Reading or Just Finished this Nature Related Book...

[Sher]

Here is a thread to share the nature related book you have just started reading or one you have finished that you would like to recommend to everyone. Can you tell us a little about the book you just started ? Please share any great Nature Literature reads-- we are all interested in finding good books to read. Thank you!

[Sher]

I've just started Into the Nest: Intimate Views of the Courting, Parenting, and Family Lives of Familiar Birds. The photos are extraordinary--capturing courtship, mating, feeding young, and fledging. Many of North America's most well known birds are included. I am interested in Phoebes, jays, A Goldfinch, Swallows, Western Bluebirds. I'll post more later about the textual content once I get further in.

[Julie]

Good idea Sher! Into the Nest sounds amazing.

[Sher]

Hi Julie- Since I know you are interested in this nest book, I will report back in detail once I finish the book!

[Cara]

I’m currently reading The Final Forest: Big Trees, Forks, and the Pacific Northwest, about the fights over old growth forest and spotted owls in the Pacific Northwest. The book was written in the early 1990s, right in the thick of everything, but the author wrote an updated introduction and afterward in 2010. Curious to hear if others have read this book and what they thought.

[Amanda]

The Cedar Waxwings on the cover of The Nest caught my eye, one of my favorite birds!
I just read A Life on Our Planet: My Witness Statement and a Vision for the Future, written at age 94. Very important work.

[Julie]

Cara, I haven’t read The Final Forest. I live for all things trees. But I have to ask is there any goods news for the trees in this book? I fear being devastated.

[Sher]

Amanda-- I love Cedar Waxwings too though I do not see them here... question how would you describe his work? Prescriptive? Reflective? More autobiography - the story of his life working in the field of nature? You write-- an important work to read--why? Sorry to bombard you with all the questions, but I have this book on my list- yetI have not taken the plunge yet. Since you have read it, I would like to know more . Thank you--

[Amanda]

Sher, what I liked about A Life on Our Planet in particular was that it is written from a place of a wisdom. It's urgent, yet gentle, somehow, if that makes sense. Attenborough is 94 and he writes like a wise, encouraging grandfather. You want to listen. His teachings come from a lifetime of experience and learning. Not preachy as to offend or point fingers about global issues. It's not meant to start arguments. It's written in a nature that attempts to unite us all as a human species, to save our environment.
It's important because I think more people need to know what is happening on our planet, so that they will want to change how they're going about life on it. It's as if Attenborough feels a responsibility to pass on his life's knowledge so that we may continue carrying it forward.
Empowering people with knowledge is the only way forward, and it's very readable. It's not just for scientists, or environmentalists, it's for everyone.
It's written in three parts (I think, I don't have it handy at the moment).
I would say it's part autobiography. He shares some fantastic stories from working in his field, interacting with gorillas in the wild, observations at Pripat.
It's part terrifying - reporting on the science of our oceans, atmosphere, and the outcome if we don't change what we're doing to them. But then, the final part is so hopeful. It is very much a vision of how we can do this.. optimistic. Rather than feeling despair at the end of it, I felt rallied. I really appreciated that it's written in an encouraging and hopeful way.
It's also short, so it's not daunting in that "heavy" way either. Double spaced, lots of photos and images, and just over 200 pages. The introduction is 4 or 5 short pages long.. I couldn't put it down after that.
I don't mind your questions.. my apologies for a rambling answer!

[Jeff]

In addition to Lopez (the book selection this month), I have been reading Anne Megyn Cassebaum's "Down Along the Haw: The History of a North Carolina River." When I was in my late teens and early 20s, I spent a lot of time paddling the white water on the Haw, some of the best was swallowed up by the B. Everett Jordan dam. She does a good job blending her own personal explorations of the Haw with its history and geology.

This book reminds me of another by a friend, Michael Cohen (not that one), "Granite and Grace: Seeking the Heart of Yosemite." I've reviewed it here:https://fromarockyhillside.com/2020/0...

[Sher]

Amanda -- my husband and I were wondering why the name is David Attenborough is less familiar to him. I recall the tv series, but we decided because Attenburough is British he's not as well known in our family.

Thank you for such a detailed response. I am definitely going to read the book!

