For the Love of Birds - Hardcover

Charter, Kay

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0970091710 ISBN 13: 9780970091710

Publisher: Crofton Creek Pr, 2000

Synopsis

Birds surround us, yet how often do we look beyond their beauty to explore the world in which they live?

Twenty years ago Kay Charter took her first real look at bird life, and she hasn't stopped observing, studying, and being amazed by birds since. For the Love of Birds chronicles her experiences, including her efforts and sacrifices to establish a sanctuary for songbirds in northern Michigan. Kay takes you into the world of bluebirds and swallows, bobolinks and chickadees. She recounts the heartbreak of trying to save an endangered shorebird species, explores the incredible phenomenon of "kettling" hawks, plays surrogate mom to a kingbird and a brood of ducks, and ponders such wonders as the bird with the upside-down brain and the seemingly impossible journey of the tiny ruby-throated hummingbird.

The author also describes birds she has observed in her travels from Texas through southern California during the winter months--from an elusive kiskadee to an endangered gnatcatcher--and she takes a tough-minded look at what is necessary to provide habitat and protection for the declining numbers of songbirds.

For the Love of Birds is filled with appreciation and wonder, as well as practical advice on attracting birds and building habitat for them. Kay's storytelling will delight the casual observer and provide new insights for serious birders and bird-watchers everywhere.

About this title

About the Author

Kay Charter was captured by the magic of birds some twenty years ago, and her life has never been the same. Now she devotes nearly all her energies to observing, protecting, and writing about birds, particularly songbirds. She and her husband spend their spring and summer days on their forty-seven acre bird sanctuary in northern Michigan. During the winter, they follow the birds south to Texas, Arizona, and California. Kay writes a birding column, "On the Wing," for the Traverse City Record-Eagle newspaper, writes articles on birds for a variety of magazines, and speaks about her favorite subject to bird and conservation groups.

From Library Journal

Freelance writer and conservationist Charter centers her book around her 47-acre Michigan property, a sanctuary protected by easements. It also describes experiences garnered on trips, especially to Texas, Arizona, and California. Largely anecdotal, this is not compelling literature in the tradition of such classics as Aldo Leopold's A Sand County Almanac or Gilbert White's The Natural History of SelborneDwhich are based in single localesDbut it should appeal to many with an interest in nature. Thirty-three chapters cover a wide variety of topics: endangered species, bluebirds, predator control, owls, land stewardship, hawks, snowmobiles, and hummingbirds, among others. Charter demonstrates, albeit not very excitingly, how anyone who "acts locally" can make a positive contribution to the environmental scene. Recommended for general nature collections and larger public libraries.DHenry T. Armistead, Free Lib. of Philadelphia
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Crofton Creek Pr
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 0970091710
• ISBN 13: 9780970091710
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 206