The Birdwatcher's Companion

David Allinson is the president of the Rocky Point Bird Observatory in Victoria, B.C.

It is refreshing to read a book written by a fellow “birder” who
shares passion for both the science and the sport of birding. In his
book, MacKay relates his life experiences with birds from coast to coast
in North America.

Birdwatchers are an eccentric lot, traveling far and wide, usually in
all weather, in pursuit of their “prey.” However, MacKay
indicates—through anecdote and charming illustrations— that there is
method behind the madness. There is a peacefulness and escape in
birdwatching. In seeking something wild amid the concrete jungle most of
us call home, birders learn as much about themselves as they do about
the general environment of the countryside.

The book is not intended to be an autobiography, but presents numerous
birding adventures in a journal-like fashion. Unfortunately, I found the
lack of temporal cohesion distracting as each chapter jumped back and
forth chronologically. As something of a North American travelogue to
both well-known and less familiar birding locales, the book is very
enjoyable, even for “armchair” birders. One feels compelled to pack
one’s bags and binoculars and travel to many of these areas.

In unique sidebars, MacKay offers explanations for the novice birder
for such terms as LBJ (“little brown job”) and “life” birds, and
discusses such issues as birding ethics and conservation. The excellent
illustrations capture the shape and form, as well as the spirit, of each
bird.