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How can a book that opens with a scene from the movie Monty Python Flying Circus be anything but an instant favorite? Author William Young recounts the skit where John Cleese, dressed as an ice cream lady in a cinema, tries to sell a huge seabird to moviegoers. While walking down the aisle yelling “Albatross!” he is asked what flavor it is. His answer is classic Cleese: “It’s a bloody seabird…It’s not any bloody flavor.”
William Young’s 99 short essays are equally appealing to novice birders and seasoned veterans. Newcomers to birds will be intrigued to see just how prevalent birds and bird appreciation is in our society. Veteran birders will delight to see their passion vividly revealed in Young’s reflections from biology, ecology, literature, music, history, linguistics, politics, sports and entertainment, to name a few. Along the way, readers will learn a lot about birds and their natural history. By the way, the book is illustrated with classic images from John James Audubon's The Birds of America.
In one essay, Young recalls a trip to British Columbia, where he found a restaurant called “The Hooded Merganser.” When he told the hostess that the Hooded Merganser is one of his favorite birds, she noted that he was the first person she had encountered in the restaurant who knew what a Hooded Merganser was. I can’t recall how many times over the years I’ve had similar experiences, asking shopkeepers or wait staff about something in the establishment named after birds. More often than not, there’s a good story to be told about how and why the object came to named for a bird. All you have to do is ask!
We might take for granted how much birds have become part of everyday language, particularly as verbs. My youngest granddaughter goosed me other day, squealing with laughter as I jumped at this unexpected assault. She probably thought I was parroting some outrageous reaction I’d seen on television. This essay is not all silliness, though. Author Young tours us through fascinating facts about parrot behavior and ecology and, of course, another Monty Python skit. The essay ends on a sobering note, when the author reminds readers of the devastating effect that illegal pet trade has had on numerous parrot species.
With Thanksgiving right around the corner, it’s worth reading Young’s essay on Wild Turkeys. Young speculates how our country’s policies might be different had the Continental Congress adopted the Wild Turkey, Ben Franklin’s favorite, instead of the Bald Eagle, as our national symbol. Would things be different if we were represented by a bird associated with food and plenty, rather than one with arrows in its talons?
The Fascination of Birds is a quick fun read. If you buy a copy, after reading it be sure to pass it on to a fledgling birder to grow their interest in birds.
Review by Peter Stangel
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