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Ireland Through Birds: Journeys in Search of a Wild Nation
Twelve birds. One country. A wild Ireland waiting to be discovered.
In Ireland Through Birds, Conor O’Brien takes the reader on an ornithological adventure around Ireland in search of twelve of our rarest and most elusive birds. Along the journey the author explores every kind of landscape and habitat our island has to offer across all four seasons, from the remote isles of Donegal to the rugged mountains of Kerry and urban parks of Dublin. Through it all, O’Brien is enchanted by calling corncrakes, mesmerised by hunting harriers, and chased by angry skuas. It’s a journey through a staggering array of landscapes that’ll bring the reader face to face with the rich history and stunning wildlife to be savoured right on our doorstep. It explores the stories of the remarkable birds that live here: the genius of the jay, the sublime mimicry of the cuckoo, the nocturnal prowess of the barn owl, while paying a moving,poetic tribute to our natural heritage – and a warning about the threats that face it.
Ireland Through Birds is a unique blend of natural history and travelogue, making it a great read for anyone with an interest in Ireland’s natural world.
In Ireland Through Birds, Conor O’Brien takes the reader on an ornithological adventure around Ireland in search of twelve of our rarest and most elusive birds. Along the journey the author explores every kind of landscape and habitat our island has to offer across all four seasons, from the remote isles of Donegal to the rugged mountains of Kerry and urban parks of Dublin. Through it all, O’Brien is enchanted by calling corncrakes, mesmerised by hunting harriers, and chased by angry skuas. It’s a journey through a staggering array of landscapes that’ll bring the reader face to face with the rich history and stunning wildlife to be savoured right on our doorstep. It explores the stories of the remarkable birds that live here: the genius of the jay, the sublime mimicry of the cuckoo, the nocturnal prowess of the barn owl, while paying a moving,poetic tribute to our natural heritage – and a warning about the threats that face it.
Ireland Through Birds is a unique blend of natural history and travelogue, making it a great read for anyone with an interest in Ireland’s natural world.
Kindle Edition
Published October 17, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
August 18, 2020
This is a lovely format for an accessible book of bird lore framed by Irish historical and cultural tidbits.
Unfortunately, it is so full of pseudo-science and weak writing I found it nearly impossible to read. Truly, I am shocked at the acclaim and awards this garnered. The lack of attention to scientific accuracy and/or citation is very disappointing and the writing, while clearly emanating from an impassioned place, lacks consistency and flow. Word choices and syntax are awkward at times. Here is one short example to illustrate (Page 19, paragraph 1):
"The riverside, though, is no place for a merlin, and so I start to follow the Castletown towards the sea. On the far bank, gulls of a myriad of whites and greys dot the shoreline."
The sentences stutter awkwardly with an overuse of commas (in the above example and throughout the piece) and "... of a myriad of..." is such a totally unnecessary and arguably incorrect turn of phrase.
Professional critics, while lauding the book to the heavens (to my surprise), do sometimes point out its inconsistencies on occasion (for example: https://www.independent.ie/entertainm... "Occasionally, O'Brien gets it wrong...")
I apologize to the author for this scathing review. I harbour absolutely no ill intentions towards him. In fact, quite the opposite!! I think this was a fantastic idea for a book (which is why I picked it up) and could have been an absolute gem had it been more carefully edited.
It is the editors and publishers who are culpable for their poor choices in selling this concept blithely and without proper review or editing. Had this manuscript been returned for refining, this could have been excellent. As it is, I will struggle to even finish it. That this book was shortlisted for awards is a mystery to me and I can only assume that is a product of nationalism, nepotism, and salesmanship.
Unfortunately, it is so full of pseudo-science and weak writing I found it nearly impossible to read. Truly, I am shocked at the acclaim and awards this garnered. The lack of attention to scientific accuracy and/or citation is very disappointing and the writing, while clearly emanating from an impassioned place, lacks consistency and flow. Word choices and syntax are awkward at times. Here is one short example to illustrate (Page 19, paragraph 1):
"The riverside, though, is no place for a merlin, and so I start to follow the Castletown towards the sea. On the far bank, gulls of a myriad of whites and greys dot the shoreline."
