United States
£ GBP
A close look at one season in one key site in the USA that reveals the amazing science and magic of spring bird migration, and the perils of human encroachment.
Every spring, billions of birds sweep north over the USA, driven by ancient instincts to return to their breeding grounds. This vast parade often goes unnoticed, except in a few places where these small travelers concentrate in large numbers. One such place is along Lake Erie in northwestern Ohio. There, the peak of spring migration is so spectacular that it attracts bird watchers from around the globe, culminating in one of the world's biggest birding festivals.
Millions of winged migrants pass through the region, some traveling thousands of miles, performing epic feats of endurance and navigating with stunning accuracy. Now climate change threatens to disrupt patterns of migration and the delicate balance between birds, seasons, and habitats. But wind farms – popular as green energy sources – can be disastrous for birds if built in the wrong places. This is a fascinating and urgent study of the complex issues that affect bird migration.
Kenn Kaufman, originator of the Kaufman Field Guide series, is one of the world's foremost naturalists.
"[...] In A Season on the Wind: Inside the World of Spring Migration, Kenn Kaufman’s goal is “to illuminate the whole worldwide phenomenon of migration by taking a deep dive into the details of one region.” So even if you live nowhere near northern Ohio, even if you have absolutely no plans to visit there, this is still a book worth reading. It’s informative and a good read, but even more than that, it encourages you to appreciate – and do what you can to protect – wherever you happen to be."
– Grant McCreary (21-09-2019), read the full review at The Birder's Library
