An Exhilaration of Wings: The Literature of Birdwatching

by Jen Hill (Editor)

More than seventy-five authors-including Muir, Audubon, and Wordsworth, as well as lesser-known writers and amateur ornithologists-share their infectious observations about birdsong, migration, nests, raptors, sea birds, hummingbirds, and much more. The entries span 1750 through 1925 and are by turns practical, lyrical, humorous, literary, and even mystical, as they illuminate the magical and occasionally unexpected ways in which birding connects us both to the history of the natural world and to that of human experience. A timeless evocation of the passion for birds, this unique and charming collection is certain to delight birdwatchers and natural history lovers alike.

Genres: Nonfiction, Birds

272 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1999

About the author

Jen Hill is the illustrator of DIANA'S WHITE HOUSE GARDEN by Elisa Carbone (Viking, May 2016), DOING HER BIT: A STORY ABOUT THE WOMAN'S LAND ARMY OF AMERICA by Erin Hagar (Charlesbridge, September 2016), SPRING FOR SOPHIE by Yael Werber (Paula Wiseman Books/Simon & Schuster Children's, February 2017), and BE KIND by Pat Zietlow Miller (Roaring Brook, February 2018). She is currently illustrating THE UNINTENTIONAL ADVENTURES OF THE BLAND SISTERS, a three book middle-grade series written by Kala LaReau and published by Abrams (January 2017.)

She is also the author and illustrator of PERCY AND TUMTUM: A TALE OF TWO DOGS (Running Press Kids, 2012), a book she wrote about a Pomeranian and a Dachshund, two dogs she one day hopes to own.

Reviews

[Monica L · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, this book came from wise birds to wisdom about birds, but it was denser than I had imagined. I gained a lot of fascinating quotations about birds, and it was interesting to see the juxtaposition of modern birding issues against these nascent birding concepts. It was also timely in the sense that modern birdwatching culture is grappling with the legacy of many of the people quoted in the book, a lot of whom might have loved all different kinds of birds but might have had problems with different 'kinds' of humans. It gave some context to them as people, and their priorities. Any birdwatcher who is interested in the history behind some of opinions and thoughts of early birders would do well to check out this book.

[Sandra Strange · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you are a dedicated birdwatcher or very, very interested in birds, this book is for you. It's a really inclusive collection of essays and selections from books by all kinds of people who have written about birds, from the 17th century onward, from recognized experts to historical bird promoters, to biologists and naturalists. Because much of this "literature of birds" is by early naturalists and fans who had little access to the biological data available today, some of what's in the book may not have the correct detail some readers may expect, but most is fun and readable.

[Kathy Piselli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book to pick up and read whenever. Lots of snippets from the old masters.

[Alice Sather · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a bird lover, this is a fun and fascinating compendium of journal entries regarding birds in the States, and sometimes England, from the 1700's onward to the early 1900's.

[Beverly Medina · Rating 3 out of 5]

A handy little collection of quotes and passages -- I will definitely keep it nearby in case I need to cite some bird lit! However, as something to just sit down and read, it doesn't do it for me. Despite the well-organized structure, grouping quotes roughly by topic, it feels both disjointed and dense.

[Rye Thomasdatter · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this up at the thrift store for a dollar because it looked beautiful. I was hoping a deep look into the bird life would help with some uninspired February feelings, it did! It covers a nice variety of bird topics organized by chapter subjects.
On the other hand, personally, I am not drawn to the style of collection... Short snippets and quotations. It reminded me more of being on Twitter than reading a book. But it gave me some titles I would like to read in the future.

(Included in my copy was a Tasha Tudor card with the inscription "Dear X, my sweet friend and adventure partner, wishing you a very happy birthday with a few of your favorite things! Keep looking for the beauty in everything! Much love, X"

Get yourself a friend like X!)

[Dorothy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of short paragraphs about people's experience with birds and birding. Nice to pick up and read any time for any length of time.

Includes a funny essay by Jerome K. Jerome (author of Three Men in a Boat)--fun when books I've read recently dovetail like that!


Finally finished--it was good reading through the winter, paragraph at a time. Makes you want to go outside and experience.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

My Bird Club Book Club read this book, and most members liked it better than I did. I didn't even finish it. It's a compilation of short pieces of literature about birds over a couple centuries. It was organized thematically, but I didn't like all those short snippets. However, it would be a great reference source for people giving speeches. I learned how to spell exhilaration!

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even I enjoyed a lot of this & I'm not a birdwatcher.