The sentences stutter awkwardly with an overuse of commas (in the above example and throughout the piece) and "... of a myriad of..." is such a totally unnecessary and arguably incorrect turn of phrase.
Professional critics, while lauding the book to the heavens (to my surprise), do sometimes point out its inconsistencies on occasion (for example: https://www.independent.ie/entertainm... "Occasionally, O'Brien gets it wrong...")
I apologize to the author for this scathing review. I harbour absolutely no ill intentions towards him. In fact, quite the opposite!! I think this was a fantastic idea for a book (which is why I picked it up) and could have been an absolute gem had it been more carefully edited.
It is the editors and publishers who are culpable for their poor choices in selling this concept blithely and without proper review or editing. Had this manuscript been returned for refining, this could have been excellent. As it is, I will struggle to even finish it. That this book was shortlisted for awards is a mystery to me and I can only assume that is a product of nationalism, nepotism, and salesmanship.
December 22, 2022
5/5.
Anyone who loves bird-watching, I would recommend this to you, though I will comment that "Ireland Through Birds" doesn't go through the specifics of bird-watching, it is more of a document of O'Brien's own experiences with finding these 12 birds that he is searching for. There are some things to take from it though, for example: The book does show you the reality of bird-watching - you won't always find what you are looking for. Another thing to take from this excellent book, is the writing. O'Brien's writing is eloquent and extremely immersive, he has a great way with imagery that brings you a sense of life and freedom as if Ireland is calling you through its pages. That's how I felt and it felt wonderful.
That wonder and that life is what I want from books and "Ireland Through Birds" gave it to me on a silver platter.
Anyone who loves bird-watching, I would recommend this to you, though I will comment that "Ireland Through Birds" doesn't go through the specifics of bird-watching, it is more of a document of O'Brien's own experiences with finding these 12 birds that he is searching for. There are some things to take from it though, for example: The book does show you the reality of bird-watching - you won't always find what you are looking for. Another thing to take from this excellent book, is the writing. O'Brien's writing is eloquent and extremely immersive, he has a great way with imagery that brings you a sense of life and freedom as if Ireland is calling you through its pages. That's how I felt and it felt wonderful.
That wonder and that life is what I want from books and "Ireland Through Birds" gave it to me on a silver platter.
September 20, 2021
A really great book but so, so over written. Ease off on the metaphors and floral prose and it would be wonderful!
June 29, 2022
This is a nice book and a nice idea for a book. If one is into bird-watching, and wildlife photography, there's a lot in here that you'll enjoy, and perhaps even a few places worth visiting to find elusive species. It's funny how a number of the expeditions end in failure, but I think that adds somewhat to the realism of the book. Success is never guaranteed. I accept - as some of the reviews have noted - that the prose is a bit over-wrought in places, but it's a nice idea, well executed, and credit to the author for carrying through on a labour of love.
April 5, 2020
A lovely little book and beautifully written. I’m keen to head out and explore all of the same places. Inspiring
December 30, 2020
Twelve elusive bird species sought in 12 more or less quiet corners of Ireland, with each species-place combo getting a separate chapter. A lovely little book that blends Irish environmental history with snippets of traditional Irish history and a deep appreciation of bird life and wild places.
October 2, 2023
Mix of birds, Irish culture and a personal diary. Worth the read if you like those things combined. I actually liked the overuse of metaphors and specific lingo.
May 13, 2020
I have visited Ireland on a number of occasions starting in 1974. However, this is a new experience. Visiting Ireland through birds. I have read it during our lockdown and it was akin to virtual travel. I also used Google Maps and Streetview to see some of the places mentioned.
November 25, 2019
This is a great idea for a book - a bird for each month in some of the wildest places in Ireland. As a birdwatcher, this book was a real treat. I also appreciated the realism - in several of the chapters the author was unsuccessful in tracking down his target. The book seems to end rather abruptly, but that’s a minor quibble. A nice Christmas present for the nature lover in your life.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews