Much of the information contained in this book can be found in various sources in book, magazine, or online form. However, what makes this book unique and incredibly useful is that all of that information is compiled into a concise, easy-to-read book! And by “easy-to-read”, I mean two things. First, I was able to read this book all the way through with little difficulty. The writing is casual and in a style that is easy to understand. Lovitch makes a point to refrain from using large, complex terminology without careful explanation. As a result, anyone, even if they are initially unfamiliar with the terms “redetermined migration” and “zugunruhe”, can enjoy the text and learn a lot! Even though the book may read like a story, the chapters are very well-organized. If I was interested in a particular topic, it would be easy for me to simply to flip to that chapter and begin reading without having read the previous section. That said, reading the book cover-to-cover was equally enjoyable and easily comprehensible!
I am sure there will be birders reading this review who are thinking they are advanced birders who do not need to become any “better” at birding. I’d say they are wrong. Everyone who reads this book will learn something entirely new or will discover a new manner in which to understand a previously foggy or misunderstood concept. This is an excellent resource that is fun to read and is something that I will be referring to in the future whenever I am curious about how to improve my birding skills.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Princeton University Press.