[Sher]

Thanks John and all for posting what you are currently reading! A great way to share and have a little extra discussion-- plus if we are lucky find a new book we might like to read.

[Sher]

Has anyone read
Nature's Best Hope: A New Approach to Conservation That Starts in Your Yard
I just finished it, and I was rather non-plussed by the read. Beautifully illustrated with gorgeous images, but it seemed a bit too preachy and very much speaking to the choir. I read it with two other friends, and although it generated some discussion it seems more a book for newbies to conservation. and that isn't bad, just not what I hoped for. Your reaction?

[Sher]

So, this is my positive spin on Nature's Best Hope: A New Approach to Conservation That Starts in Your Yard

Highly recommended if you are new to the idea of conservation and how to turn your backyard into wildlife habitat while still enjoying your yard. This book will you a brief overview of conservation in the US- covering Aldo Leopold and E. O. Wilson. Then it reviews earlier attempts at conservation and shows their successes and failures. And, then the author shows you how to approach your environment - whether you a have a lot or ten acres. Or even if you have a city balcony. This book is full of beautiful illustrations and has many helpful ideas for how to get started. The thesis ? We all need to do our part at home-- all across the world in ways that we can. Just saving parks and individual species is not enough to preserve nature on the planet. Also -- this book would be a great gift for new home owners. A great gift for young couples.

[Sher]

All excellent points John. Good to read what you thought of the book. I wouldn't hesitate to give it as a gift.

[Julie]

I recently finished Wilding: Returning Nature to Our Farm by Isabella Tree. I waited a few years for this book to be published in the USA. It was worth the wait. This book is about why and how Tree and her husband wilded her husband's family estate in West Sussex England. They stopped farming in about 2000 and this book was first published in England in 2018, so it is contemporary.

The base of their conservation work in this book is influenced by the work of Frans Vera of the Oostvaardersplassen in the Netherlands. It's based on the need for herbivores or megafauna replacements to successfully conserve a biodiverse habitat. I learned a lot of information and ideas utterly new to me about herbivore reintroduction. Very exciting stuff!

Early on they brought in a tree specialist, Ted Green, who steered them toward the knowledge of the importance of mycorrhizal networks in trees and in any biodiverse area.

Working through a lot of roadblocks, mostly British government agencies, organizations, and neighboring people, their farm is now very diverse, makes more money, and has experienced and is still experiencing an absolutely amazing and positive return of species and natural phenomenon. For anyone practicing wilding of land or thinking about it, I highly recommend this book.

[Amanda]

That sounds really interesting, Julie. I'm adding it to my reading list.

[Julie]

John, I'm glad you enjoyed it too. Amanda, I hope it resonates with you too! I'm happy to hear of species returning to your valley. Good work. The paradise riflebird is gorgeous!

[Sher]

Julie-- my husband read _Wilding_ and absolutely loved it. On the shelf. Thanks for the post!

[Sher]

Wow, John-- the paradise rifle bird is stunning throat reminds me of a hummingbird's.

[Sher]

John wrote: "It is a beautiful bird Sher. But it is the courtship dance that amazes me. I have only had the honour of seeing it once in the wild but I have never forgotten. Here is a link to the dance - https:/..."

That's extraordinary! Reminds just a bit of Sufi whirling dervish...

[Cara]

Julie wrote: "Cara, I haven’t read The Final Forest. I live for all things trees. But I have to ask is there any goods news for the trees in this book? I fear being devastated."

I just finished reading The Final Forest, and as for good news for the trees, it's kind of a mixed bag. For one thing, the book was written 30 years ago, although the Afterword in the 2010 edition does provide some updates. Dietrich takes a very journalistic approach to writing about the Timber Wars, including perspectives from loggers, biologists, environmentalists, and more. Parts of this certainly made me uncomfortable at times but he did a great job of immersing the reader in all sides of the issue. In terms of a happy ending, well, the Northwest Forest Plan of 1993 (which was implemented just after this book was published, and is touched on a bit in the update) was a pretty amazing piece of legislation and one of the most comprehensive forest protection measures of its kind. Unfortunately, this has not prevented declines of northern spotted owls, which are still headed towards extinction. So, some good news for the trees, some bad news for the owls, and a bit of both for the people of the Pacific Northwest.

[Julie]

Thanks for your review Cara. It’s a TBR book for me now.

