Book recommendation: What It's Like To Be A Bird

What It’s Like To Be A Bird

By David Allen Sibley

A comprehensive guide on birds from the use of feathers to their survival.

What I liked about this book:

This book was written in a simple and concise way that dives into a variety of birds from around North America. The chapters were short, but I learned a variety of things, such as: the digestive tract system of Surf Scoters, what birds do when they make their nests, and the meaning of some bird cries. I felt that this book was written for a beginner like me! This book also inspired me to “match the name” with the birds I saw on the walks I took.

Who might enjoy this book:

I recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about the birds living beside them. Also, anyone who wants a stress-free read, full of interesting facts and diagrams. I was blown away by all of the things I didn’t know and look forward to learning more.

More about the book:

This book answers both common and complex questions about a variety of bird species that we see on a day-to-day basis in North America, and birds that you may not know about. This book also details a variety of scientific information about birds’ evolution and life we don’t see.

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Recommended by Kiana G., a volunteer with Pilchuck Audubon Society. Her thoughts and opinions in this review are entirely her own and do not represent those of Pilchuck Audubon.

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Support Pilchuck Audubon when you get your copy!

Pilchuck Audubon is an affiliate of Bookshop.org and receives a commission when you order books from our Bookshop.org storefront or click through our link and make a purchase.

Pilchuck Audubon Society is a grass-roots environmental organization representing Snohomish County and Camano Island, Washington, whose mission is to conserve and restore natural ecosystems focusing on birds and other wildlife.

Book recommendation: Hurricane Lizards and Plastic Squid

Hurricane Lizards and Plastic Squid

By Thor Hanson

An intensive study on how plants and animals are moving and adapting to the rising temperatures on Earth.

What I liked about this book:

The author gave many extensive examples of multiple land and sea plants and animals and how they have evolved to survive. Pelicans have moved nesting grounds, bears have shifted their diets, butterflies have larger muscles, specific breeds of birds changing the way they pick a partner, etc.

Who might enjoy this book:

Anyone who wants to read more about the ongoing research on various plants and animals and how they are adapting to changes in warming temperatures. Though not necessarily a book dedicated to how climate change is changing the world, but how we can make small changes to make a big difference in a variety of different areas of our life.

More about the book:

Thor Hanson delves into a look of nature’s adaptations to climate change, both in positive and negative ways. The author discusses that climate change isn’t “coming” but is already here, affecting the tiniest plants to the largest ecosystems. Rather than a doomsday novel, the author presents facts that inform us and shows us the bigger picture.

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Recommended by Kiana G., a volunteer with Pilchuck Audubon Society. Her thoughts and opinions in this review are entirely her own and do not represent those of Pilchuck Audubon.

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Support Pilchuck Audubon when you get your copy!

Pilchuck Audubon is an affiliate of Bookshop.org and receives a commission when you order books from our Bookshop.org storefront or click through our link and make a purchase.

Pilchuck Audubon Society is a grass-roots environmental organization representing Snohomish County and Camano Island, Washington, whose mission is to conserve and restore natural ecosystems focusing on birds and other wildlife.

Book recommendation: Nature's Best Hope

Nature’s Best Hope

By Douglas W. Tallamy

An informative novel that tells us the little things we can do to help save our Earth, one plant at a time.

What I liked about this book:

Many times, when people discuss saving the world, people want you to do so many exorbitant things, which cost a lot of money, and aren’t feasible for your average person. But the author of this book wrote a variety of things you can do, things that will not break the bank. For example, by you simply mowing your lawn in the afternoon or morning you can avoid killing nocturnal animals that often times come and sleep in your grass. Simply by raising your lawn mower (up to 4 inches), you can prevent the unnecessary deaths of animals.

Who might enjoy this book:

Anyone who wants to know a little more on how to make a difference in the world! Also, anyone who is interested in learning more about conservation laws, movements, read more about conservation case studies and other conservation efforts!

More about the book:

Nature’s Best Hope is a book for every homeowner, who can make a difference in the world just by changing how they treat their yard. This homeowner-based approach is informative, easy to do, and necessary to help the planet be preserved for future generations!

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Recommended by Kiana G., a volunteer with Pilchuck Audubon Society. Her thoughts and opinions in this review are entirely her own and do not represent those of Pilchuck Audubon.

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Support Pilchuck Audubon when you get your copy!

Pilchuck Audubon is an affiliate of Bookshop.org and receives a commission when you order books from our Bookshop.org storefront or click through our link and make a purchase.

Pilchuck Audubon Society is a grass-roots environmental organization representing Snohomish County and Camano Island, Washington, whose mission is to conserve and restore natural ecosystems focusing on birds and other wildlife.

Book recommendation: The Hidden Half of Nature

The Hidden Half of Nature

By David R. Montgomery and Anne Biklé

A Seattle couple’s delightful journey of discovery into the microbial world and how it sustains us and our ecosystems.

What I liked about this book:

I finally understand the why behind the benefits of regenerative gardening and the unsustainability of industrial/chemical-based agriculture. Plus, the implications for my personal health.

Who might enjoy this book:

An eye opener for gardeners and those interested in agricultural sustainability. Also, those dealing with chronic illness, or simply wanting to promote their personal health and resilience.

More about the book:

Montgomery is a University of Washington Professor studying soil science, and Bickle is a biologist. Together they open a window to the amazing world of microorganisms and their symbiotic relationships with both plants and humans. Drawing from personal experiences as well as their strong scientific backgrounds, Montgomery and Bickle present a well-documented case for reconsidering the role of microorganisms—instead of disease-causing villains, they are revealed as indispensable partners in maintaining our health and the health of our planet’s ecosystems.

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Recommended by William M., a volunteer with Pilchuck Audubon Society. His thoughts and opinions in this review are entirely his own and do not represent those of Pilchuck Audubon.

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Support Pilchuck Audubon when you get your copy!

Pilchuck Audubon is an affiliate of Bookshop.org and receives a commission when you order books from our Bookshop.org storefront or click through our link and make a purchase.

Pilchuck Audubon Society is a grass-roots environmental organization representing Snohomish County and Camano Island, Washington, whose mission is to conserve and restore natural ecosystems focusing on birds and other wildlife.