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Among the Birds: Field Notes from Cascadia
“Within these pages, you’ll find delight, wisdom, and wonder.”—Sy Montgomery, author of The Hummingbirds’ Gift
A delight for devoted birders, curious nature lovers, and casual backyard watchers alike, from two beloved local talents
Fresh, experiential personal essays featuring more than 70 Pacific Northwest birds by a New York Times bestselling author
Vibrant, colorful illustrations by an award-winning Northwest artist
Accessible natural history with a focus on conservation
Among the Birds is an enchanting celebration of the Pacific Northwest’s birds, brought to life by New York Times-bestselling author and naturalist Lyanda Lynn Haupt. Readers join Haupt on a wandering journey through the region’s avian world, drifting intuitively among species, much like you encounter birds on a neighborhood amble, forest trail, or windy shoreline. More than 70 feathered residents and seasonal visitors make an appearance, connected through experience, memory, and the serendipity of daily life outdoors.
Haupt’s signature voice—lyrical, curious, gently humorous, and deeply observant—infuses each vignette with delight and insight. She blends personal moments with natural history, offering a closer look at the habits, habitats, and captivating quirks of birds such as Steller’s Jay, Anna’s Hummingbird, Merlin, Black Oystercatcher, American Dipper, Caspian Tern, and many more.
Acclaimed artist Justin Gibben’s richly detailed illustrations blend realism and whimsy to highlight each bird’s distinct personality—and perfectly complement Haupt’s stories to spark wonder, cultivate attentiveness, and remind us of our role in caring for the wild lives that thrive alongside us.
A delight for devoted birders, curious nature lovers, and casual backyard watchers alike, from two beloved local talents
Fresh, experiential personal essays featuring more than 70 Pacific Northwest birds by a New York Times bestselling author
Vibrant, colorful illustrations by an award-winning Northwest artist
Accessible natural history with a focus on conservation
Among the Birds is an enchanting celebration of the Pacific Northwest’s birds, brought to life by New York Times-bestselling author and naturalist Lyanda Lynn Haupt. Readers join Haupt on a wandering journey through the region’s avian world, drifting intuitively among species, much like you encounter birds on a neighborhood amble, forest trail, or windy shoreline. More than 70 feathered residents and seasonal visitors make an appearance, connected through experience, memory, and the serendipity of daily life outdoors.
Haupt’s signature voice—lyrical, curious, gently humorous, and deeply observant—infuses each vignette with delight and insight. She blends personal moments with natural history, offering a closer look at the habits, habitats, and captivating quirks of birds such as Steller’s Jay, Anna’s Hummingbird, Merlin, Black Oystercatcher, American Dipper, Caspian Tern, and many more.
Acclaimed artist Justin Gibben’s richly detailed illustrations blend realism and whimsy to highlight each bird’s distinct personality—and perfectly complement Haupt’s stories to spark wonder, cultivate attentiveness, and remind us of our role in caring for the wild lives that thrive alongside us.
232 pages, Hardcover
Published September 1, 2026
About the author
Lyanda Lynn Haupt
8 books506 followersLyanda Lynn Haupt is a naturalist, eco-philosopher, and speaker whose writing is at the forefront of the movement to connect people with nature in their everyday lives. Her newest book is Mozart's Starling: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
“Mozart’s Starling is a delightful, enlightening, breathless flight through the worlds of Carmen and Star, two European starlings who join their human counterparts in exploring life and music and nature, helping to shed light on the connection between humans and birds--those of us bound to terra firma, and those of us who are free to soar.”
Garth Stein
NYT bestselling author of The Art of Racing in the Rain and A Sudden Light
Lyanda's recent book, Crow Planet: Essential Wisdom from the Urban Wilderness, was widely praised and is available in paperback.
