Gift Books for Birdwatchers

If you’re looking for a gift for a birdwatcher in your life, a book is a smart choice. As birders learn to identify birds, they naturally want to know more about them. Memoirists haven’t let us down, and their books on living and thinking while birding explore a full range of human experiences. Some of these memoirs put the birds in the forefront, while others focus on the inner life of the author as they have natural experiences.

Birdwatching is a popular hobby around the world. According to a report by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, over 45 million people in the United States birdwatched in 2016.  These numbers make birdwatching one of the most popular outdoor activities in the country. Similarly, a report by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) found that over 7 million people in the UK regularly watch birds.

Birding has roots in ancient cultures. Around 77 AD, Pliny the Elder composed “Historia Naturalis” (Natural History), the first book specifically about birds in ancient Rome. However, there were earlier works that included information on birds, such as “The Birds” by Aristophanes, a Greek comedy from the 5th century BC, and “De Avibus” (On Birds), a work by Aristotle from the 4th century BC, which covered the classification and behavior of birds. Other cultures celebrated their birds in myth, art, fashion, and more, long before books existed. Your thoughtful gift for birdwatchers is part of a long cultural tradition.

Ten sure-bet birding Memoirs

These 10 sure-bet birding memoirs will transport any bird enthusiast to a world of wonder. These memoirs offer a rich literary experience that isn’t just about birds. The experience is personal and inward-looking as well as focused on what happens when we look up to find birds.

'H is for Hawk' by Helen Macdonald

“H is for Hawk” is an extraordinary memoir that follows the author’s journey through grief and loss as she trains a goshawk. The New York Times calls it “a book of intense, almost painful beauty,” while The Guardian notes that it is “a soaring triumph.”

'The Bird Man and the Lap Dancer' by Eric Hansen

“The Bird Man and the Lap Dancer” is a delightful memoir that follows the author’s travels around the world in search of rare birds. Expect to laugh. The Washington Post raves that it is “a quirky, engaging book,” while Booklist calls it “a witty, entertaining journey.”

“Birding Without Borders," by Noah Strycker

“Birding Without Borders” is an inspiring memoir that follows the author’s record-breaking birding trip around the world. Publishers Weekly calls it “an engrossing travelogue,” while Kirkus Reviews notes that it is “an enthusiastic chronicle of global birding.” This is travel writing with a bird focus.  Think adventure.

'The Big Year' by Mark Obmascik

“The Big Year” is a hilarious memoir that follows three birders as they compete to see the most birds in one year. The Los Angeles Times raves that it is “a delightful book,” while The New York Times notes that it is “a funny and engaging account.” The human elements make this reading suprisingly touching.

'Bird Cloud' by Annie Proulx

“Bird Cloud” is a fascinating memoir that follows the author’s journey to build a home in the Wyoming wilderness. The Boston Globe calls it “a loving tribute to a landscape,” while The New York Times notes that it is “a beautifully written book.” You can always count on Proulx.

'The Feather Thief' by Kirk Wallace Johnson

“The Feather Thief” is a gripping memoir that tells the story of a bizarre heist of rare bird specimens from a British museum. The Wall Street Journal raves that it is “an enthralling true-crime tale,” while The New Yorker notes that it is “a fascinating account." Adventure, mystery, suspense and birds fill this memoir.

'The Genius of Birds' by Jennifer Ackerman

“The Genius of Birds” is a fascinating memoir that explores the intelligence of birds. The New York Times calls it “a delightful book,” while Science notes that it is “a celebration of the avian mind.” Read our review here.

'Rare Encounters with Ordinary Birds' by Lyanda Lynn Haupt

“Rare Encounters with Ordinary Birds” is a delightful memoir that celebrates the beauty of common birds. The Seattle Times raves that it is “a charming and gentle book,” while The Christian Science Monitor notes that it is “an enchanting journey.”

'The Home Place: Memoirs of a Colored Man’s Love Affair with Nature' by J. Drew Lanham

“The Home Place” is a moving memoir that explores the author’s connection to the natural world as a Black man. The New York Times raves that it is “a lyrical meditation,” while The Wall Street Journal notes that it is “a testament to the transformative power of nature.” Read our review here.

“The Thing with Feathers: The Surprising Lives of Birds and What They Reveal About Being Human" by Noah Strycker

“The Thing with Feathers” is a fascinating memoir that explores the surprising lives of birds. The Washington Post raves that it is “a charming and illuminating book,” while The Guardian notes that it is “a treasure trove of ornithological wonders.”

Additional Thoughts on Gift Books for Birdwatchers

If your birdwatcher is a beginner, they may need a field guide. Consider these popular field guides: Sibley Guide to Birds, the National Geographic Field Guide to Birds of North America, and the Peterson Field Guide to Birds of North America.

If your birdwatcher is a parent, consider the award-winning 'Every Natural Fact: Five Seasons of Open-Air Parenting.'  This is my book of nature and birding walks with my dear son, just as he is leaving childhood.

Please share your birding book recommendation in the comments section.