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Good Birders Don't Wear White: 50 Tips from North America's Top Birders
David Sibley, Don and Lillian Stokes, and many more share their inside tips—and witty observations—on the birding life. The biggest names in birding dispense advice to birders of every level—on topics ranging from feeding birds and cleaning binoculars to pishing and pelagic birding—in these lighthearted essays accompanied by illustrations. Whether satirizing bird snobs or relating the traditions and taboos of the birding culture, this collection of wisdom is as chock-full of helpful information as it is entertaining. “The book is a delight to read and will generate new enthusiasm for the hobby. The 25 black-and-white line drawings are hilarious.” —Booklist
289 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2007
175 people are currently reading
442 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
July 15, 2010
There's probably some unwritten law somewhere that reviews can't be written about a book until a person has finished...so sue me. :) I've only read three or four "chapters" or essays, but I'm already in love.
I think maybe even people that aren't interested in birdwatching would enjoy this book...the essays are from experts in the birding world, but they're also extremely talented writers. Everything from naturalists to biologists to photographers to artists, these people know birds inside and out and have lived them all their lives.
The essays are divided into little sections like attracting birds to your backyard, taking care of binoculars, and more, but they read more like letters from close friends. They're humorous, sweet, and funny. So far I'm enjoying this little book very, very much.
I think maybe even people that aren't interested in birdwatching would enjoy this book...the essays are from experts in the birding world, but they're also extremely talented writers. Everything from naturalists to biologists to photographers to artists, these people know birds inside and out and have lived them all their lives.
The essays are divided into little sections like attracting birds to your backyard, taking care of binoculars, and more, but they read more like letters from close friends. They're humorous, sweet, and funny. So far I'm enjoying this little book very, very much.
March 13, 2020
A collection of essays from the Who's Who of North American birding. I feel like one of the cool kids for actually having met a few of these people. They wouldn't remember me, of course, but it's still pretty cool.
June 26, 2020
t was exceedingly fun to read essays from the legendary birders, people whose books I've read or field guides I've purchased. That experience alone is worth the price of the book. They weren't all so very enlightening, or even amusing--I'd expected a lot of humor, but didn't get it. A couple were funny. But mostly they were too darn serious--why to clean your optics; don't forget to listen; play fair when sharing a scope; why bird names seldom describe the bird; how to take notes....
But I guess the point of the book wasn't to be amusing, but to share tips. And they were good tips, almost universally. The ones near the end, on the subject of sharing your birding obsession, were the most thoughtful. And even if you only get a few useful tips out of it, 250 pages of people writing about birdwatching is worth the reading. So I enjoyed, and I recommend, but I have to admit I'm probably not going to treasure it or re-read any of the essays. So if you want to read it, visit the Plano Public Library's next book sale and you can have my copy.
But I guess the point of the book wasn't to be amusing, but to share tips. And they were good tips, almost universally. The ones near the end, on the subject of sharing your birding obsession, were the most thoughtful. And even if you only get a few useful tips out of it, 250 pages of people writing about birdwatching is worth the reading. So I enjoyed, and I recommend, but I have to admit I'm probably not going to treasure it or re-read any of the essays. So if you want to read it, visit the Plano Public Library's next book sale and you can have my copy.
July 24, 2016
A fun, quick read of short essays by many of the "big birds" in the birding community...some fun tips (good-bye, SPF 50 white shirt) and good advice: "Do not tell anyone if the bird you are looking at through the scope flys away. That just disappoints others who are yet to look through the scope."
November 9, 2019
I am not a magazine fan. I get one, get excited, then am bummed when I find it later unread and dusty. I had dear friends buy me a subscription to the New Yorker and I thought it downright torture. I could NEVER read an issue and the next week another would come. Then, what to do with them?
But I do like short articles about birds and birding. To find a good book about birds is a joy. I loved Kenn Kaufman’s book Kingbird Highway and Tim Galligher’s Grailbird, not to mention H is for Hawk.
