On Watching Birds [Paperback]

Lawrence Kilham (Author), Joan Waltermire (Illustrator), John K. Terres (Foreword)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Interest in bird-watching is apparently soaring, and if your library is seeing an increased demand for bird books, then try this 1988 John Burroughs Award-winning title. Kilham writes more for the lay reader with an interest in ornithology than for the scientist.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

On Watching Birds will appeal not only to those who sham the author's avian enthusiasm, but to all who thrill at the chance to observe the behavior of any wildlife in its natural habitat. Dr. Kilham, as a patient and detailed observer, has been rewarded with many sightings of previously unknown behavior patterns, even in common species. For instance, he repeatedly saw--and from a distance, heard!-nuthatches vigorously sweeping the immediate area around their nesting sites. After many observations, he learned that their preferred "brooms" were blister beetles which exude an oily irritant. The probable purpose of this housekeeping, he believes, is to keep away their chief competitors: tree squirrels. On other occasions, he noticed male kingbirds attacking not only predators (hawks and ravens) but small birds who offer no threat. The kingbird's young are particularly vulnerable since they are hatched in open nests, but he theorizes that the chasing of small birds keeps the males in practice for the real marauders. In addition to recounting secrets gleaned from his observations, the author shares his philosophy regarding the world of birds and mammals. He encourages the investigation in depth of what is readily at hand as opposed to seeking. the rare and accumulating a long list of sightings. In a chapter on his formative years, he discusses his early captivation with nature and its later development with the help of mentors at Harvard. He stresses the need for knowledge prior to venturing into the field, as well as the reverse: how field experience enhances book learning. The concluding chapter is a saccharine discussion about man's instinctive love for animals. Seven double-page pencil illustrations by Joan Waltermire add charm to this worthy addition to nature-writing collections. In contrast to Kilham's intensive approach is the expansive Wayfaring with Birds. Life-long bird watcher Ina Griffin has accumulated a species list of more than 500 sightings in the United States, Mexico, Jamaica, Canada, and Hawaii. Grouped by classification, this is a personal account and teems with interesting anecdotes about locations, companions, historical notes, and bird habits. One charming description compares her joy as a young girl in 1918 watching a belted kingfisher with an observation of this bird fifty years later in the company of her grandchildren. The author has captured the anticipation and excitement of this avocation as only an ardent birder can. Both books are indexed making it easy to locate a particular bird-or, in the case of Kilham's book, bird or animal. -- From Independent Publisher --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: TAMU Press (June 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0890967636
• ISBN-13: 978-0890967638
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,959,694 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A book for the birders, July 16, 2007

By 

S. M. Dickie (Bay Area, CA.) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: On Watching Birds (Paperback)

This is one of the best books I have read on the art amd joy of watching birds; a book that is for all types of bird watchers -- the casual weekend birder, the professional ornithologist, and those who are 'listers' and compete to see life birds. Kilham goes into great detail to describe the behaviors of birds that he has chosen to watch often over a span of many years, be they woodpeckers or crows. He pays great attention not only to the bird but also to the natural settings in which they found; his descriptions of other flora and fauna are just as engaging. His writing encompasses his depth of knowledge and compassion for the world around us, and he writes in a style that is eminently readable -- not stuffy and too scientific. I have recommended this book to friends and purchased additional copies as gifts.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Terrific, fantastic....!, April 4, 2011

By 

Rosa Elena Albornoz - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: On Watching Birds (Paperback)

It was an excellent book about birding. Discover in me again the pleausure for birding and re-discover a tool for see more birds than to follow a leadear, an is use chairs...! awesome...really I recommend these wonderful book.

Rosa Elena Albornoz

Birdwatcher since 25 years ago in Venezuela

see also ou blog spot>[...]