by Carl Safina
I'm not really keen on birds, but this book took my breath away. Carl Safina takes us to a small group of islands near Hawaii, where the albatross gathers to breed. There he joins a group of scientists not only studying nesting seabirds, but also sea turtles and sharks. In eloquent language Safina paints a living picture of these birds' lives and the delicate ecosystem of the oceans they depend upon. Even in these far-flung islands uninhabited by man, there are grave indications of mankind's influence upon the environment: ocean pollution, birds and mammals choking on plastics, the pervasive presence of a weed unwittingly introduced by a visitor to the island. The bird colony was so vividly portrayed at times I felt I was sitting there myself among the screaming thousands- in a place beautiful, harsh and remote. Even if you think, like me, that birds are a rather alien species, I would recommend Eye of the Albatross. It is an incredible book.Rating: 5/5 ........ 377 pages, 2002
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A Striped Armchair
I recently read a Safina book-Voyage of the Turtle, and I think he's just an incredible writer!! If you haven't read that one, I think you'd really enjoy it. I plan to read Song for the Blue Ocean later this year. :D
ReplyDeleteThis looks great. I'll have to add it to my list.
ReplyDeleteEva- I have those two titles on my list!
ReplyDeleteI'll have to look Safina up, thanks!
ReplyDelete