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An Australian Birding Year
Bruce and his wife, Lynn, embark on a year of travel and birding across the entire continent of Australia in a camper van. Their aim was to see as many birds as possible together in the year. It began with a fly-past of two Gang-gang Cockatoos and ended with a first-ever sighting of a Northern Shoveler, with 637 other species in between. His humorous stories describe the ups and downs of the experience, from overcrowded campsites and boggy tracks to great pub meals and surprise encounters with birding friends; from the missed birds to the triumph of spotting a ‘lifer.’ The book is more than a list of birds and how Bruce and Lynn got to see them; it also describes the evolution of their relationship and the wonder that they both had in discovering the stunning countryside of Australia.
372 pages, Paperback
Published July 15, 2021
7 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
About the author
R. Bruce Richardson
3 books5 followersR. Bruce is an author, artist, singer/songwriter and entertainer. In 2015- 2016 he travelled the entire continent of Australia birding with his wife and he wrote a book about it. "An Australian Birding Year" is published by John Beaufoy Publishing, Oxford, England. R. Bruce was born in the USA, but lives full-stop in Australia as a permanent resident.
Regarding his Australian travels R. Bruce says, "The more my heart is spread out across this amazing country, the more heart I have. It is not like my heart gets divided up into smaller and smaller pieces between all of these many places. It is like I have more and more heart. For every piece I leave in another spot, that piece is added to, not taken from, my heart."
There will be a second book about his Aussie birding travels following "An Australian Birding Year" also published by John Beaufoy Publishing to be released in 2022. It has the working title of "More Australian Birding Tales" (Life after An Australian Birding Year).
Regarding his Australian travels R. Bruce says, "The more my heart is spread out across this amazing country, the more heart I have. It is not like my heart gets divided up into smaller and smaller pieces between all of these many places. It is like I have more and more heart. For every piece I leave in another spot, that piece is added to, not taken from, my heart."
There will be a second book about his Aussie birding travels following "An Australian Birding Year" also published by John Beaufoy Publishing to be released in 2022. It has the working title of "More Australian Birding Tales" (Life after An Australian Birding Year).
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
April 24, 2021
Allow me, please, to preface my review with a couple of important statements: first, I know the author personally, and have known him for many years. I even like him. If I did not know him I would never have picked this book up from the shelf, much less purchased it. Second, I am not a birder, never have been, and in all likelihood never will be. I am, however, an avid traveler.
I have always been curious about Australia, and the Australian people. As an American, I pretty much only know what I have seen in the movies. I doubt that the Australia depicted in “Crocodile Dundee” is particularly accurate. I am equally certain that the Australia depicted by the “Outback” restaurant chain’s advertising is also false, and that not every Australian person I encounter would invite me to “put another shrimp on the barbie.”
Now to my friend, R. Bruce Richardson’s book. It is so much more than a book about some people who go to Australia and look at birds through camera and binocular lenses! It is a travelogue of the finest kind. There were times that I could feel the heat, smell the smells and even hear the sounds of the wilderness. There times that I felt I needed to get out of “Troopie” and help push across the stream!
Bruce helped me see a part of the world I will never get to visit. I saw it through eyes that I respect, admire and believe. I even saw some pretty spectacular photos of scenery and birds, all from the comfort of my living room couch.
So, the crux of my review: if you are interested in traveling Australia, and if you are interested in birds, read this book! If you’re not interested in Australian travel or exotic Australian birds, buy the book anyway ... my friend needs to fund his next expedition!
I have always been curious about Australia, and the Australian people. As an American, I pretty much only know what I have seen in the movies. I doubt that the Australia depicted in “Crocodile Dundee” is particularly accurate. I am equally certain that the Australia depicted by the “Outback” restaurant chain’s advertising is also false, and that not every Australian person I encounter would invite me to “put another shrimp on the barbie.”
Now to my friend, R. Bruce Richardson’s book. It is so much more than a book about some people who go to Australia and look at birds through camera and binocular lenses! It is a travelogue of the finest kind. There were times that I could feel the heat, smell the smells and even hear the sounds of the wilderness. There times that I felt I needed to get out of “Troopie” and help push across the stream!
Bruce helped me see a part of the world I will never get to visit. I saw it through eyes that I respect, admire and believe. I even saw some pretty spectacular photos of scenery and birds, all from the comfort of my living room couch.
So, the crux of my review: if you are interested in traveling Australia, and if you are interested in birds, read this book! If you’re not interested in Australian travel or exotic Australian birds, buy the book anyway ... my friend needs to fund his next expedition!
January 13, 2021
First and foremost, it's a great book! I really enjoyed it from cover to cover. As a birder myself, it resonated with me on so many levels and I will use it as inspiration. Don't know how or when but I will. I think I already have.
Second, it's a birding book and a travel book combined. I really enjoyed how the story started slow, so I got to know Bruce and Lynn, and his way of storytelling. And it really picks up its casual pace starting from the triple twitch, WA. And I really loved how the story accelerated from there towards Broome and Darwin and the red centre, and I had several occasions when I wish there were more photos and stories involved. I know a book is not the best media for an excess amount of photos, but that is how I honestly felt.