[Sher]

Cara-- thanks for your comments. It is helpful to get a sense of pros and cons from your perspective.

[Sher]

John:
I am curious about how you selected this book to read? I felt like I wanted to know more about the author. I was curious if he was writing from an insider's perspective-- that of a Native American, or that of an outsider's view - the academic. Did you research this author? I also saw he has written a later book on a similar subject.

[Sher]

Hi John- Yes that was the other book I was thinking of. I just got a copy of it for 4$, so that's pretty good.

I wanted to know more about this author, so I researched him a bit, and he has left academia, and seems to have gone through some sort of spiritual crisis or journey. He's sort of disappeared purposefully from the mainstream. He's an outsider yes, but he seems to spend part of his time, even now, on reservations.

I'm glad I asked how you selected _The Way of the Human Being_. An interesting story thanks.

[Cindy Ann]

John,
Thanks for the recommendation of Calvin Luther Martin's books. I just purchased the two you mentioned to read in sequence. I am fascinated by the depth of lore that indigenous people have with regard to nature and how we can respect and use that to turn away from our destructive, extractive practices.

Thanks also for the link to your sanctuary! That's amazing! There are Great Blue Herons, Yellow-crowned Night Herons and Green Herons living with us at our current dock on the Chesapeake Bay. I love watching them catch fish at the edge of shore. The Great Blue is tolerant of us humans so that I can be quite close (maybe 10 meters?).

[Sher]

Cindy Ann-- I ordered _The Spirit of the Earth_ which is the first book. If you would like to do that as a Side Read (A buddy read) we have a section for that here at Nat Lit, and I would be interested. If not -- no problem- just a thought...

I think I could begin mid-March if you were interested.

[Sher]

Wow, that heron is Pink! Stunning-- thanks for sharing the image John.

[Cindy Ann]

John wrote: "Being able to get within 10 meters of a heron is impressive. We have three species of heron here. They all cannot tolerate humans. Even after years they extremely wary of us. We have thousands of f..."

I think the Herons understand that we humans can't step off the dock and come any closer to them.

Sher, a buddy read sounds good.

[Sher]

Cindy Ann-- let's shoot for March 15th to begin; I will set up the thread -- look for it under the folder called Side Reads. John will be doing us, which will be fun.

I will post over in that thread when my book arrives-- it is coming - but used and slower to get here.

Thanks, Sher

[Cindy Ann]

Sounds good, hopefully, my copies will arrive before then, too.

[Sher]

We'll push out the date until we all have a copy! So, we will check in on that --adjustments can be made no problem.

[Sher]

I just finished Into the Nest: Intimate Views of the Courting, Parenting, and Family Lives of Familiar Birds I'm highly recommending this book for information on common North American nesting birds. The photographs are outstanding- they show all phases of nesting behavior from making the next though fledging. This book will also help you find and identify nests in your yard or on your property. Truly the best photographs I have ever seen of nesting birds and behavior related to nesting!

[Sher]

I have just started a wonderful book of nature poetry Careless Rambles by John Clare: A Selection of His Poems Chosen and Illustrated by Tom Pohrt A small hardbound collection of poems and lovely countryside illustrations. John Clare was born in 1790s and was known for fresh and sweet observations of rural life in Helpston England --Northhamptonshire region. Though uneducated he was a sensitive naturalist who bemoaned the loss of the commons and a man who was aware of changes unfolding in the ecosystems around his home. Charming and insightful.

[Sher]

Read Owls of the Eastern Ice: A Quest to Find and Save the World's Largest Owl with several friends, and we were very disappointed. Most of the reviews did not match our experience with this book.

I have strongly negative things to say about the writing, the way it felt to read the book, and the repetitive nature inside the book, lack of science... I think this book was a group read here, so I think my note about how disappointing this book was will be surprising.

[Cara]

Sher wrote: "Read Owls of the Eastern Ice: A Quest to Find and Save the World's Largest Owl with several friends, and we were very disappointed. Most of the reviews did not match our experience ..."

Sher, I am reading this book right now and will be curious to read your thoughts when I am finished. Was there a group discussion about it here?

[Sher]

Oh Dang Cara -- I wish I had known you were reading it right now, because I would have refrained from posting an opinion until you were finished. Sorry-

No this was a private group read elsewhere.

[Cara]

Sher wrote: "Oh Dang Cara -- I wish I had known you were reading it right now, because I would have refrained from posting an opinion until you were finished. Sorry-

No this was a private group read elsewhere."

No problem! But now I am curious ;) I hope to be finished with the book in the next few days.

[Sher]

I am currently read Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants, and I am listening on Audible. Does anyone have a hard cop of this book, and can you tell me if this book is a collection of separate essays or written as a book form?

[Julie]

Sher, it’s a book. It is divided into five sections: Planting, Tending, Picking, Braiding, and Burning Sweetgrass. Each section has multiple chapters. My girlfriend and I each bought this book the same day. She is reading it one chapter at a time. I will do the same. And stop and think about each chapter before moving on to the next chapter. I started reading it a few years ago, but stopped when I had a busy stretch. There’s a lot to think about in Kimmerer’s pages.

[Julie]

In the publisher’s summary, it says “woven essays.” Woven, braided....

[Sher]

Julie wrote: "Sher, it’s a book. It is divided into five sections: Planting, Tending, Picking, Braiding, and Burning Sweetgrass. Each section has multiple chapters. My girlfriend and I each bought this book the ..."

We were trying to figure out if these essays were published separately in other publications and then gathered together and made into a book. We ask, because there is an amazing repetitiveness in the essays, and with myself a few others who are reading it - we have different opinions as to why. If these essays were published elsewhere and then gathered and published as a book that would explain the repetitiveness one way way, if not...

Thanks Julie-- it is just not clear in what I have found whether these essays were built as standalone pieces that were published elsewhere.

[Sher]

Julie wrote: "In the publisher’s summary, it says “woven essays.” Woven, braided...."

Actually that line is helpful to our thinking... thanks.

[Ray]

Sher wrote: "I am currently read Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants, and I am listening on Audible. Does anyone have a hard cop of this boo..."

We read her book Braiding Sweetgrass, perhaps two years ago, I think.

She has at least two articles on the Orion Magazine website. https://orionmagazine.org/contributor...

and several Youtube videos.
https://www.youtube.com/results?searc...

[Cindy Ann]

In watching some of these Robin Wall Kimmerer videos, the next one that popped up was also really good. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHNle...

TEDxTC - Winona LaDuke - Seeds of Our Ancestors, Seeds of Life

[Sher]

Thank you Ray and Cindy Ann -- I will check these links out!

[Cara]

Sher wrote: "Oh Dang Cara -- I wish I had known you were reading it right now, because I would have refrained from posting an opinion until you were finished. Sorry-

No this was a private group read elsewhere."

Sher, I would be curious to hear what you were disappointed about with Owls of the Eastern Ice. Did you write a review? I enjoyed the book overall, especially learning about Primorye and the challenges of doing research and conservation work there. Like the author, I am also a graduate student in wildlife science, so I think maybe I would have been more blown away by the book if I had some more distance to the subject matter. But I thought it was a pretty good read.

[Sher]

Hi Cara-
Nice to hear back from you. I listened to the book, so that had some impact on my reaction I am sure.

If I needed to, I would be able to give specific examples, but I felt the author tried to sensationalize the story and make it riveting instead of being riveting. I was disappointed there was less science. His choice of the fish owl seemed an afterthought-- sort of pick it out of the hat choice for research. The writing and the way the story was presented seemed like directed toward a popular audience. I am not saying I wanted a scientific report--but the feel of the story grated for me.

I am so glad you enjoyed it--that is what really matters. Despite my objecting to the sensational feel of the narrative, I do find that his descriptions of the Russian frontier and its men linger with me.

Two books I loved was The Beak of the Finch: A Story of Evolution in Our Time and The Invention of Nature: Alexander von Humboldt's New World

Best of success with your studies Cara --

Sher

[Cara]

Sher wrote: "Hi Cara-
Nice to hear back from you. I listened to the book, so that had some impact on my reaction I am sure.

If I needed to, I would be able to give specific examples, but I felt the author trie..."

I can understand those thoughts for sure. I usually like a bit more commentary in the nonfiction I read, and the strength of this book was definitely the stories from the field.

I did like The Invention of Nature as well!