“A completely charming and informative book on the pleasures of keeping one’s eyes open.” -David Sedaris
“With her sensitivity, careful eye and gift for language, Haupt tells her tale beautifully, using crow study to get at a range of ever-deepening concerns about nature and our place within it, immersing us in a heady hybrid of science, history, how-to and memoir.” -Erika Schickel, Los Angeles Times
Lyanda’s first book, Rare Encounters with Ordinary Birds (Sasquatch, 2001), explores the relationship between humans, birds, and ecological understanding, and is a winner of the 2002 Washington State Book Award.
“Mozart’s Starling is a delightful, enlightening, breathless flight through the worlds of Carmen and Star, two European starlings who join their human counterparts in exploring life and music and nature, helping to shed light on the connection between humans and birds--those of us bound to terra firma, and those of us who are free to soar.”
Garth Stein
NYT bestselling author of The Art of Racing in the Rain and A Sudden Light
Lyanda's recent book, Crow Planet: Essential Wisdom from the Urban Wilderness, was widely praised and is available in paperback.
“A completely charming and informative book on the pleasures of keeping one’s eyes open.” -David Sedaris
“With her sensitivity, careful eye and gift for language, Haupt tells her tale beautifully, using crow study to get at a range of ever-deepening concerns about nature and our place within it, immersing us in a heady hybrid of science, history, how-to and memoir.” -Erika Schickel, Los Angeles Times
Lyanda’s first book, Rare Encounters with Ordinary Birds (Sasquatch, 2001), explores the relationship between humans, birds, and ecological understanding, and is a winner of the 2002 Washington State Book Award.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received an early copy of this book via NetGalley. What follows is my opinion.
This book is written with whimsy and a bit of cheek. It feels very much like a love letter to birds.
I love the author's way of writing, which includes scientific facts and descriptions, as well as both anecdotes and poetry. And the artwork is beautiful. My guess is it's probably even more affecting in the printed copy of the book. I had an e-copy.
The author doesn't shy away from describing some of the harsher realities of life with birds. For example, the author provides a very vivid description of the eating habits of Kestrals. She wrote about the bird's predilection for beginning their meal by ripping out a mouse's innards, throwing them up and around with their beak before eating them like spaghetti. (Her words are better than mine. Read it.) Oh, and don't forget the bit about the "marinara sauce" running down from the bird's beak. Clearly, the Kestral is a messy eater. Very descriptive. Of course, then Haupt aptly reminds readers that "beauty is always complicated," which I appreciated because we don't hate lions for being carnivores, so why should we judge the Kestral for its dining choices.
I also appreciated learning about the many name changes that are happening due to cultural and societal movements, as well as the many changes, sometimes back and forth, of what groups certain birds belong to and whether they need to be separated into further categories or sub-categories. These are the sort of things I hadn't thought about before reading this book. I'm not a birder. When I was a child, I loved "birding," and my friend and I would take binoculars, along with a notebook, and head into the forest to see what sorts of birds we might find. Unfortunately, for me, sometime during early adolescence, I packed away my fascination for bird watching.
I'm in my 50s now, and I live at the edge of a forest. While I'm unable to trek outside, I get to hear the many birds outside my door. I get to watch them go about their days. I love listening to their birdsong, which does change from waking to sleeping. Of course, as a non-birder, I have no idea who is making what sound. I mention this because it's another thing I find impressive with the author and the many people who've made studying birds their life's work. To be able to identify different species not only by their appearance and behaviour, but also by their vocalizations is truly amazing. I find the topic of bird language intriguing.
This book covers a lot of things that interest me where birds are concerned. At one point, the author talks about an experience with an owl where they sat watching one another one night, and it sounded almost spiritual in essence. I've had similar experiences, so it's wonderful to know I'm not alone and I haven't imagined them.
Another super fascinating tidbit was when the author was in Africa thinking she was seeing a western meadowlark, when it was actually a yellow-throated longclaw. The similarities, she said, could be explained by "convergent evolution, where two unrelated organisms evolve similar morphological solutions to their shared life circumstances." This was something else I didn't know before reading this book.
Among the Birds is a treasure trove. Yes, it only covers a certain number of birds from one geographical region, but the way the author writes about birds, well it feels like a love letter to all feather-winged beings.
The author talks about the historical changes to the landscape and how these have impacted different species, from migratory patterns to potential extinction. While she doesn't belabor the topic of conservationism, she addresses it when the facts provide clear reason to do so, reminding readers that our actions impact more than just ourselves. I appreciated her take on conservation efforts and both their positive and negative repercussions, some intended, some not. There are many examples of good-intentioned humans attempting to "fix" wildlife "issues," but instead, making things worse in a completely different way. The snowbirds were a great example of this, I think. Again, fascinating.
The saddest example of human "management" practices where wildlife is concerned is with the story Haupt shares about the cormorants. It's tragic, disheartening, as well as maddening.
There's a point in the book where Haupt talks about her friend Heather not wanting to learn the differences between different kinds of gulls, as she said hybridization makes it a pointless endeavour. I am a "Heather," but not just with gulls. I can't imagine being able to identify distinctions within a species. Like the chickadee. I'm not sure I knew before reading this book that there are different kinds of chickadees. Seems like a lapse in my education.
On that note, did you know there's no bird called a seagull? There are different kinds of gulls, but none are called a seagull. I didn't know that. What about the fact that a loon can't walk on land? It flops around on its belly like a seal when on land, and it can't fly well. I love loons, but I did not know these facts. Of course, I am familiar with the loon's elegant movements in and on the water. I didn't know where the loon got its name, but I do now, and you will, too, if you read the book.
If it isn't clear yet, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It gave me an opportunity to step into the birding world without having to leave my home. It also gave me a better glimpse into the varied worlds of many different bird species, once again igniting my thirst for knowledge when it comes to our avian friends.
This book is written with whimsy and a bit of cheek. It feels very much like a love letter to birds.
I love the author's way of writing, which includes scientific facts and descriptions, as well as both anecdotes and poetry. And the artwork is beautiful. My guess is it's probably even more affecting in the printed copy of the book. I had an e-copy.
The author doesn't shy away from describing some of the harsher realities of life with birds. For example, the author provides a very vivid description of the eating habits of Kestrals. She wrote about the bird's predilection for beginning their meal by ripping out a mouse's innards, throwing them up and around with their beak before eating them like spaghetti. (Her words are better than mine. Read it.) Oh, and don't forget the bit about the "marinara sauce" running down from the bird's beak. Clearly, the Kestral is a messy eater. Very descriptive. Of course, then Haupt aptly reminds readers that "beauty is always complicated," which I appreciated because we don't hate lions for being carnivores, so why should we judge the Kestral for its dining choices.
I also appreciated learning about the many name changes that are happening due to cultural and societal movements, as well as the many changes, sometimes back and forth, of what groups certain birds belong to and whether they need to be separated into further categories or sub-categories. These are the sort of things I hadn't thought about before reading this book. I'm not a birder. When I was a child, I loved "birding," and my friend and I would take binoculars, along with a notebook, and head into the forest to see what sorts of birds we might find. Unfortunately, for me, sometime during early adolescence, I packed away my fascination for bird watching.
I'm in my 50s now, and I live at the edge of a forest. While I'm unable to trek outside, I get to hear the many birds outside my door. I get to watch them go about their days. I love listening to their birdsong, which does change from waking to sleeping. Of course, as a non-birder, I have no idea who is making what sound. I mention this because it's another thing I find impressive with the author and the many people who've made studying birds their life's work. To be able to identify different species not only by their appearance and behaviour, but also by their vocalizations is truly amazing. I find the topic of bird language intriguing.
This book covers a lot of things that interest me where birds are concerned. At one point, the author talks about an experience with an owl where they sat watching one another one night, and it sounded almost spiritual in essence. I've had similar experiences, so it's wonderful to know I'm not alone and I haven't imagined them.
Another super fascinating tidbit was when the author was in Africa thinking she was seeing a western meadowlark, when it was actually a yellow-throated longclaw. The similarities, she said, could be explained by "convergent evolution, where two unrelated organisms evolve similar morphological solutions to their shared life circumstances." This was something else I didn't know before reading this book.
Among the Birds is a treasure trove. Yes, it only covers a certain number of birds from one geographical region, but the way the author writes about birds, well it feels like a love letter to all feather-winged beings.
The author talks about the historical changes to the landscape and how these have impacted different species, from migratory patterns to potential extinction. While she doesn't belabor the topic of conservationism, she addresses it when the facts provide clear reason to do so, reminding readers that our actions impact more than just ourselves. I appreciated her take on conservation efforts and both their positive and negative repercussions, some intended, some not. There are many examples of good-intentioned humans attempting to "fix" wildlife "issues," but instead, making things worse in a completely different way. The snowbirds were a great example of this, I think. Again, fascinating.
The saddest example of human "management" practices where wildlife is concerned is with the story Haupt shares about the cormorants. It's tragic, disheartening, as well as maddening.
There's a point in the book where Haupt talks about her friend Heather not wanting to learn the differences between different kinds of gulls, as she said hybridization makes it a pointless endeavour. I am a "Heather," but not just with gulls. I can't imagine being able to identify distinctions within a species. Like the chickadee. I'm not sure I knew before reading this book that there are different kinds of chickadees. Seems like a lapse in my education.
On that note, did you know there's no bird called a seagull? There are different kinds of gulls, but none are called a seagull. I didn't know that. What about the fact that a loon can't walk on land? It flops around on its belly like a seal when on land, and it can't fly well. I love loons, but I did not know these facts. Of course, I am familiar with the loon's elegant movements in and on the water. I didn't know where the loon got its name, but I do now, and you will, too, if you read the book.
If it isn't clear yet, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It gave me an opportunity to step into the birding world without having to leave my home. It also gave me a better glimpse into the varied worlds of many different bird species, once again igniting my thirst for knowledge when it comes to our avian friends.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Among the Birds: Field Notes from Cascadia is a beautiful collection of essays that celebrates the birds of the Pacific Northwest while encouraging readers to slow down and notice the wildlife around them. Lyanda Lynn Haupt introduces more than 70 species, including Anna's Hummingbird, the American Dipper, Steller's Jay, and the Black Oystercatcher, weaving together natural history, personal observations, and conservation with Justin Gibbens' detailed illustrations.
This isn't a traditional field guide. It feels more like taking a quiet walk with an experienced naturalist who notices details that many of us would otherwise miss. Haupt's writing invites curiosity without ever feeling academic, making it just as enjoyable for casual backyard birdwatchers as dedicated birders. I finished the book wanting to spend more time outside paying closer attention to the birds in my own neighborhood. My sincere thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a free advance review copy. I
This isn't a traditional field guide. It feels more like taking a quiet walk with an experienced naturalist who notices details that many of us would otherwise miss. Haupt's writing invites curiosity without ever feeling academic, making it just as enjoyable for casual backyard birdwatchers as dedicated birders. I finished the book wanting to spend more time outside paying closer attention to the birds in my own neighborhood. My sincere thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a free advance review copy. I
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
this was a stunningly beautiful book. every bird represented here is accompanied by stunning artwork in watercolors, and every bird gets their own unique view by the author. this isn't a book about facts, it isn't a book about scientific names and habitats. it is an exploration into the emotions each bird brings out in the world around it. the personalities and behaviors of the birds as they are witnessed and a very funny poem about geese. this is a book that exalts the birds of the world, brings them to lie, and highlights all that makes them wonderful, as well as several very charming anecdotes by the author. if you love birds, then this is absolutely a must read, and i cannot wait for the book to release, so i can read it again through the audiobook, because i think Christine Williams has such a soothing voice, it'll lend itself so very well to the book.