Third, I really loved them doing the year as a couple! Lynn seems to be a silent hero in the story, a trooper in Troopi, always there, sticking by Bruce's side, more often than not outside of her comfort zone. She is highly appreciated through your story, and it was lot better story with her.
Fourth, I also felt that Bruce has poured his heart out onto the pages. Not in a dragging or needy way, but in an earnest way - a feeling of utter sincerity seeps through the pages. Bruce keeps the downs to an extreme minimum, but I feel them as a reader, and I respect him for giving a face to depression and anxiety even though never emphasizing it. I know that mostly depression doesn't show from anyone in real life, as it doesn't in the book, but it doesn't mean it's gone. Nor does that mean that one can't feel joy, contentment and lifer high the very next second. As Bruce does.
Fifth, the lifer highs were the thing that I enjoyed the most. Bruce describes them so well, and when he doesn't, the boyish joy just shines in between the lines. Not just from lifers of birds, but of people and places, too. And by doing that I also think that Bruce gave Australia a lovely, welcoming face. The descriptions of people and places were lovely, and I am sure the book encourages more people to travel within it and to it. At least I felt several floods of inspiration. I will return, as Bruce would so often put it.
Sixth, I did not just read the book. I felt the book. And it felt good.
The first read was all about enjoying the ride, taking a hitch first in Matilda and then in Troopi, as they were traveling, watching the scenery as it went past, surveying the numerous caravan parks they stayed in, enjoying the birds through their bins. And boy, did I enjoy. Yes I did, thank you very much. I still do, as the story lingers in my mind. And it will, for a long time.
I hope that one day, I can meet Bruce, Lynn and Troopi in Oz. And maybe even go out birding together? You never know... For now, I'll just focus on hope without getting attached to the outcome, as Bruce has so eloquently put it.
Second, it's a birding book and a travel book combined. I really enjoyed how the story started slow, so I got to know Bruce and Lynn, and his way of storytelling. And it really picks up its casual pace starting from the triple twitch, WA. And I really loved how the story accelerated from there towards Broome and Darwin and the red centre, and I had several occasions when I wish there were more photos and stories involved. I know a book is not the best media for an excess amount of photos, but that is how I honestly felt.
Third, I really loved them doing the year as a couple! Lynn seems to be a silent hero in the story, a trooper in Troopi, always there, sticking by Bruce's side, more often than not outside of her comfort zone. She is highly appreciated through your story, and it was lot better story with her.
Fourth, I also felt that Bruce has poured his heart out onto the pages. Not in a dragging or needy way, but in an earnest way - a feeling of utter sincerity seeps through the pages. Bruce keeps the downs to an extreme minimum, but I feel them as a reader, and I respect him for giving a face to depression and anxiety even though never emphasizing it. I know that mostly depression doesn't show from anyone in real life, as it doesn't in the book, but it doesn't mean it's gone. Nor does that mean that one can't feel joy, contentment and lifer high the very next second. As Bruce does.
Fifth, the lifer highs were the thing that I enjoyed the most. Bruce describes them so well, and when he doesn't, the boyish joy just shines in between the lines. Not just from lifers of birds, but of people and places, too. And by doing that I also think that Bruce gave Australia a lovely, welcoming face. The descriptions of people and places were lovely, and I am sure the book encourages more people to travel within it and to it. At least I felt several floods of inspiration. I will return, as Bruce would so often put it.
Sixth, I did not just read the book. I felt the book. And it felt good.
The first read was all about enjoying the ride, taking a hitch first in Matilda and then in Troopi, as they were traveling, watching the scenery as it went past, surveying the numerous caravan parks they stayed in, enjoying the birds through their bins. And boy, did I enjoy. Yes I did, thank you very much. I still do, as the story lingers in my mind. And it will, for a long time.
I hope that one day, I can meet Bruce, Lynn and Troopi in Oz. And maybe even go out birding together? You never know... For now, I'll just focus on hope without getting attached to the outcome, as Bruce has so eloquently put it.
January 12, 2021
This was a fantastic read, covering some of my major interests - birding, travel, and humor. It can be a straight read, or a rich source of destinations and locations for birds of particular interest, and is written in a very personal and open style. Would definitely recommend, and have nearly finished my second reading.
June 18, 2021
A wonderful read, I enjoyed the thrill of the chase and the lifer highs along with Bruce and Lynn. The book has made me think about an epic birding adventure of my own, maybe one day. On a side note, as an employee of a caravan park, I also enjoyed the reviews (good and bad) of the numerous accommodations stayed in along the way and the recognition that we office staff are the face of the park.
April 25, 2022
An extremely entertaining and informative read. Bruce really brings to life, the situations avid bird observers and photographers find themselves in.
These vary from exciting to frustrating to hilariously funny. Really makes the reader feel as though they are there.
Loved it!!
These vary from exciting to frustrating to hilariously funny. Really makes the reader feel as though they are there.
Loved it!!
January 12, 2021
Richardson is a genuine and generous storyteller. Pour yourself a large measure of your favorite beverage, sit back, and enjoy this birding journey down under with someone who will immediately seem like a good friend.
