Birders: Tales of a Tribe

Cocker, Mark

ISBN 10: 0802139965 / ISBN 13: 9780802139962

Published by Grove Press, 2003

May have limited writing in cover pages. Pages are unmarked. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less. Seller Inventory # G0802139965I4N00

Synopsis:

For thirty years, journalist Mark Cocker has been a member of a community of fanatics who sacrifice most of their spare time, a good deal of money, sometimes their chances of a partner or family, even their lives, to watch birds. In Birders, Cocker not only introduces lay-readers to the venerable art of birding but shares some of the incredible tales previously circulated only among "the loop," involving unforgettable -- and sometimes deadly -- encounters with everything from pipits, puffins, and plovers to border-patrol officers and horseback bandits. And then there is his personal journey, which began when he discovered a nest of pigeon eggs in his family attic and soon led to the fetishism of his binoculars (or rather, "bins").

Review: "A delight, exuberant and fascinating...The birds are amazing; the birders are insance....An enchanting book."

"Engagning...The writing is not only alive and funny, but also often beautiful...Cocker artfully relates the stories of many of his fellow tribe members, stories filled with strange and sometimes tragic incidenst....Commendable.

"Endearing...Between the layers of fascinating facts, the author weaves a narrative that moves from the comic to the poignant and the tragic."

"Witty fun...Cocker tells of many devoted gazers with their own obsessions and their own bird discoveries."

Bibliographic Details

Title: Birders: Tales of a Tribe
Publisher: Grove Press
Publication Date: 2003
Binding: Paperback
Condition: Very Good
Dust Jacket Condition: No Jacket