The Life of the Skies is a beautifully crafted book that blends birding, religion, and history. Birding is portrayed as a great paradox of the natural world and the technological advancements that make birding a possibility.
“Edward O. Wilson wrote in his recent book The Creation: ‘Civilization was purchased by the betrayal of nature.’ This does not make civilization bad, of course; it just makes it founded on a paradox that – paradoxically – civilization alone is capable of acknowledging.” –from Life of the Skies
But the paradox isn’t just in technology but in the battle between Darwinism and religious beliefs. Of course, each individual must choose their faith (or lack of) for themselves, but as Jonathan Rosen explains, ornithologists of the past have had this struggle and the act of being part of nature elicits deep thoughts of the purpose of protecting the natural world in which we live and love.
The Life of the Skies focuses on the wonders and enjoyment of living creatures. Birding celebrates life and the preservation of this life is what will ensure the survival of humanity. The respect of nature is respect for ourselves and when all is said and done, we are all birders.
This thought-provoking book provides any person with an appreciation for nature an entertaining adventure from New York City, to the Louisiana swamps, to one of the most fascinating birding destinations in the world – Israel. But this adventure is intertwined with the pains of lost habitat and extinction, and the importance of bird conservation.
“This is the magic hour. There is still time, before the light fades and there is no longer anything left to see.”
We agree that there is still time to conserve the land, not just for the birds but for all of us. The Life of the Skies provides an eloquent backing to this feeling.
Rating: 10 out of 10 feathers
As an avid birder and a Pastor in my real life…or is birding my real life? Both? I have had many conversations with folks making the point that eveloution and God as creator need not be at odds with each other. In fact, I believe they are not. Sounds like and interesting book. I’ll be sure to check it out. Heck, since it has some religious significance I can probably even pay for it out of my book/continuing education allowance.
Sounds like a wonderful book and will have to check it out! Too bad they don’t have a netflix for books!
Sounds like an interesting reading.
Too bad most of your reviews are hard to find, and for now, there’s no online buying for me 🙁
But hopefully soon 😉
Melissa, I’ve seen this book at Barnes & Noble. It is also the #1 seller on Amazon in the Birdwatching category (or at least it was yesterday), so it will probably be available in most large bookstores.
I just started reading it, and it is every bit as good as the review claims.
Vern – birding is life!! Evolution and God can be together and often sighting an amazing bird you can see both at work.
Monarch – netflix for books sounds like an awesome idea although it would be better if somehow it included more time to read them!
Melissa – I hope you can find the books. We try to review the books we really like and feel are worthwhile.
Grant – Thank you for the link and for anyone who hasn’t checked out your site, here’s the link: The Birder’s Library