Eve’s Reviews > Queer Ducks (and Other Animals): The Natural World of Animal Sexuality > Status Update

I agree with the reviewers who wrote that this book was accessible. I like that the language was easy to understand because some of the academic writing that I read in college was very dry. Reading it could be a slog. Reading this book wasn't a slog. It was very informative, enlightening, and humorous.

I appreciate how Eliot mentioned that culture places restrictions on sexuality and gender expression. I agree with this especially since I majored in Sociology in college. His thoughts about creating in groups and out groups resonated with me as well.

There are 130 different bird species on the record as having same-sex behaviors. They’ll engage in same-sex behaviors as far as courtship or mating. So there’s evidence of it, and I find it fascinating.

I agree with Dylan about this. It is intriguing that a lot of bird species exhibit same-sex behaviors.

It does feel like the more you spend time in nature, it brings about this radical acceptance and empathy. Everything just is.

I love this quote and I appreciate how Eliot mentioned empathy because empathy is very important to me.

I'm tired, but I powered through that chapter. I enjoyed learning about polyamorous geese. 🙂

Rams and bulls and bison aren’t just any old animal in the culture of the United States, right? They’re also the ultimate symbols of our rugged frontier version of masculinity. Think of our sports teams, the LA Rams, the Chicago Bulls. The Dodge Ram and Chevrolet Bison trucks.

I hadn't thought about this, but it's an excellent point.

Certainly the research and public opinion around them has, as always, as much to say about human attitudes as it does about the animals’ own sexuality.

I'm guessing that some researchers can bring their own biases into scientific research.

For some reason, I'm feeling squicked out by reading about bull sex. I don't know why, but that's how I feel rn. 😖