Second Nature: Tales from the Montlake Fill

by Constance Sidles

248 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2011

Reviews

[Woody · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well-written essays that combine birds and natural history of a 74-acre urban refuge in Seattle, with glimpses into the author's personal life, and her perspectives on people and the environment. Sidles is remarkable in her devotion to this place, as evidenced by her daily visits in all kinds of weather. I wish she had made the connection to this being a former landfill and remarkable restoration since, stronger (instead of the short section in the appendices), and rather than scolding people for not staying on trails, that she would advocate for better signage at the refuge, including trail closed signs on the "social trails," so it is clear where refuge visitors can and cannot go.

[Roniq · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book about one of my favorite places in Seattle. Constance's writing has a sweetness and a genuine love for birds and nature at "The Fill" which echoes through her words. The addition of some history of UBNA and other artists contributions were also really lovely. I felt transported there every time I picked up Second Nature. Some day I hope to meet her.

[Gretchen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet grouping of essays about birding and life. Very enjoyable. Thank goodness for the map!

[Waverly Fitzgerald · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lovely lyrical essays about the birds Sidles and her husband see in the Montlake Fill. The observations are acute and the reflections thought-provoking. I just didn't finish it because it was due at the library and I'm not as much into birds as I am plants.