A book about the experience of birding

Just finished reading "Birdscapes: Birds in Our Imagination and Experience" by Jeremy Mynott. It's a fascinating book whose author examines why we watch birds. He shares his thoughts about the naturalists throughout history who have studied birds and their behavior. Did you ever think about the fact that we tend to observe a bird or a group of birds as representatives of a species, and that we are not usually focused on the birds as individuals? Mynott is interested in the "why" of our behavior as birders, and it makes for good reading. He ruminates on philosophy, neurology and many other fields as they relate to birding. If you read it, you will be pausing here and there to nod, "Oh yeah, that's me, that's what I'm feeling ( or thinking ) when I'm out there watching birds....".

Choosing a Birding Trip

First and foremost, a birding trip is a vacation. There may be serious goals, like hoping to add a certain 10 birds to your life list. But, you have to think about whether you will get to see some great cultural sites, too. Will there be time to swim or snorkel, if that's what you love? Choosing a birding tour can sometimes be so focused on the potential birds that might be seen, and who the bird guide is. Remember to consider the whole package, and have a great time !
Birding Trips