Backyard Bird Chronicles

English language

Published 2024 by Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group.

ISBN:: 978-0-593-53613-1

Tracking the natural beauty that surrounds us, The Backyard Bird Chronicles maps the passage of time through daily entries, thoughtful questions, and beautiful original sketches. With boundless charm and wit, author Amy Tan charts her foray into birding and the natural wonders of the world.

In 2016, Amy Tan grew overwhelmed by the state of the world: Hatred and misinformation became a daily presence on social media, and the country felt more divisive than ever. In search of peace, Tan turned toward the natural world just beyond her window and, specifically, the birds visiting her yard. But what began as an attempt to find solace turned into something far greater—an opportunity to savor quiet moments during a volatile time, connect to nature in a meaningful way, and imagine the intricate lives of the birds she admired.

2 editions

AlaskanGriz reviewed Backyard Bird Chronicles by Amy Tan

None

5 stars

So I really enjoyed this book. As a birder myself, it was refreshing to see that I am not the only one that anthropomorphizes wild animals.

For those thinking about picking up the book and reading it, be warned, most of the book is her illustrations. It's also written as a journal entry. So if that's not your reading style then you might want to think twice. However, the way she does the entries, makes it feel as an adventure. That you are watching a movie or TV show with her narrating it.

This one is one of the rare books that is staying on my shelf for future reading.

Thank Amy...you did a great job.

Soh Kam Yung reviewed Backyard Bird Chronicles by Amy Tan

An enjoyable book full of notes about birds and their behaviour.

4 stars

A lovely book filled with observations of birds that the author sees in her backyard. Those with an interesting in bird watching, natural history or nature observation will find much to enjoy in the author's notes on the birds she sees and the observations she makes about their behaviour.

The notes cover a period of years, including during the COVID-19 lockdown and mainly covers what she does (like putting up feed for the birds), what the birds do (preening, bathing, interacting with her and with other birds) and what she thinks the birds are doing.

Occasional unusual events are also noted, like the times she sees sick birds and tries to do what she can to help them. Wildfires in her area are noted, as well as the periods when birds migrate. The COVID-19 lockdown period is one time when she is more than grateful for birds to …

A lovely book filled with observations of birds that the author sees in her backyard. Those with an interesting in bird watching, natural history or nature observation will find much to enjoy in the author's notes on the birds she sees and the observations she makes about their behaviour.

The notes cover a period of years, including during the COVID-19 lockdown and mainly covers what she does (like putting up feed for the birds), what the birds do (preening, bathing, interacting with her and with other birds) and what she thinks the birds are doing.

Occasional unusual events are also noted, like the times she sees sick birds and tries to do what she can to help them. Wildfires in her area are noted, as well as the periods when birds migrate. The COVID-19 lockdown period is one time when she is more than grateful for birds to distract her from current events.

Some birds, like sparrows, crows or owls get special mention due to their behaviour and intelligence which intrigues her and makes her speculate (as a fiction writer) on what they may be thinking about. The author also provides lots of wonderful drawings of birds she has seen, some showing the behaviour she describes in the written notes.

Overall, a fun book to read for those who are interested in observing wildlife in their own backyards.

Subjects

American literature

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