January 12, 2021
I got this book last week and have hardly put it down. I limit myself to one chapter a day because I don't want the adventures to end too quickly.
When I have finished reading it I will read it again, it is so well written and just so bloody good.
Bill Boyd.
When I have finished reading it I will read it again, it is so well written and just so bloody good.
Bill Boyd.
August 28, 2021
Such a fabulous read. Whether you are a bird lover, or want to explore Australia. This book is easy to pick up, and hard to put down. I love the friendly style, and the drama of the chase. There is something here for everyone.
January 12, 2021
Delightful and touching. It makes me want to travel to Australia and rent an RV.
June 8, 2021
Just finished reading this delightful book. Feels like you’re having a conversation with the author. Great birding tips. Lots of humour and gorgeous photos.
August 22, 2021
Very enjoyable read for everyone. Great adventures and story’s. I highly recommend
September 19, 2021
Gives me the chance to tour with friends a place I will never get to physically go to. Troopy is my new spirit animal!!
April 24, 2022
Take a break from the news and travel with Bruce and Lynn during their trek around Australia. Beautiful descriptions life on the road, discovering the wonders of the Australian continent, birding, exploring, making new friends…..you will be charmed.
April 25, 2022
Loved it ! A book about birding, travel and life. Enjoyed every bird and every lifer pie ! Couldn't put it down, waiting for the next lifer. As a birder myself it definitely made me want to visit Australia. A brilliant read and I can't wait for the next one.
December 25, 2020
I enjoyed the book - I liked Mr Richardson, and enjoyed this rambling account of his Australian Big Year. As an avid birder, I enjoyed his stories of trying to see as many Australian birds in a year as he could, and the lengths he went to to do so. It also fuelled my own ambition to take a year off exploring Australia finding and photographing birds, wildlife and landscapes - it was full of useful ideas and places to incorporate in my own planning. But the text and editing is uneven, it feels very much like a self-published project, and its probably of quite limited interest to non-birders.
April 22, 2023
This book brought back wonderful memories of the month that we spent in Australia and the many, many beautiful birds that we saw. But the writing is rather plain, too many passive verbs, and I tired of yet another lifer pie and yet another caravan park about half-way through. Maybe I've just read too many big year books.
The pictures are lovely. My monochrome Kindle did not do them justice, but I flipped through the Kindle version on my phone which displayed the color photos well.
The pictures are lovely. My monochrome Kindle did not do them justice, but I flipped through the Kindle version on my phone which displayed the color photos well.
January 5, 2025
It is a fun and easy book to read. The author is certainly an interesting person and he did a good job recapturing the essence of his birding journey. However, I like its predecessor book better. This one is a bit too casual for me. To be honest, he didn’t write that much about birds, despite this book is about his year of birding around Australia. He wrote about the people he met, the fun places he visited, the food he liked or disliked, the motels he stayed etc.
March 14, 2023
This was birding soul-food. I found the friendly casual style entertaining and enjoyable. I liked that it was such a heartfelt personal account of the places, birding and travelling.
I also now have many more places on my wish list to visit. I just wish I read it three weeks earlier, since I now regret not walking down that road next to the Nullarbor Roadhouse!
I also now have many more places on my wish list to visit. I just wish I read it three weeks earlier, since I now regret not walking down that road next to the Nullarbor Roadhouse!
October 27, 2021
An enjoyable and delightful first person account of a couple's travels across Australia that introduces us to the birds, people, and environment of this remarkable land. A true treat that is enjoyable from cover to cover.
December 28, 2025
I got some great ideas of places to go, and you could really hear the authors ‘voice’ in this book due to the casual, conversational style it was written in. A bit monotonous at times. Some stunning pictures.
April 25, 2022
What an amazing adventure & the photos are magical, the author makes you feel as if you were there
April 25, 2022
A jolly good read.
April 22, 2023
As the hover over 2 stars says "It was OK". A bit dull, very repetitive, some unattractive birder jargon and sloppy grammar, but an OK travelogue and way of passing time
July 11, 2024
Very enjoyable read from someone who has a wonderful enthusiasm for new birds and life in general.
April 25, 2022
This was such a wonderful story. Bruce takes you on a wonderful year of Birding adventures. Bruce’s engaging and warm writing style makes you feel like you are tagging along with him on his Birding adventures. His photos and descriptions of the people places and most importantly the Birds are fabulous. Thanks Bruce for taking the time to write of you and Lynn’s travels. Never thought I could care so much about a vehicle until you introduced us to Troopi. The hardest part was when I finished the book it felt like saying goodbye to a old friend.
April 24, 2021
I have found this book a great companion. To read it a few pages at a time makes you feel as if you take a journey with friends. A great insight into the great outdoors of and landscape of Australia.
My copy sits ready to hop into troopie and drive another day or two on in search of an elusive feathered friend
To drive any longer each day is dangerous.
My little room is the perfect location to do this read.
Highly theraputic and remembered.
My copy sits ready to hop into troopie and drive another day or two on in search of an elusive feathered friend
To drive any longer each day is dangerous.
My little room is the perfect location to do this read.
Highly theraputic and remembered.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews