Neighbors to the Birds: A History of Birdwatching in America

by Felton Gibbons, Deborah Strom

Explores the origins of birdwatching, the growing popularity of the pursuit, and its relation to convictions about nature, conservation, and outdoor recreation

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

364 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 1988

Reviews

[LibraryCin · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is more than a history of birdwatching here (as described in the subtitle). Much of the first part of the book includes biographical information about many naturalists and birdwatchers from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Other chapters include artwork of birds (not on-the-wall art, but artwork in publications and field guides), women naturalists/birdwatchers, the Audobon “movement”, conservation, literature, and more.

This was ok. Although I do also like biographies and history, some of this was a bit dry and didn’t hold my attention. It was the biographical parts that were of less interest to me, though the rest was a bit more interesting. I quite enjoyed the art chapter with all the pictures included. Really, this book wasn’t so much about the birds themselves – a bit, but maybe more about the people who watched and/or studied them.

[Masha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book at a rare book store, and I am so glad! Written by both Gibbons and Deborah Strom, the authors compiled a ton of research into well organized chapters. They cover social attitudes towards birds, law, art, and so many other topics. This is a great read for anyone interested in birds, the rise of centralized conservation efforts, and history of American naturalists.

[Jered Karr · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really dry and repetitive. But had some interesting facts about the history of birdwatching in America