Stray Feathers From a Bird Man's Desk by Austin L. Rand is a delightful collection of essays and observations that captures the essence of being a bird enthusiast. Rand's passion for birds shines through in his vivid descriptions and intimate reflections on the natural world.
The essays range from practical tips on birdwatching to philosophical musings on the interconnectedness of all living beings. Rand's writing is lyrical and poetic, drawing the reader into a world of feathered creatures and their fascinating behaviors.
One of the standout features of the book is Rand's deep knowledge of birds and their habitats. His insights into the lives of different bird species add depth and richness to the narratives, making the reader feel as though they are right there alongside him, observing the wonders of the avian world.
Overall, Stray Feathers From a Bird Man's Desk is a must-read for anyone with an interest in birds, nature, or simply beautiful writing. Rand's love for his subject is infectious, and readers are sure to come away from this book with a renewed appreciation for the beauty and intricacy of the natural world.
Book Description:
Canadian zoologist, Austin L. Rand, takes a divergence from his scholarly works on ornithology to give us 60 entertaining sketches of bird life and lore from Birds Bathing to Courtship Feeding.
From the author's introduction: "In looking back over the preparation of these sketches I feel as though each evening I'd gathered up the bits and pieces left over from the day's work and fashioned them into designs for my own amusement and the edification of my family. Truly it's as though I'd used stray feathers, fallen from the bird skins I'd handled, and fitted them together into something of wider interest than the original.. . . . This series of articles is intended to be interesting and entertaining." - Summary by Larry Wilson