Enchantment by Birds

a history of birdwatching in 22 species
Russell McGregor

‘This lively history of birding nicely captures the contradictions and controversies that have marked the relations between birds and humans since European settlement. It is not a chronological account but one refracted through the stories of particular birds, bird lovers, and the evolution of birdwatching as a pursuit.’

Fiona Capp, The Age/The Sydney Morning Herald, ‘Non-Fiction Book of the Week’

‘One of the most refreshing aspects of the book is its emphasis on human collaboration in the service of birds. In this, McGregor refines and develops the ‘mateship with birds’ ethos of Alec Chisholm, of whom he published a fine biography … Enchantment By Birds is full of anecdotes about the exploits of Chisholm and many other remarkable bird lovers in our recent history.’

Gregory Day, Australian Book Review

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‘This wide-ranging book is probably unique as a source on Australian bird study, its leading proponents, ornithological literature and organisations … an extremely rewarding and thought-provoking volume.’

Kevin Windle, Canberra Bird Notes

‘Historian and birdwatcher Russell McGregor has produced a literary equivalent to sighting a Gouldian Finch — a gem that is rarely encountered but greatly enjoyed when it is … The structure of the book is particularly clever, and when combined with the relaxed writing style, makes for an engaging read.’

Peter Menkhorst, Australian Field Ornithology

‘Birdwatching is booming at the moment. If you like birds, this book will astonish and delight you. If you don’t know what the fuss is all about, this brilliant book explains why so many people from all walks of life have picked up their binoculars and are heading out the door.’

Darryl Jones, urban ecologist and author of Curlews on Vulture Street

‘Russell McGregor has delved into the archives to bring us a beautifully written account of our relationship with birds. There is some fascinating stuff here, and a timely reminder of the intrinsic importance of birds for nature’s sake, and for ours.’

Sarah Pizzey, scientific editor of The Field Guide to the Birds of Australia

‘It’s been said that if you had to name someone to bat for your life, choose Steve Waugh. Or your mother. Well, if I needed someone to bird for my life, Russell would be second pick. After my father.’

Raoul Slater, nature photographer and co-author of The Slater Field Guide to Australian Birds

‘In this highly readable book, he examines the emotional and aesthetic impulses behind birdwatching, as well as scientific and conservationist aspects of the practice. Told imaginatively and informatively, the stories of 22 Australian species vary widely and show the reader the magic of birds and how seeing them in situ can fulfil our need to connect with nature.’

Gardening Australia

‘Russell McGregor’s Enchantment by Birds is for all types of readers and birders — it’s a history of science, culture and the birdwatching community, a love letter to the Australian landscape, an education for the uninitiated and a delight for any appreciator of eloquent and enthusiastic writing … McGregor summons a dizzying flock of quotations, and historical and personal anecdotes, resulting in an ornithological anthology — a collection of some of the best and most evocative language from the last 120+ years, mapping out changing attitudes and approaches to the art, science and methods of birdwatching. Enchantment by Birds is not just a history of birds, but a history of Australia — our changing relationship with our environment, race, culture, and class through our engagement with nature.’

Tamuz Ellazam, Readings

‘It takes the reader on a series of excursions into birdwatching’s past, venturing forward to the present. With an intriguing cast of characters, avian as well as human, its lively narratives explore the emotional and aesthetic impulses behind the pastime as well as its scientific and conservationist components.’

Lucy Ness, Readings

‘Russell McGregor elevates Enchantment by Birds above a typical historical narrative … McGregor’s structure seems to recognise the potential tension between academic discipline and a personal passion for the subject matter … It is a constant reminder of the magic of birds to inspire and delight … Russell McGregor’s writing makes this a most readable book, one that comes close to perfectly balancing academic veracity with a rip-roaring tale.’

Sean Dooley, Australian Birdlife

A fresh appreciation of the magic of birds and how watching them fulfils a human need to connect with nature.

Enchantment by birds is commonplace. Birdwatchers merely go a step further than others and actively seek to be enchanted. This book tells why they take that extra step. It takes the reader on a series of excursions into birdwatching’s past, venturing forward to the present. With an intriguing cast of characters, avian as well as human, its lively narratives explore the emotional and aesthetic impulses behind the pastime as well as its scientific and conservationist components.

Its stories of 22 Australian birds range widely: from wordy squabbles over bird names to the artistic finessing of field guides; from the Paradise Parrot’s tragic fall into extinction to the everyday enjoyment of a Magpie’s carol; from the evolution of citizen science to the boom in birding tourism. Interlacing them all is the insight that birdwatching is a means by which modern, urban people reach out to touch the wild. A primal desire to connect with nature lies at the heart of the pastime.

Enchantment by Birds not only offers a compelling exposition of what makes birders tick; it also tells us, imaginatively and informatively, why birds have a special place in our hearts.

Fiona Capp, The Age/The Sydney Morning Herald, ‘Non-Fiction Book of the Week’

Gregory Day, Australian Book Review

View all reviews

Kevin Windle, Canberra Bird Notes

Peter Menkhorst, Australian Field Ornithology

Darryl Jones, urban ecologist and author of Curlews on Vulture Street

Sarah Pizzey, scientific editor of The Field Guide to the Birds of Australia

Raoul Slater, nature photographer and co-author of The Slater Field Guide to Australian Birds

Gardening Australia

Tamuz Ellazam, Readings

Lucy Ness, Readings

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Details

Format:Paperback

Size: 234mm × 153mm

Extent:320pp with 22 embedded mono illos + 16-page colour picture section

ISBN (13):9781761381447

RRP:$39.99

Pub date:29 Oct 2024

Rights Held: World

High-res cover:Download Image

AWARDS

CATEGORIES / tags

Wildlife: birds & birdwatching NATURE / Birdwatching Guides Birds (ornithology)Animals & society Animal behaviour NATURE / Animals / Birds SCIENCE / Life Sciences / Zoology / Ornithology SCIENCE / Life Sciences / Zoology / Ethology (Animal Behavior)

AUTHOR

Russell McGregor

Russell McGregor has been a birdwatcher since childhood and an historian for over 40 years. Formerly a professor of history at James Cook University, he has written numerous articles on birds and birdwatching, and is also the author of six previous books, including Indifferent Inclusion: Aboriginal people and the Australian nation (winner of the 2012 New South Wales Premier’s Australian History Prize), and Idling in Green Places: a life of Alec Chisholm (shortlisted for the 2020 National Biography Award).

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We publish books that matter — narrative and literary nonfiction on important topics, and the best of local, international, and translated fiction.

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