The Glitter in the Green: In Search of Hummingbirds by Jon Dunn
4/20/21; 352 pages
Basic Books
The Glitter in the Green: In Search of Hummingbirds by Jon Dunn is a highly recommended nature guide and travelogue about hummingbirds.
Dunn, a natural history writer, fell in love with hummingbirds as a child. In The Glitter in the Green,
he begins his journey in Alaska and ends it in Argentina in his quest
to follow the full length of the range of the over three hundred wildly
variable hummingbirds. As we follow his journey he expounds on all
things hummingbirds and how these delicate birds are adapting as well as
threatened by climate change, habitat loss, and hunting. As he
describes his travels, he shares many remarkable facts about the
migrations, coloring, physiology, adaptability, habitats, mechanics,
about the various species of each hummingbird in each location. In each
location he visits he is cognizant of considering the culture, history,
folklore, and literature of the region and the place hummingbirds hold
in these cultural touchstone areas. He also discusses the threats they
face in each region.
Dunn presents his captivating narrative in wildly descriptive, poetic prose,
and detailed facts. He is passionate about everything he presents,
whether it is details about a specific species of hummingbird, a story,
or the effects of climate change. This is an admirable study of
hummingbirds that will enchant both dedicated birders and those with a
casual interest in hummingbirds and natural history. While I reviewed a
digital edition, I am sure the hard cover book is a wonder to behold.
Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Basic Books in exchange for my honest opinion.
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