So, I acquired this book from the tail end of an environmental fair when I was a guest at the home of the Audubon board member who trudged home after the fair with Damon books from an unexpected rain shower during the event. He had a box of books to offload and this was in it. I grabbed it and he kind of looked at me with “okay, really?” eyes. It had been on my list for a while.
The book contains short stories by a few authors I recognized and quite a few I did not. I started keeping notes on the bookmark which was filled and then the writing got smaller and smaller. I found the stories inspirational. I am what a consider a beginning birder. And will most likely always be because I do not have the focus to become more (yes, that is kind of funny). This book just hit all those right spots. And gave me some direction by looking at the writers I enjoyed and what other works they do.
Then, while googling a reference to Twits and Pishers (Canadian nature series), I saw an article on “yes, birders, we think you are weird” and could not stop laughing. I think this book is a really nifty, short teaser for people like me. Off to take the dog for a walk - with my binoculars...
But I do like short articles about birds and birding. To find a good book about birds is a joy. I loved Kenn Kaufman’s book Kingbird Highway and Tim Galligher’s Grailbird, not to mention H is for Hawk.
So, I acquired this book from the tail end of an environmental fair when I was a guest at the home of the Audubon board member who trudged home after the fair with Damon books from an unexpected rain shower during the event. He had a box of books to offload and this was in it. I grabbed it and he kind of looked at me with “okay, really?” eyes. It had been on my list for a while.
The book contains short stories by a few authors I recognized and quite a few I did not. I started keeping notes on the bookmark which was filled and then the writing got smaller and smaller. I found the stories inspirational. I am what a consider a beginning birder. And will most likely always be because I do not have the focus to become more (yes, that is kind of funny). This book just hit all those right spots. And gave me some direction by looking at the writers I enjoyed and what other works they do.
Then, while googling a reference to Twits and Pishers (Canadian nature series), I saw an article on “yes, birders, we think you are weird” and could not stop laughing. I think this book is a really nifty, short teaser for people like me. Off to take the dog for a walk - with my binoculars...
February 3, 2019
This is a light and fun, but informative book full of magazine-style articles for people interest in birds. The essays cover everything from backyard feeding to pelagic bird tours and from leisure to conservation. There are some helpful tips, but mostly it is just people sharing their enthusiasm. The book covers each topic from a variety of perspectives. For example, a pro-listing essay might immediately follow an anti-listing essay, or a pro-wearing-white essay might follow an anti-wearing-white essay. It is a lot of fun and a reminder of how vast and diverse the birding community is.
February 23, 2019
This is an entertaining collection of short essays that helps the reader learn more about birding. It's more accessible than "How to Be a Better Birder" (Derik Lovitch), more practical, and more humorous. It includes chapters on turning your backyard into a wildlife sanctuary, rules for how to see a Mangrove Cuckoo (#1 - Never go looking for it!), Pishing, weather patterns, learning from your mistakes, and how to slow down and see more birds. I highly recommnend this to anyone interested in birds, from casual backyard bird watcher to experienced birder.
November 30, 2021
Some of the world's greatest birders---Kenn Kaufmann, Victor Emanuel, Noah Stryker, and more---share tips about making birding lists, finding birds, birding photography, birding supplies, going beyond lists...Trust me, just about everything you might like to know about birding but didn't know you needed to know is in this book.
I'm adding the sequel to my wish list now.
I'm adding the sequel to my wish list now.
January 5, 2021
I expected this essay collection to be more universally applicable that it turned out to be. But here is the warning: if you don't drive, own a backyard, are not from North America, and do not subscribe to the idea of being "good" at a hobby, you may find some of the essays not quite relatable.
Most essays are accompanied by nice and funny illustrations which I liked. Some chapters did accomplish what I expected from the book: the comfort of "discussing" my hobby with like-minded authors. Unfortunately, birding does not equal birdwatching by some definitions and is soooo exhausting to read about if you are not a lister and are in general non-competitive. So, some sport-memoiry parts did distract me from tips and fun moments to some extent. The fact that the last section is all about becoming a "good" birder did not help (final pages often make a book, for me at least)- really, if someone is on track to become the next David Sibley, don't they already have an action plan?
