Book description
Bird School: A Beginner in the Wood - A Gentle Invitation into Avian Life
Adam Nicolson's Bird School is a tender, hands-on guide that feels less like a textbook and more like a quiet conversation with the sky. Over two to three years he watches the birds of his Sussex farm grow, change, and sing, while simultaneously learning how to create a sanctuary for them. The result is an accessible, almost lyrical account that invites readers-no matter their background-to share in the wonder of feathered friends.
What sets this book apart is Nicolson's blend of scientific curiosity with poetic reverence. He does not simply catalogue species; he follows their dramas: cock robins wrestling to the brink of death, tawny owl widows searching for new mates, and blackbirds that seem to echo Beethoven's late quartets. The latter scene, set in both a garden in southern England and in Bonn where Beethoven first heard them, is a beautiful reminder that birds have always been part of our cultural soundtrack.
Nicolson's prose is clear and engaging. He explains complex ideas-migration patterns, breeding rituals, the impacts of human activity-in everyday language without losing depth. Readers can sense his careful observation: he notes how a robin's wingbeat changes with weather or how a crow's call varies across seasons. This level of detail makes the science feel alive and immediate.
Beyond the observations, Bird School offers practical lessons for anyone who cares about the environment. Nicolson shares step-by-step strategies to build bird-friendly habitats: planting native shrubs, installing nest boxes, and reducing pesticide use. He emphasizes that even small changes can make a significant difference for local wildlife, especially in an era of ecological crisis.
The book's structure is conversational and episodic, mirroring the unpredictable rhythms of nature itself. Each chapter feels like a snapshot-an encounter, a discovery, a reflection-allowing readers to pause and absorb the moment before moving on. This pacing keeps the narrative engaging while giving space for contemplation.
In sum, Bird School is an invitation to slow down, observe closely, and nurture the living world around us. Nicolson's gentle tone, combined with insightful science and actionable advice, makes this book a must-read for anyone who wants to learn more about birds or simply appreciate the quiet beauty that surrounds us. It reminds us that caring for wildlife is both an art and a responsibility-and that we can all play a part in keeping our skies vibrant and full of song.
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Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience