In this book, comedian Bill Oddie writes about the glory of birdwatching, offering both serious advice as well as hilarious anecdotes. He dissects the proper uniform for birdwatching, debates whether he'd liked to be called an "ornithologist" or a "bird spotter," and tells tales of the birdwatching trips he has taken across the globe.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From Library Journal
Oddie's 1980 title is an unconventional bird-watching manual in that it mixes humor with the ins and outs of ornithology. Birders will love it.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
In this whimsical and sometimes downright hilarious book, originally published in Britain in 1980, Oddie covers such birding-related topics as keeping lists, what to call yourself ("ornithologist" is too serious, "bird spotter" too frivolous), equipment and clothing (ratting caps and flying helmets considered acceptably eccentric), and bird identification (nobody questioning a sighting as long as the species is not rare). But Oddie, author of Follow That Bird!, also has a serious side; he writes about birding trips he has taken in such places as England, Ireland, Scotland, the U.S., Australia, and Thailand, all the while offering sound advice on the art of bird-watching. Forty-seven black-and-white illustrations add to the book's charm. George Cohen
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Giggles, guffaws, and a jolly good time,
By Reader (U. S. A.) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Bill Oddie's Little Black Bird Book (Paperback)
This book ranges from mildly amusing to hugely amusing, while managing to be very informative at the same time. It is strewn with pictures and cartoons drawn by the author, has a very 'matey' or intimate-friend atmosphere, and is rooted in a deep personal knowledge of the subject. North Americans may miss some of the English pop-culture references, especially since this book first came out in 1980, but they will not miss much: the bulk of the book is accessible to anyone with an interest in birds and the sometimes crazy behavior that surrounds them (human behavior, that is).
It occurred to me while reading this that it ought to be one of a series: Oddie's treatment of birders could be applied just as well to fly-fishermen (or any fishers), tennis players, skiers, runners, cyclists, and so on. It could be called the Is This YOU? series. Reading Oddie's book, many people will nod their heads and grin (perhaps sheepishly). Or they may say: that's not me, and thank god! If you have a dull journey ahead of you, or your spouse is travelling and the house is lonely, or you just want to crease up with laughter while learning a thing or two, I recommend this book.
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