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Art of Bird Finding, The: Before You ID Them, You Have to See Them
Filling a gap in the vast literature on birding, Pete Dunne explains in his distinctive style how to find birds--the often-ignored first step in identifying, observing, and listing bird species The best strategies for locating birds in any season and in every kind of weather Techniques and expert advice applicable to species in habitats and environments throughout North America For beginning bird-watchers or experienced birders who want to improve their chances for success
96 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2011
52 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
August 10, 2021
I consider myself to be an amateur naturalist and the world's worst birder. I figured out why. No one explained to me how to find birds, until now. The Art of Bird Finding is a fundamental book on observing nature, understanding how birds interact with each other, climate, and observers throughout their cycles: daily activity, seasonal activity, migration, breeding, etc.. Most of it is common sense, once you read it. I think as 21st-century computer users we have gotten away from using our observation skills. This book provides tools and insights on how to find and observe birds. It is a good supplement to a birding field guide and a must-read for new birders. The author takes the reader under his wing and shares his years of birding observations and key resources to help the reader become an active and proficient birder, over time. It isn't an instant skill, but one that is practiced over seasons and years of enjoyable observation.
July 27, 2024
Eye Opening!
I often struggle to find birds while out on walks. This book highlights a variety of strategies that I hadn’t considered. While some are more logistically challenging, others are simple and easily accessible. I can’t wait to put them to good use!
I often struggle to find birds while out on walks. This book highlights a variety of strategies that I hadn’t considered. While some are more logistically challenging, others are simple and easily accessible. I can’t wait to put them to good use!
July 7, 2020
Some superb advice for birders new and old
I’ve been at it (birding) and Pete Dunne has some real wisdom here. E.g. morning and evening “commutes”. A fun and valuable book!
I’ve been at it (birding) and Pete Dunne has some real wisdom here. E.g. morning and evening “commutes”. A fun and valuable book!
July 16, 2020
Seven word review = Helps find the two in the bush.
June 7, 2021
I'm not sure what I really expected from it, but there wasn't a whole lot I found compelling about the book. It was fine, just nothing revolutionary.
October 28, 2021
Helpful advice, so get out every day and practice!
November 15, 2014
My review for Audubon newsletter:
I’ve recently started going on Saw Mill River Audubon's Monday morning bird walks. This has opened up a whole new world for me. As a beginning birder, I've learned more than how to distinguish between different species of birds (like the White-throated Sparrows and White-crowned Sparrows that showed up one Monday).
What the more experienced birders who participate in the Monday walks are teaching me is how to find birds—any birds—in the first place. Birds that eluded me on solitary walks on these same trails have been there to be seen (or heard) on Monday morning.
The tips and tricks my fellow Monday walkers seem to inately know are summarized in The Art of Bird Finding by Pete Dunne. This fine little book is not a field guide. It is, rather, a guide to using your eyes and ears in the field in new ways—to see and hear what you missed before—to, as Dunne says, open your heart to the experience of finding birds.
The Art of Bird Finding explains, for example: the meteorological conditions that concentrate birds; what constitutes bird-friendly habitat where birds are more likely to be found; and how to use flocking behavior to increase your species count. There are brief sections on seeing more on hawk watches and pelagic (ocean) birding trips.
Sharply written, The Art of Bird Finding is an enjoyable, often humerous, read. In the book, Dunne, an accomplished birder with more than 50 years experience, engages the reader in an informal conversation that will help any birder, especially a beginner like me, "to become more atuned to the natural world and develop a level of intimacy" with it.
So, join us on our Monday morning bird walks and read The Art of Bird Finding. Both will open up new worlds for you.
I’ve recently started going on Saw Mill River Audubon's Monday morning bird walks. This has opened up a whole new world for me. As a beginning birder, I've learned more than how to distinguish between different species of birds (like the White-throated Sparrows and White-crowned Sparrows that showed up one Monday).
What the more experienced birders who participate in the Monday walks are teaching me is how to find birds—any birds—in the first place. Birds that eluded me on solitary walks on these same trails have been there to be seen (or heard) on Monday morning.
The tips and tricks my fellow Monday walkers seem to inately know are summarized in The Art of Bird Finding by Pete Dunne. This fine little book is not a field guide. It is, rather, a guide to using your eyes and ears in the field in new ways—to see and hear what you missed before—to, as Dunne says, open your heart to the experience of finding birds.
The Art of Bird Finding explains, for example: the meteorological conditions that concentrate birds; what constitutes bird-friendly habitat where birds are more likely to be found; and how to use flocking behavior to increase your species count. There are brief sections on seeing more on hawk watches and pelagic (ocean) birding trips.
Sharply written, The Art of Bird Finding is an enjoyable, often humerous, read. In the book, Dunne, an accomplished birder with more than 50 years experience, engages the reader in an informal conversation that will help any birder, especially a beginner like me, "to become more atuned to the natural world and develop a level of intimacy" with it.
So, join us on our Monday morning bird walks and read The Art of Bird Finding. Both will open up new worlds for you.
June 21, 2012
Pete Dunne's many books on birding are known for clear and sensible advice, and this compact one is no exception. His guide to habitat runs from the large-scale (ex. peninsulas and migration corridors) to ultra-small scale (ex. shrubs) and there's plenty for even a fairly skilled birder. Highly recommended for those seeking to improve their birding abilities.
September 3, 2014
Short but packed! I recommend this to new birders or those who are getting frustrated. If you're frustrated or clueless, as I was, about where and how to find birds, this book offers lots of good advice, tips, and direction. I've read at least three of Pete Dunne's books now, and they've all been super helpful tools.
February 19, 2014
The first three chapters are great for beginners, but chapters 4 & 5 offer something for more experienced birders. As usual, Pete Dunne blends entertainment with education and creates an enjoyable book.
May 24, 2020
Free Kindle ebook. Helpful.
August 20, 2016
Excellent practical advice for birding. His tips often seem obvious once you've read them---common sense, but not until you learn it. Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews