Awards

• Winner of ALA Notable Books (Nonfiction) 2022

Overview

An exhilarating exploration of the science and wonder of global bird migration In the past two decades, our understanding of the navigational and physiological feats that enable birds to cross immense oceans, fly above the highest mountains, or remain in unbroken flight for months at a stretch has exploded. What we've learned of these key migrations is nothing short of extraordinary. Bird migration entails almost unfathomable endurance, like a sparrow-sized sandpiper that will fly nonstop from Canada to Venezuela--the equivalent of running 126 consecutive marathons without food, water, or rest--avoiding dehydration by drinking moisture from its own muscles and organs, while orienting itself using the earth's magnetic field. Crossing the Pacific Ocean in nine days of nonstop flight, as some birds do, leaves little time for sleep, but migrants can put half their brains to sleep for a few seconds at a time, alternating sides--and their reaction time actually improves. These and other revelations convey both the wonder of bird migration and its global sweep, from the mudflats of the Yellow Sea in China to the remote mountains of northeastern India to the dusty hills of southern Cyprus. This breathtaking work of nature writing also introduces listeners to those scientists, researchers, and bird lovers trying to preserve global migratory patterns in the face of climate change and other environmental challenges.

Full Product Details

9781665173407

Table of Contents

Reviews

"[A] gripping journey alongside the world's feathered wanderers and the people who study them. -- ""New York Times"" A paean to the beauty of data, viewed in masses, and to citizen science taking ornithology by storm. -- ""Wall Street Journal"" Many mysteries of bird life and migration are revealed in this compelling and illuminating in-the-field narrative. -- ""Booklist (starred review)"" Weidensaul is a peerless guide, sharing his intoxicating passion and decadeslong experience with countless bird species all over the world. -- ""Kirkus Reviews (starred review)"" Weidensaul persuades me that...a greater appreciation of the movement and behavior of migratory birds might bring me into closer contact with what it means to be a living thing on Earth. -- ""The Guardian (London)"""

[A] gripping journey alongside the world's feathered wanderers and the people who study them. -- New York Times A paean to the beauty of data, viewed in masses, and to citizen science taking ornithology by storm. -- Wall Street Journal Many mysteries of bird life and migration are revealed in this compelling and illuminating in-the-field narrative. -- Booklist (starred review) Weidensaul is a peerless guide, sharing his intoxicating passion and decadeslong experience with countless bird species all over the world. -- Kirkus Reviews (starred review) Weidensaul persuades me that...a greater appreciation of the movement and behavior of migratory birds might bring me into closer contact with what it means to be a living thing on Earth. -- The Guardian (London)

Author Information

Scott Weidensaul is the author of nearly thirty books, including Living on the Wind, a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. A writer and researcher specializing in birds and bird migration, he is a native of Pennsylvania now living in New Hampshire. Mike Lenz has been an audiobook narrator and voice actor for more than fourteen years. Having narrated titles in genres ranging from fiction, entertainment, science, and children's literature to Christian, business, self-help, and history, Mike loves bringing nonfiction and fiction stories to life with his engaging, confident, and trustworthy voice. Mike's broad background includes voicing commercials, eLearning projects, real estate videos, corporate and web-based videos, and brand imaging, appearing in regional and national television commercials as an on-camera talent, and serving as the mayor of his hometown of Saratoga Springs, New York. Mike is also a Voice Arts Award-nominated podcast producer as well as an author. He is a frequent speaker at learning and voice-over conferences. Mike currently lives in Saratoga Springs, New York, with his wife and four children.

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