One huge positive thing I want to point out is that this collection did not have any of the self-deprecation that is often present in hobby writing - probably due to the fact that for many of the authors birding is also life's work.
Tl;dr: fun, but mostly not for me. I did learn a little about serious birding, though, and got some ideas I might want to try out. I also see how it must be fun for its actual target audience.
Most essays are accompanied by nice and funny illustrations which I liked. Some chapters did accomplish what I expected from the book: the comfort of "discussing" my hobby with like-minded authors. Unfortunately, birding does not equal birdwatching by some definitions and is soooo exhausting to read about if you are not a lister and are in general non-competitive. So, some sport-memoiry parts did distract me from tips and fun moments to some extent. The fact that the last section is all about becoming a "good" birder did not help (final pages often make a book, for me at least)- really, if someone is on track to become the next David Sibley, don't they already have an action plan?
One huge positive thing I want to point out is that this collection did not have any of the self-deprecation that is often present in hobby writing - probably due to the fact that for many of the authors birding is also life's work.
Tl;dr: fun, but mostly not for me. I did learn a little about serious birding, though, and got some ideas I might want to try out. I also see how it must be fun for its actual target audience.
January 15, 2024
Oh I wanted to love this book so much, but in the end it just didn't grab me.
A set of 50 short essays, with tips for birders, the promise of expert advice and humour, it felt tailer-made for me. I knew from the outset that this was a North American book, and therefore had that constant viewpoint, so I can't complain about it for that.
But what I think my issue was with... There just seemed a lack of passion. A few of the essays managed to convey a love of the subject, but too much of it seemed a sort of academic treatment, or very much written by a 'lister' (despite a couple of essays describing the virtues of not listing, other seemed to use it as an opportunity to simply go through their best finds), and with only a few moments of self-deprecating humour (we 'are' a bit of a funny bunch us birders - though in the UK I'd say 'birder' is an intermediate stage before 'twitcher').
And that's before factoring in the overlap between some of the essays, and the dashed hope of interesting snippets of ideas that I hadn't thought of until now.
The illustrations were great though....
A set of 50 short essays, with tips for birders, the promise of expert advice and humour, it felt tailer-made for me. I knew from the outset that this was a North American book, and therefore had that constant viewpoint, so I can't complain about it for that.
But what I think my issue was with... There just seemed a lack of passion. A few of the essays managed to convey a love of the subject, but too much of it seemed a sort of academic treatment, or very much written by a 'lister' (despite a couple of essays describing the virtues of not listing, other seemed to use it as an opportunity to simply go through their best finds), and with only a few moments of self-deprecating humour (we 'are' a bit of a funny bunch us birders - though in the UK I'd say 'birder' is an intermediate stage before 'twitcher').
And that's before factoring in the overlap between some of the essays, and the dashed hope of interesting snippets of ideas that I hadn't thought of until now.
The illustrations were great though....
October 29, 2024
This was another book from this community and I had to go digging on Thriftbooks to find a copy but it was worth it. There is the title advice—“trading the white birding festival T-shirt for a camo jump suit and face paint is a little extreme, but selecting clothing in neutral colors that blend with the environment can reduce the impact of birding on birds and other wildlife”—but a lot more. I learned how to “Choose a Birding Tour Carefully,” “Go Birding At Night,” “Shush and Pish," and “Use A Storm to Your Advantage,” amongst others. The book is field-guide-small and the tone is light, fun, and easy to read. Everything from feeding birds to cleaning binoculars to even drawing birds (from David Sibley himself!) is covered. A nice gift for the birder in your life.
January 30, 2019
Actual rating: 4.5 stars (because a few of the chapters dragged a little)
I loved this book. There were so many things that I could relate to and/or laugh over: battling squirrels at the feeders, the oddities of bird names, how terrible your first optics actually were, and a tongue in cheek article on how to see a rare bird. Other articles gave handy tips on things like cleaning your optics, pishing, drawing, and good birding practices.
