More Birds than Bullets My Life with Birds

Birds have the ability to reign supreme in any circumstance, and the author has no problem depicting this in his eye-opening tales from More Birds Than Bullets. Although the title seems geared towards the male reader, this book is actually quite the opposite. I had no idea that military life and birdwatching could be mixed together; however, I have been proven wrong!

The author’s trips around the globe are fascinating with the professionalism and tension of military life evident, but he always has one eye on what’s perching in a tree.

You are taken on a journey of his life experiences, his passion for birds and countries he has visited which, I found fascinating. The author draws in the reader right from the beginning as he describes his particularly challenging early years which lead to his passion for birds (especially for Woodpeckers) and how that passion carried on throughout his military career.

The author’s ability to intertwine several themes from beginning to end makes it hard to put this book down – be it birds, travel, military experiences, or humour – this book has it all!

Take a ride with Geoffrey and discover birding where few birders have birded before! A great read which made me laugh, and as a female birder I would highly recommend this as a great read for men and women alike.

I came across this book purely by accident. I have a love of the outdoors and a keen interest in the military mindset and a passion for birds of prey so it certainly appealed. It did not disappoint. It’s an incredible read, Geoffrey visits more countries in the first chapter than I have in my life but he talks about it with such passion and humility. A truly incredible man who has achieved so much it was a pleasure to learn more about him. A man who wears his heart on his sleeve with a deep love and passion for nature and especially birds and somehow managed to incorporate a fantastic military career in between it all. A man who is passionate about what he believes in and who by his own words is built like the preverbal brick s***house yet is spiritual and has a wonderful connection to nature. In every chapter I found something I could relate too.
A great book for anyone interested in nature, the military and finding yourself. It’s funny, honest and at times harsh yet also a book that proves you can overcome even the toughest times. A lesson for everyone and shows the power of nature when we stop and listen. Thank you Geoff.

On the strength of a review of Geoffrey McMullan's book on Birdforum.net, my husband and I bought a copy for ourselves. And we can confirm it is a thoroughly enjoyable tale of someone who managed to juggle two activities that seemingly could not be at greater contrast: military service – specifically the Royal Regiment of Artillery, no less – and birdwatching.

The book takes us across several continents and through many adventures, some tense, some nothing less than zany, as when Geoffrey has his camouflaged military rucksack confiscated by a customs official in Trinidad and Tobago, and borrows a hot-pink girl's school satchel for the trip.

If we were to level any criticism at the book, it is that at times the reader is not quite sure where we are; Geoffrey writes as though you were sitting in a pub with him while he regales you with tales over several pints, continually jumping from, say, Morocco, with a, "Oh! And then there was this time in ..." to the Falklands, or Brazil, or Southeast Asia. But in the end it is extremely minor, and distracts not at all from the huge enjoyment of this delightful book.

Throughout, McMullan shows his high level of expertise on woodpeckers, his favorites, as well as hundreds of other species – and you'll find plenty of evidence, thanks to the profuse illustrations, that he is a talented artist as well. Highly recommended.

I first found More Birds than Bullets as I make a point of trying to read anything from local authors to me here in North Devon. I have heard locally that Geoffrey is the man to go if you need to find out anything about birds, especially woodpeckers. What comes across more than anything is Geoff's passion for the natural world and truly his unmatched knowledge of birds. A wonderful book full of a range of emotions from hitting rock bottom to some very comical anecdotes and everything in between. What Geoff has achieved in his life to date is remarkable. As a passionate albeit untrained conservationist myself to read that Geoff managed to establish a successful nature reserve whilst serving in the British Army is very inspiring. We are lucky to have Geoff here in North Devon and I hope to buy him a beer one day and learn more from him.
Whether interested in the military, birding, conservation or you just need a dose of inspiration there’s something in this book for you.