In Search of Meadowlarks: Birds, Farms, and Food in Harmony with the Land

by John M. Marzluff

An ornithologist’s personal look at farming practices that finds practical solutions for sustainable food production compatible with bird and wildlife conservation

With predictions of a human population of more than nine billion by the middle of this century and eleven billion by 2100, we stand at a crossroads in our agricultural evolution. In this clear and engaging yet scientifically rigorous book, wildlife biologist John M. Marzluff takes a personal approach to sustainable agriculture.

He travels to farms and ranches across North and Central America, including a Nebraska corn and soybean farm, California vineyards, cattle ranches in Montana, and small sustainable farms in Costa Rica, to understand the unique challenges and solutions to sustainable food production. Agriculture and wildlife can coexist, he argues, if farmers are justly rewarded for conservation; if future technological advancements increase food production and reduce food waste; and if consumers cut back on meat consumption. Beginning with a look backwards at our evolutionary history and concluding with practical solutions for change that will benefit farmers and ranchers, Marzluff provides an accessible and insightful study for the ecologically minded citizen, farmer, rancher, or conservationist.

Genres: Birds, Nonfiction, Environment, Science, Audiobook, Nature

352 pages, Hardcover

Published February 18, 2020

About the author

John M. Marzluff is professor of environmental and forest sciences at the University of Washington and is the author or coauthor of several books, including In the Company of Crows and Ravens; Dog Days, Raven Nights; and Welcome to Subirdia.

Reviews

[Julie Richert-Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

The official jacket description is well done and accurate. Marzluff's voice and approach are not critical, but friendly and open-minded. He seeks solutions and innovations, not controversy. His abiding passion for birds takes some chapters quite deep into technical territory, but they are still approachable and give plenty of perspective for those of us in agriculture to contemplate: are we serious about protecting what we have? Or are we posturing?
There is much here to encourage serious reflection, and base it on enthusiastic optimism rather than doom.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I live in an area where farmers are not land stewards. There are no hedgerows or pollinator strips, trees are removed annually, and fertilizer/pesticide/insecticide application is rampant. Livestock is managed in ways that are not healthy for the livestock or the environment. I enjoyed this lore positive view of “agriculture done right” and hope to see its philosophy spread to middle America, although I have my doubts.

[Jeff DeShon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent if not a bit tedious read about modern agriculture and the concepts of land sparing and land sharing, which if done properly in the right situations can produce food, be in balance with nature, and enhance biodiversity.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marzluff writes about visits to a variety of farms where practices range from intense large-scale agricultural landscapes in the American midwest to eco-tourism based farms in Costa Rica. The focus is on how wildlife, mostly birds, persist under various management practices. The book supports my interest in understanding where my food comes from and how it is grown.

[Kaye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall,an interesting read, but would have preferred to read on my gadget instead of the computer. I was interested in the concept, since the meadowlark is a favorite bird of mine. Love the colors and song of this happy bird. The state bird of North Dakota. Would recommend.

[Armen Shirvanian]

My interview with Professor John Marzluff about "In Search of Meadowlarks" for The Armen Show Podcast:

http://www.armenshirvanian.com/podcas...

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this one via the new books at the library. I found it very interesting. What a wonderful look at eco friendly farming.

[Wendy Feltham · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading this book, I'll never look at a farm the same way. John Marzluff encourages us to consider whether agricultural lands co-exist with wildlife or exclude them. A professor of environmental science and forestry at the University of Washington, Marzluff visits working farms and ranches in his home state, in California, Nebraska, and Montana, and tells of his travels over many years to Costa Rica with students. He meets with farmers, ranchers, and scientists who have transformed land to rich areas of biodiversity. It's fun to follow Marzluff as he camps out in cornfields and explores rainforests, always alert to birdsong and able to identify by ear every species in the US and Costa Rica. He concludes his book with recommendations for farmers and governments to allow billions of people to survive on our finite planet Earth as we face climate catastrophe-- by changing what we consume (less meat and dairy), wasting less, and providing government support for conservation methods.