Thank you to Mountaineers Books | Skipstone and Netgalley for this ARC
Thank you to Mountaineers Books | Skipstone and Netgalley for this ARC
August 18, 2026
While I am not an avid birder (yet), I still appreciate the beauty and wonder that are birds. They vary in size, color, species, and location. The birds contained within this specific book are mainly found in the Pacific Northwest, around Cascadia. The author does a great job describing the Eastern counterparts of the Western birds she included in the text, which are much appreciated by those of us who have not yet been to the West Coast. The author gives captivating, informative, and sometimes comical descriptions of the lovely avians that were chosen to grace the pages, and the illustrator does a wonderful job portraying her written descriptions. He literally brings them to life for the reader. I truly enjoyed reading this book, and I loved learning new things about such magnificent creatures!
September 6, 2026
Thank you to Netgalley and Mountaineers Books for the e-ARC of this title.
Among the Birds is part memoir, part bird facts, all thought provoking. I have never been that into birds, I enjoy hearing them sing but I am horrible at identifying them or knowing much about them. But, you don't need to be familiar with birds to enjoy this book. I appreciated the acknowledgement that birding has been a colonialist hobby, and that indigenous peoples possess great knowledge about the birds they've lived along side for centuries.
In addition to the wonderful words, there are illustrations that bring the birds, and the book, to life. I loved the formatting and interaction of the birds with the words.
This book is perfect for anyone who wants to learn more about birds, people, or community.
Among the Birds is part memoir, part bird facts, all thought provoking. I have never been that into birds, I enjoy hearing them sing but I am horrible at identifying them or knowing much about them. But, you don't need to be familiar with birds to enjoy this book. I appreciated the acknowledgement that birding has been a colonialist hobby, and that indigenous peoples possess great knowledge about the birds they've lived along side for centuries.
In addition to the wonderful words, there are illustrations that bring the birds, and the book, to life. I loved the formatting and interaction of the birds with the words.
This book is perfect for anyone who wants to learn more about birds, people, or community.
September 7, 2026
I received an early copy of this book via NetGalley.
Engaging artwork, the writing not so much. Feels reconstituted and cursory. Not enough depth for each bird, just shallow musings. Frequent quotes from other sources denote laziness, then banal quotes from the authors daughter (as if this is somehoe appealing to us) or unscientific musings from the author herself make this a tedious read.
Engaging artwork, the writing not so much. Feels reconstituted and cursory. Not enough depth for each bird, just shallow musings. Frequent quotes from other sources denote laziness, then banal quotes from the authors daughter (as if this is somehoe appealing to us) or unscientific musings from the author herself make this a tedious read.
July 18, 2026
4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book is an absolute delight!
It's one thing to be knowledgeable about a subject, and it's another thing entirely to be able to share that knowledge in a way that is accessible, entertaining, and downright charming. This author nails it!
As a Midwesterner, there were many overlaps in the birds discussed in this book and the population of my own back yard, but also several species with which I was not familiar. It was a lot of fun to have a sense of familiarity while learning something new, and I hope people outside of the Cascadia region will pick up this book to enjoy the same. It definitely encouraged me to give more attention and thought to the “ordinary” songbirds I see every day.
The art is gorgeous and provided the perfect backdrop for these essays. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and it inspires me to be intentional and pay more attention to the birds all around me!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC!
It's one thing to be knowledgeable about a subject, and it's another thing entirely to be able to share that knowledge in a way that is accessible, entertaining, and downright charming. This author nails it!
As a Midwesterner, there were many overlaps in the birds discussed in this book and the population of my own back yard, but also several species with which I was not familiar. It was a lot of fun to have a sense of familiarity while learning something new, and I hope people outside of the Cascadia region will pick up this book to enjoy the same. It definitely encouraged me to give more attention and thought to the “ordinary” songbirds I see every day.
The art is gorgeous and provided the perfect backdrop for these essays. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and it inspires me to be intentional and pay more attention to the birds all around me!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews