune to have a cardinal light on him and also a chickadee. I get so jealous. He is outside more than I am and has had all kinds of animal encounters. He has had 3 ..."

Wow! That would be scary to have the pets get taken by a wild animal.

I think some are impossible too to get a photo of. They are so quick and you'd have to be ready at all times to get a picture. It's just impossible.

[[deleted user]]

Hi Barbara, I found my Birder's Life List and Diary and wanted to give you the isbn so maybe you can get it some time if you wish. It is: ISBN; 0-938027-00-x.
I hope I type that up correctly. We will be going out of town next month so I am packing it in case we have any unusual sightings.

I hope to pick up some sequoia pine cones if its allowed.

[[deleted user]]

No one on goodreads has added this book yet. Not sure I want to do it as its so time consuming.

[Barbara, Founder and Moderator]

~☆ Alice☆~ wrote: "Hi Barbara, I found my Birder's Life List and Diary and wanted to give you the isbn so maybe you can get it some time if you wish. It is: ISBN; 0-938027-00-x.
I hope I type that up correctly. W..."

I'm just doing it when I see a bird and take a photo, I will add it. I'm not getting obessed with it. At least not yet. lol

[[deleted user]]

Well, try not to get obsessed but it is pleasant to watch birds and know what they are.

[Barbara, Founder and Moderator]

~☆ Alice☆~ wrote: "Well, try not to get obsessed but it is pleasant to watch birds and know what they are."

Yes, I agree.

[Bob]

There's a terrific website called eBird.org that let's you report sightings, and it will store and keep all of your sighting into in a database that you can sort in many ways. Even better, you can use it to look up the most likely times and places to see particular birds in your area, or even select a nearby nature center and find out what birds are being reported. It's a joint project of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and National Audubon Society.

[[deleted user]]

Bob wrote: "There's a terrific website called eBird.org that let's you report sightings, and it will store and keep all of your sighting into in a database that you can sort in many ways. Even better, you can ..."

Thanks Bob. I will look for that too. One year I did reporting to Audubon during a migration and I had too many cookies from their web site which caused me to have computer problems. But I will give it a try.