August 3, 2018 / Leslie

North on the Wing by Bruce M. Beehler

Birding, Birds. Warblers, Memoir, Nature, Science

A Rapid Review

Travels with the Songbird Migration of Spring

Publisher: Smithsonian Books | February 2018
Format: Hardcover| Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Science/Memior

What’s it about . . .

The story of an ornithologist’s journey to trace the spring migration of songbirds from the southern border of the United States through the heartland and into Canada.

What did I think . . .
I have been birding for many years and am familiar with most of the warbler species and many of the places the author discussed in his account of his travels. It is an extended journey I would love to take, but probably will never have the opportunity to do, so I enjoyed going on the road through reading about his experiences.

I had intended to read this during spring migration, which is the time period that the author’s journey takes place. From March until July he attempts to document as many warblers as he can, beginning in the Texas Gulf and heading north towards Ontario. Instead, I found myself picking the book up here and there and in between other books, or whenever I felt the need to connect with the birding world. It’s that kind of book. You don’t need to read it quickly, but rather savor the journey.

Besides discussing each of the warblers (accompanied by a cute illustration), the author talks about migration in general; the relationship between birds, the environment, and things that affect bird populations; a little history; and it’s also a bit of a travel diary of his experiences along the way.

This is an easy read that anyone can enjoy. It is not heavy on technical or scientific information, but it is definitely aimed at those interested in nature and birds.

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Source: Review copy provided by the publisher.
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