Nature Boy: A journey of birdsong and belonging

by Seán Ronayne

Ornithologist Seán Ronayne always knew he was different. At school, he struggled to fit in. Only when he was surrounded by nature, listening to birdsong, did he feel a sense of calm. There, he could truly be himself. His happiest times were spent walking in the woods with his father and grandfather. So much so that his peers labelled him Nature Boy.

When, at the age of thirty-two, Seán discovered he was autistic, his life began to make sense. The feeling of inner alienation he'd carried for so long gave way to a new understanding of himself. He grew to recognize that his difference was a gift, enabling him to use his passion to help spread awareness of the beauty of the natural world -- and the danger it currently faces.

In 2021, Seán set out on this mission to be the first to record all the regularly occurring bird species in a journey of discovery and wonder that has taken him to the four corners of Ireland.

Nature Boy is the powerful story of a child who never fitted in - and a man who found his place in the world. It is a celebration of birds, connection and being true to yourself - and of the extraordinary, healing power of nature. In telling his story, Seán demonstrates how the pursuit of personal passions can be part of a collective effort to protect the world around us.

Genres: Nature, Ireland, Nonfiction, Biography, Birds, Autobiography, Irish Literature

432 pages, Hardcover

Published October 10, 2024

Reviews

[Laura Costello · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful. Smart. Full of heart.

Seán’s writing is clear and compelling. His message is so important, and his love for his family and nature is portrayed beautifully.

I’m listening to the birds more closely than ever before as a result of your work Seán! Thank you.

[Eleanor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, so much so that the last chapter had tearing up. Seán is an absolute inspiration and a wonderful spokesperson for the natural Irish world. A fitting book to read this month personally, coinciding with me just recently checking off my 100th bird species sighting (the Red Kite up in the Wicklow mountains!).

It took a few chapters for this book to truly grab me, as there was a lot of repetition in both specific words and general sentiments. Seán really finds his footing as an author as the book goes on, as he himself becomes more comfortable with who he is. The passages where he describes natural scenes and specific bird sightings are enthralling. Well done and congratulations to you and Alba!!

[Daniel Duque · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing read, a must really for all fans of nature and Ireland. Seán is an inspiration and should be listened to by all politicians.

The book was extremely easy to read and it was full of heart. I was just expecting to love it because of the birds, but loved it because of his story.

[Orla · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favourite book I’ve read this year. So wholesome and packed full of all things nature. I loved Seán’s inspiring story where many aspects were very relatable; it’s nice to know we are not alone in feeling out of place in the world.

I am looking forward to following his future projects. I remember going to his talk in Siamsa Tíre and him playing his recordings. Such an enjoyable and fascinating talk. Keep up the good work Seán!

[Darragh Sinnott · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.3/5 An incredibly uplifting and endearing book from a very inspiring individual. I love his attitude towards life, it’s very easy to get caught up in the doom and gloom of climate change and biodiversity loss BUT there are ways to reclaim this.
Makes me want to be able to identify more bird species, although I may need an app for this as it’s hard to get a base of knowledge

[Emer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful exploration of Irish nature, ornithology and neurodiversity, and the ways they have shaped and defined Seán’s life. Brilliantly written and entertaining, Seán is an inspiration.

[Kevin O · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully crafted book recalling Sean’s search for a path through his true vocation, ornithology and nature in general, as a means of supporting himself and improving our relationship with our avian brothers while at the same time discovering his own essence. Reawakens an awareness of the extraordinary under our own noses especially in Ireland.

[Gary Mantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I heard of Sean through an interview he did on a podcast I listen to. I then ran into this book at a bookstore (Tertulia) during a weekend visit to Westport Ireland and my interest was piqued. As a read, it is pretty raw and simple, and not in a good way. However, as a story, it is quite wonderful. What do I mean by this? While reading the book, I struggled many times with the repetitiveness, the lack of depth, and the overly simple and single dimensioned descriptions- specifically in the first half of the book. However, once finished, I found myself thinking about Sean’s journey and what he has been able to accomplish for quite a while after. It also had me looking at birds very differently during my most recent trip in Morocco- which coincidentally plays an important role in the story! Keep up the inspiring work Sean!

