As We Read

The Return of the Oystercatcher: Saving Birds to Save the Planet

By: Scott Weidensaul, Narrator: Joel Richards, Publisher: Highbridge Audio

This book was right in my wheelhouse. Its focus on conservation management of birds around the world made it interesting for comparison to other conservation stories and objectives, and for the updates on familiar work with some very cool species. If you’re a less technical reader or listener, I think it will still engage and possibly enthrall, though there might be sections that feel dry. (Common names are used alongside scientific). This book is definitely written for the well-educated and well-informed naturalist or birder.

High novelty- the connection to the conservation biologists and technicians keeps the conservation story anchored in our world, while the sense of time (bombing in Ukraine) will likely mean the tales help readers into the future understand the conservation actions in light of the geopolitical and climate threats. The focus on the conservation management and the people who have invested their lives and careers in the work make this a unique tale of bird conservation.

High engagement- I judge nonfiction science by whether it drives me to dig in further, whether that’s looking at maps or searching for images or bird calls in this case. Scott captured my imagination through his language and I wanted to connect the locations to my own concepts of geography and landscape (Maine islands, Ukrainian wetlands, and the Hawaiian tropical rainforests).

Scott’s voice came through as generous, with his willingness to share his feelings about the work and potential loss of species a strong point of engagement. His passion for bird conservation was clearly articulated and strengthened by the narrator.

Netgalley review copy of the audiobook; listened to over 4 days.

#nonfiction, #Science