Loon: Voice of the wilderness

by Joan Dunning

Describes a typical year in the life of a loon, traces the history of loons, one of the oldest birds on earth, and looks at loon characteristics and behavior

Genres: Birds, Nonfiction, Animals, Nature, Natural History, Art

143 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1985

Reviews

[Danielle Lavoie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is incredibly well-written in a way that combines both emotion and science in a way that leaves the reader wanting to do whatever it takes to protect this amazing bird. Because this was written 30+ years ago, I was expecting it to seem a little outdated, but Dunning discusses environmental stewardship and conservation in a way that is just as relevant today.
Beautiful illustrations, also!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book, and the beautiful illustrations make it a treasure to keep. As a summer resident of the Adirondacks, I have a strong bond of kinship with loons, and find them captivating. If you are a bird or wildlife enthusiast, or someone who loves temperate forests and lakes of North America, then read this and expand your love and appreciation for this ancient and unique species with their haunting voices.

[Amy Dale · Rating 2 out of 5]

While there's no doubting the author's passion for loons and trying to rally people to help save them, something which I agree with, the information really just felt like a page from a decent bird guide but really fleshed out and stretched to fill as many pages as possible.
There are some beautiful nature passages and the illustrations are lovely but I was expecting something more, memories of loon experiences or helping rehab loons or something more emotionally in-depth.

[Christopher Winn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Concise view of loons and the role they play in both our ecological and cultural landscape. Very readable and recommended for early adult to adult readers. The book goes into some detail both in the main story and appendices about ongoing threats to loon survival. Emphasis is on the common loon.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely illustrations (though the Great Blue Herons looked more like cranes in flight) and well researched facts presented in pretty good prose made me glad to have read this.

[Jennifer Laroche · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loves this book for such detailed info about loons written in an easy way to learn about them. Amazing birds and the watercolors are beautiful.

[D Taberner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish everyone would read this book.

[Marti · Rating 3 out of 5]

I quickly read this book at the lake today while watching for the loons. Recently there has been a population increase in the loon population - there are now 7 loons instead of the normal two. The lake is too small to feed too many loons. I borrowed the book from a friend. The book follows the life of a loon season by season. There were many interesting facts about the loons and I learned a great deal about them. The book was full of pen and ink illustrations that reinforced the reading and showed many species of wildlife and plants.

By the way - the adult loons are getting ready to migrate and so they start to gather in loose groups - that is why there are so many loons on the lake right now.

[Jessica Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dunning takes the reader through the yearly cycle of the loon, along with a brief history of the species, and provides lovely illustrations along the way. Her passion for the loon comes through in her writing, which is extremely well done. I loved the thoroughness with which she acquaints the reader with the loon, allowing him/her to experience the loon's life moment by moment. It was as if I was really watching a loon in real life, but with a new knowledge and understanding that I hadn't had previously. I was in a sense of awe and peace throughout. She did very well also in her examination of the factors which threaten this species. "The Loon" is a great mix of scientific observation and facts with beautiful prose.

[Aline Newman · Rating 4 out of 5]

In THE LOON: VOICE of the WILDERNESS, Joan Dunning writes lyrically about my favorite bird. We have a camp in New York State's Adirondack Mountains and watch the loons every summer. In the early spring, before all the summer residents return, the loons swim and dive right close to our dock, and I love being awakened at dawn by their haunting wails. Dunning captures my feelings and the feeling of the wilderness, while also imparting carefully researched scientific information about this ancient species. But even better than that are her accurate, finely detailed sketches and paintings that appear on every page. Beautiful!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully written and illustrated book that was a pleasure to read. Packed with information about loons presented in a relaxed, easy to read prose. I will check this book out from the library again.