Rare Encounters with Ordinary Birds: Notes from a Northwest Year

This captivating book pays homage to the powerful sense of connection that we earthbound creatures have for those that soar. Lyanda Lynn Haupt, an ornithological researcher and birding teacher, beautifully describes the wide-eyed wonder found observing birds. She muses on the much-tarnished reputation of the starling, the sexed-up behavior of male woodpeckers that drives homeowners crazy, and the population explosion of crows in Northwest urban neighborhoods. This notable debut by a talented writer reveals a deft touch, sly humor, and an engaging ability to share her bountiful knowledge of things ornithological.

Seattleite Lyanda Lynn Haupt, formerly education director of the Seattle Audubon Society, has worked in raptor rehabilitation in Vermont and seabird research in the remote tropical Pacific. Her writing has appeared in Open Spaces, Wild Earth Journal, Conservation Biology Journal, Birdwatcher's Digest, and The Prairie Naturalist.