[Aoife · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ll be honest, I wasn’t originally sold on this book, I’m not the biggest nature seeker or bird enthusiast, but picked it up on the Audible deals this month for my husband, but after about a week, and realising that I enjoyed Chloe Dalton’s Raising Hare, curiosity got the best of me and I gave it a listen.

I definitely think this book has been played down, misinterpreted and undersold or I just wasn’t listening to the right reviews. Yes of course it’s packed to the brim with bird content, but it’s more than that. It’s a book of a dawning realisation, a book of forgiveness and late diagnosis. It’s tender, it’s specific but also so funny at times. He hits the nail on the head and opens our eyes to his world and ours.

Definitely recommend!

[Paul Halloran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional. Important. Amazing.

I listened to this as an audiobook narrated by Seán, and I couldn't help but get teary-eyed as Seán told stories of his life growing up, near death experiences, and struggles with autism. He recounts numerous times in his life in which he has turned to nature for its mental healing powers, something I find myself doing as well.

It was an interesting listen, and I finished with a great respect for this man's commitment to his passion and the public awareness he has managed to attain for our special native birds.

[Robbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was maybe expecting more about birdwatchers and treehuggers, or a lot more about the actual birds, but instead the book is just an autobiography about a regular, dead-on guy who happens to be an ornithologist. The best parts of the book are when Seán is gushing about either a personal breakthrough or an experience in nature he is having, and my main takeaway from the book is that a life devoted to nature is exceptional enough to constitute a whole book celebrating it.

[S V B · Rating 5 out of 5]

100% recommend the audiobook of this - you get to hear some of the bird sound recordings and Seán's enthusiasm shines through so wonderfully!
I feel like I learnt quite a bit about Irish nature and I've definitely taken more notice of the bird life I see when I'm walking around town. I already quite liked magpies but now I say hello to them whenever I see them!
Seán's autobiography weaves through the book and I really enjoyed it, especially as a fellow autistic.

I really loved this!

[Bernadette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much. Sean is such a wonderful example of a young man who follows his passion and values through. I would hope others would be empowered by his wonderful story to be confident in their own personal passions rather than following the societal norms. This such an uplifting book. I would highly recommend this book.

[Jamie Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really touching story of how the natural world can heal all negativity and doubt within a person when they submit wholly to it.
Seán's commitment and passion for nature and wildlife is so inspiring and cautiously optimistic, helping to guide others on a path of environmental awareness and to finding the pleasure in the great outdoors.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't recommend this book more. Seán's life story is so interesting and he intertwines it beautifully with amazing stories about nature. I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed his narration. Thanks Seán 🙏

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gorgeous story about finding your own way in the world being true to yourself. An absolute call to return to nature and respect it but also to appreciate the wonders it can do for all of us.

[Mary Hennessy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read, nice to pick up and read a few pages every day. Genuine, heart warming, told with humour. Great insight to irish nature and human interactions to help and hinder. Cobh born author

[Aisling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Revived my Goodreads! Excellent book and an outcry for a change in our nation's behaviour towards our natural wildlife.

[Colin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excellent

[Céline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous book.

[Eilis Qua · Rating 5 out of 5]

beautiful and inspiring, had me smiling from ear to ear and tearing up recalling my own first encounters with nature.

[Laura-Marie Spillane · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 but rounded up for Goodreads. Nice easy conversational read and lovely to learn his back story.

[Ellie Hollis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved the documentary and Seán's story and enthusiasm was enjoyable. Some parts were quite repetitive which I felt could've been edited out, but loved the additional species info in each chapter.

[Claudia Sandoval · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story around nature, discovery and growth.
Sean managed to detail his passion for birds and nature with a compassionate and engaging narrative. I had already enjoyed the documentary, Birdsong, and this book was the additional piece to that beautiful journey. You deserve all the success in your future projects, thanks for sharing your love.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an extremely personal book about Seán's story as well as his passion for the natural world. I found it very moving and a lot of his personal experiences, thoughts and emotions really resonated with me, as another neurodivergent person who loves birds and nature in general. I feel I have some similar experiences to Seán from growing up to finding work, all while feeling so different from other people and then coming to terms with the challenges of being autistic. The book made me emotional reading it and I was almost moved to tears in some sections. Seán's story is inspirational and his passion for nature really shines through.