Slow Birding

The Art and Science of Enjoying the Birds in Your Own Backyard

By: Joan E. Strassmann

Narrated by: Joan E. Strassmann

A one-of-a-kind guide to birding locally that encourages readers to slow down and notice the spectacular birds all around them.

Many birders travel far and wide to popular birding destinations to catch sight of rare or “exotic” birds. In Slow Birding, evolutionary biologist Joan E. Strassmann introduces readers to the joys of birding right where they are.

In this inspiring guide to the art of slow birding, Strassmann tells colorful stories of the most common birds to be found in the United States—birds we often see but might not have considered deeply before. For example, northern cardinals thrive in the city, where they are free from predators. White brows on a male white-throated sparrow indicate that he is likely to be a philanderer. This essential guide to the fascinating world of common, everyday birds features:

detailed portraits of individual bird species and the scientists who have discovered and observed them

advice and guidance on what to look for when slow birding, so that you can uncover clues to the reasons behind specific bird behaviors

bird-focused activities that will open your eyes more to the fascinating world of birds

Slow Birding is the perfect guide for the birder looking to appreciate the beauty of the birds right in their own backyard, observing keenly how their behaviors change from day to day and season to season.

Everyone should read this

An excellent survey of several wonderful and common birds, and of the techniques of careful observation.

Fun learning for all levels of bird lovers.

So much of birding in the field is not about behavior but just species identification. This book is perfect to fill in that gap.

A combination of science and personal experience

Dr. Strassmann is an evolutionary scientist who observes birds daily. Reading her perspective on local birds is fascinating. She provides behavioral science information grounded in papers and research. The book reflects her interests in mating, sexual selection, natural selection, parental attention, etc. Dr. Strassmann shares personal experiences of bird watching and recording. If you enjoy fun scientific facts and are open to being led wherever, this book is epic. However, if you seek a guide for bird identification, this might not be the right choice.

lovely book about the author and her local birds

This book promotes REALLY looking at birds... at the birds one sees and hears from a backyard, a local park or the nearby countryside. It is the complete opposite of books that describe trips to the ends of the earth to 'see' the rarest of rare birds and check it off a life list. From sparrow to robins to cedar waxwings, the author describes many details of how each of these common birds live. I particularly loved hearing about the experiments that elucidate bird life-styles - monogamy, paternal care, competition etc. In the process, the author also reveals much about her life as an academic researcher and citizen of the Midwest.

Not for the everyday birder

If you enjoy birds and research then you will enjoy this book. If you love to enjoy birds for how you feel when birding or are not interested in hearing long details of research on if sparrows mate with other birds or if changes eggs in nests changes how often birds feed their young, you will be bored stiff with this book.