I loved this book. There were so many things that I could relate to and/or laugh over: battling squirrels at the feeders, the oddities of bird names, how terrible your first optics actually were, and a tongue in cheek article on how to see a rare bird. Other articles gave handy tips on things like cleaning your optics, pishing, drawing, and good birding practices.
January 21, 2021
This is a quick read. 50 short essays about birding. Basically, one key point per essay, in most cases. Some are funny, many are pretty obvious if you’ve been birding for while. But I enjoyed it. It’s written with a very positive approach, and it’s contagious. A few essays are a bit dated - the copyright is 2007 - like the one on digital photography. But still worth reading. Recommended for novice birders -
November 18, 2024
I loved all the different types of advice all the birders in the book would give and how the book would separate them into common themes. While I can't say I was equally interested in all the different advice given in the book, it was great learning about how different people view and enjoy birds. I still have some of the chapters bookmarked so I can refer back to them later if I feel like I need a little inspiration.
July 29, 2018
I have become an excited birder these last few months. This book is the perfect introduction to the hobby. It is very tongue-in-cheek, at the same time very informative and fun. 50 different essays about every aspect of serious birding from the experts, with several reminders to just have fun!
I received this as a Mother’s Day gift, it was a perfect gift.
I received this as a Mother’s Day gift, it was a perfect gift.
September 4, 2018
This is a great compilation of essays written by birding’s notable and noteworthy. While some essays were brief or vague, I enjoyed the ability to have short readings sessions, making the book easily accessible in quick moments of free time. Definitely with the effort for anyone interested in birding.
January 12, 2025
Enjoyed this book. Includes several tips and experiences from many different birders/bird professionals. All of the essays are well written and easy to read and comprehend. Each essay is short (only a couple of pages long) and to the point, so one can read through the book at whatever pace they prefer. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys birding.
February 24, 2018
Really fun and potentially informative read for birders and birdwatchers at a variety of levels of experience and enthusiasm! I wish more people would read this book and perhaps take some of the advice to heart. I did!
July 29, 2018
Great fun to read.
Broad view of a delightful hobby for some to a consuming passion for others. I particularly enjoyed hearing the voices of so many whose names I recognize from field guides, books, magazines and apps
Broad view of a delightful hobby for some to a consuming passion for others. I particularly enjoyed hearing the voices of so many whose names I recognize from field guides, books, magazines and apps
December 26, 2019
Entertaining beak size advise
The accomplished share their thoughts and suggestions on how to be a better birder. Varied and applicable this is - a great intro to the joy of birding and what birders get out of it.
The accomplished share their thoughts and suggestions on how to be a better birder. Varied and applicable this is - a great intro to the joy of birding and what birders get out of it.
January 30, 2021
Read this for one of the characters I'm writing. Fun illustrations and micro-essays that are accessible and interesting to non-birders like me. Also, there's nothing quite like having an author describe an iPod as if it was an alien device (the book was first published in 2007).
March 29, 2021
I’ve been on several birding trips with a qualified (and highly entertaining) guide. This book didn’t really tell me anything I didn’t know, though I suppose it had some reminders. And it wasn’t that funny!
July 30, 2022
More of a 3.5 rating. Good for beginners like me. But not all the stories/tips are equal, some of the better stories are in the later half of the book. Many of is just quirky commentary and it didn’t need to be as long as it was.
December 13, 2024
Tips, anecdotes, essays, and some light-hearted kvetching from the nation's top birders. US-oriented, it would have been funny to get a UK perspective where birding culture is at a whole 'nother level. 3.5 stars, rounded down because birder esoterica.
June 11, 2017
Une sympathique série de 50 anecdotes drôles sur les mésaventures et émerveillements des observateurs d'oiseaux!
abondamment illustré.
abondamment illustré.
January 11, 2018
This is a fun book that might even be a quick fun read for those who are not into birds.
July 13, 2018
Great tips on being a better birder!
September 11, 2018
A nice mix of both lighthearted and informative essays.
February 10, 2019
50 short essays for birders by famous birders! Robin lent it to me. A fun read, also informative!
January 11, 2020
An enjoyable collection of essays on birding.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews