Birds are both marvels of nature and artistic muses. The mere chance of sighting a prized species has long motivated human observers to brave early mornings, long days, and severe conditions. Birds have also inspired artists to honor them in imagery throughout the ages. In the form of bird-themed art and decor, the beauty of winged creatures informs the "nests" and working spaces of the birders, artists, collectors, and conservationists featured in the more than twenty delightfully written stories in The Birding Life: A Passion for Birds at Home and Afield. Through evocative writing and two hundred gorgeous color photographs, the authors of The Sporting Life and Living with Dogs capture the beauty, intrigue, and fun of birding – at home, in the country, in the city, and out in the field – with a special focus on the nostalgic memorabilia that signals devotion to birds of all kinds.
Larry Sheehan has written for newspapers and magazines and has authored dozens of books including the best-selling Living with Dogs and The Sporting Life.
"[...] The Birding Life: A Passion for Birds at Home and Afield explores some of the ways in which people appreciate and relate to birds. It is an attractive, well-written book, and what it does, it does very well. However, I don’t think it will appeal to everyone interested in birds. If, like me, the first part of this book sounds more relevant to you, I would recommend checking it out if you are also interested in bird-centric art and other objects. Instead, if the second part is more your cup of tea, or if you’re curious about the various ways people express their passion about birds, I would unreservedly recommend The Birding Life."
- Grant McCreary (15-11-2011), read the full review at The Birder's Library