In Search of Birds And Wild Places: A Naturalist's Journey into Parts Unknown

by Tim Gallagher

Tim Gallagher’s rediscovery of the Ivory-Billed Woodpecker, a bird long thought to be extinct, in a swamp in Arkansas in 2004 received tremendous media attention. His book, The Grail Bird (2005), met with great acclaim. This collection of his earlier short writings shows the breadth and variety of Gallagher’s spirit of adventure and passion for birds. With a particular focus on raptors and the arctic, this book of “adventure birding” recounts the author’s daring as he gives the reader an extraordinary look at the world of birds few have the opportunity to witness.

Genres: Nature

256 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2006

About the author

Best known for being one of the rediscoverers of the ivory-billed woodpecker (which was believed to be extinct since the 1940s) and writing THE GRAIL BIRD, author Tim Gallagher has another passion that has driven him since childhood -- the ancient sport of falconry. Gallagher's most recent adventure -- detailed in his new book, FALCON FEVER -- was to follow in the footsteps of 13th-century Emperor Frederick II -- a scientist, architect, poet, musician, and all-around Renaissance man 200 years before the births of Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. Frederick was also the greatest falconer who ever lived. His talks are illustrated with photographs of Frederick's spectacular castles and hunting areas, stunning hand-painted illustrations from his illuminated manuscript on falconry, and pictures of modern falconers hunting in the same style as Frederick II."

Reviews

[Lizzy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don’t feel like I learned that much. The best parts are the parts about the Everglades (although it’s not bird heavy) and condors. A lot of dull travelogues with little humor, poetry, or other features to make them compelling. His photos are lovely, and I think annotated picture books would be more interesting fare from the author. A lot of repetition about raptors, which aren’t my particular interest to be fair, but he doesn’t say anything new or exciting about peregrines or bald eagles. I wasn’t inspired to go outside or take trips or donate money to a conservation fund. Plus the book is getting a bit old so some stuff is of historical interest but is no longer timely (some of the stuff is quaint and sweet in retrospect). Some of the stories (like the owlets) could be really engaging material. But the writing style is so practical, repetitive, and bland! And the essays sort of meander pointlessly. Like this review!