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"Bird!": An Explanation of Hawkwatching
“Bird!” is an existential exploration of nature through the guise of hawkwatching. And yes, hawkwatching is a thing! It is a citizen science activity that differs from typical birdwatching. Here, hawkwatchers, a mostly volunteer group, brave the elements in service of generating a physical count of migrating raptors (eagles, hawks, vultures, falcons, etc.). In his first book about this esoteric subject, Brian M. Wargo, a physical and social science educator, taps into the universality of Homo sapiens’ longing to connect to the biotic world. His book, which is really a series of 22 standalone essays, captures the spirit of hawkwatching, taps into the mind of the hawkwatchers who do it, and provides a contemplative assessment for why they do it. A must read for those who love the outdoors but find it difficult to describe why they love it.
190 pages, Paperback
Published April 13, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
July 14, 2018
What a book! It is everything I wanted to know and now I know it. Perfect!
June 2, 2016
I read the paperback copy that has black and white pictures instead of color pictures as on the kindle edition. The pictures are not the essence of the book, it is the description of the people, the places, and the community of hawkwatchers that interested me. Each essay was so descriptive, I felt like I had actually experienced each episode. Finally, a book that I truly understand!
July 24, 2020
The book put me in a space to think about and appreciate nature - hawk watching was the vehicle. Even as an outsider to the field, I found the work compelling. I was excited when the author and his group spotted so many hawks on various outings! The essays focused on isolation were particularly thought provoking. It’s good to clear the mind, especially with friends in nature.
June 6, 2016
A must read for birders. Independent essays that take you into the life of a hawk watcher. A look at life through binoculars.
February 12, 2018
This is a wonderful guide on how to get off-the-grid. There were many helpful tips. I highly recommend this for all RVers.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews