Silence of the Songbirds - Softcover

Stutchbury, Bridget

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0802716911 ISBN 13: 9780802716910

Publisher: Walker Books, 2009

Synopsis

A distinguished scientist reveals how we are losing the world's songbirds, why this predicts widespread environmental problems, and what we can do to save the birds and their habitats.

Wood thrush, bobolinks, the Eastern kingbird―migratory songbirds are disappearing at a frightening rate. Following the birds on their six-thousand-mile migratory journey, renowned biologist Bridget Stutchbury leads us on an ecological field trip to explore firsthand their major threats, and reveals what a vital part of our ecosystem they are.

About this title

About the Author

Bridget Stutchbury completed her Ph.D. at Yale University, was a research associate at the Smithsonian I nstitute, and is now a professor of biology at York University in Toronto.

Review

“A powerful warning, very much in the vein of Rachel Carson's Silent Spring.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“Cleverly organized around the return journey of migrant songbirds from Central America to northern breeding grounds, Stutchbury...sounds the alarm forcefully, arguing that songbirds are more than simply detectors of environmental malaise; they play "crucial ecological roles in our natural communities." Strangely hopeful, Stutchbury urges individual discretion as the best solution to the migratory birds' plight-e.g., buy shade-grown coffee, turn off the lights at night, and keep kitty indoors. It is clear she seeks a wider audience than that restricted to her peers, but rarely does her popular approach veer into triteness. Her work, along with Miyoko Chu's Songbird Journeys, is important and strongly recommended for academic and public collections.” ―Library Journal (starred review)

“Important [and] enlightening...Here is an essential primer for any person who cares about our planet as a whole, or about our immediate environment. It's an eye-opener, to bird watchers, and an introduction that once again illuminates how nature is subtle beyond our humble efforts to comprehend.” ―Irene Wanner, San Francisco Chronicle

“Few scientists know migratory birds as intimately as Bridget Stutchbury, who has followed them with wonder and passion from the jungles of Costa Rica and Belize to the hardwood forests of North America.” ―Scott Weidensaul, author of Living on the Wind and Return to Wild America

“Bridget Stutchbury is a leading authority on the science of migratory songbirds, but she understands the magic, too, and knows how to express it in clear, rich prose. Silence of the Songbirds has heart as well as brains, telling us not only what we risk losing but also why we should care.” ―Kenn Kaufman, author of the Kaufman Field Guide to Birds of North America

“Nearly half a century ago, Rachel Carson warned us of the grim plight of songbirds, sparking an uproar that led ultimately to the banning of DDT. In Silence of the Songbirds, Bridget Stutchbury makes clear that the dangers migratory songbirds face are greater than ever. Her book is an eloquent plea on behalf of songbirds, and also gives practical suggestions on things we can all do to help--for the good of the birds as well as the human race.” ―Tim Gallagher, author of The Grail Bird

“Bridget Stutchbury takes us from the tropical forests of Panama to her farm in Pennsylvania, sharing her personal stories about birds as well as the latest scientific information explaining the disappearance of songbirds. The solutions are a win-win-win for birds, people, and the environment. If you care about birds, you owe it to yourself--and to the birds--to read this eye-opening book.” ―Miyoko Chu, author of Songbird Journeys

“An alarming, first-hand journey through the world of disappearing songbirds by a premier scientist. A must-read for anyone who cares about our planet and our place in it.” ―Donald Kroodsma, author of The Singing Life of Birds

“Bridget Stutchbury's writing draws us deeply into the personal lives of the birds, where little-known calls are pregnant with meaning. How joyful it is to learn such intimate and steamy details about the secret language of the birds.” ―Lang Elliott, author of The Songs of Wild Birds

“A gripping revelation--both of the deeply fascinating biology of songbirds and the daunting challenges they face in a human-dominated world. Bridget Stutchbury makes it impossible to look at a songbird the same old way ever again. A joy for bird-watchers and non bird-watchers alike.” ―Thomas E. Lovejoy, president of the J. John Heinz Center for Science, Economics and the Environment

“Highly accessible and engaging, Silence of the Songbirds provides a unique glimpse into the biology and natural history of songbirds. Bridget Stutchbury argues forcefully for the beauty of these birds, the important ecosystem services these species provide, and the everyday things that citizens can do to help conserve them.” ―Steven R. Beissinger, Professor of Conservation Biology at the University of California, Berkeley

Edition details

• Publisher: Walker Books
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 0802716911
• ISBN 13: 9780802716910
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 272