BACK TO NATURE - BOOK REVIEW

by Jamie Walker

‘Enchantment by Birds – a history of birdwatching in 22 species’ – by Russell McGregor

Mapleton author Russell McGregor is both an historian and a birdwatcher, who combines knowledgeable insights gained from study of the first, with what he describes as ‘enchantment’ through passionate connection with the second.

McGregor’s approach advocates the profound benefit of taking extra steps to hunt for birds and the experiences that come from our encounters with them. His style is articulate and engaging as he relates the way that 22 species around Australia have inspired his work.

This book does not shy away from the lessons of the past: McGregor talks about the 19th and early 20th century way of “collecting” (i.e. shooting) birds for study and about the sad finality of extinction. But his approach avoids being dismal: merely expressing hope that the present and the future can both be better; and then showing us that, in many ways, they are – for the birds and the ways we can enjoy them.

Digest this local writer’s ‘enchantment’ one chapter at a time and you will want to get out there looking and listening – and probably contemplating an upgrade for your binoculars.