Enchantment by Birds

‘In Enchantment by Birds, Russell McGregor takes us on a fascinating and memorable journey, leaving us not only with a fine appreciation of Australian birdwatching but also food for thought about the vernacular names of birds (Jacky Winter!) and the essence of “twitching.” The book’s colour illustrations made me want to fly to Australia.’

‘Russell McGregor elevates Enchantment by Birds above a typical historical narrative … McGregor’s structure seems to recognise the potential tension between academic discipline and a personal passion for the subject matter … It is a constant reminder of the magic of birds to inspire and delight … Russell McGregor’s writing makes this a most readable book, one that comes close to perfectly balancing academic veracity with a rip-roaring tale.’

‘Historian and birdwatcher Russell McGregor has produced a literary equivalent to sighting a Gouldian Finch – a gem that is rarely encountered but greatly enjoyed when it is … The structure of the book is particularly clever, and when combined with the relaxed writing style, makes for an engaging read.’

‘This wide-ranging book is probably unique as a source on Australian bird study, its leading proponents, ornithological literature and organisations … an extremely rewarding and thought-provoking volume.’

‘Birdwatching is booming at the moment. If you like birds, this book will astonish and delight you. If you don’t know what the fuss is all about, this brilliant book explains why so many people from all walks of life have picked up their binoculars and are heading out the door.’

‘Russell McGregor has delved into the archives to bring us a beautifully written account of our relationship with birds. There is some fascinating stuff here, and a timely reminder of the intrinsic importance of birds for nature’s sake, and for ours.’

‘It’s been said that if you had to name someone to bat for your life, choose Steve Waugh. Or your mother. Well, if I needed someone to bird for my life, Russell would be second pick. After my father.’

‘Russell McGregor’s Enchantment by Birds is for all types of readers and birders — it’s a history of science, culture and the birdwatching community, a love letter to the Australian landscape, an education for the uninitiated and a delight for any appreciator of eloquent and enthusiastic writing … McGregor summons a dizzying flock of quotations, and historical and personal anecdotes, resulting in an ornithological anthology — a collection of some of the best and most evocative language from the last 120+ years, mapping out changing attitudes and approaches to the art, science and methods of birdwatching. Enchantment by Birds is not just a history of birds, but a history of Australia — our changing relationship with our environment, race, culture, and class through our engagement with nature.’

‘It takes the reader on a series of excursions into birdwatching’s past, venturing forward to the present. With an intriguing cast of characters, avian as well as human, its lively narratives explore the emotional and aesthetic impulses behind the pastime as well as its scientific and conservationist components.’

‘This lively history of birding nicely captures the contradictions and controversies that have marked the relations between birds and humans since European settlement. It is not a chronological account but one refracted through the stories of particular birds, bird lovers, and the evolution of birdwatching as a pursuit.’

‘In this highly readable book, he examines the emotional and aesthetic impulses behind birdwatching, as well as scientific and conservationist aspects of the practice. Told imaginatively and informatively, the stories of 22 Australian species vary widely and show the reader the magic of birds and how seeing them in situ can fulfil our need to connect with nature.’

‘One of the most refreshing aspects of the book is its emphasis on human collaboration in the service of birds. In this, McGregor refines and develops the ‘mateship with birds’ ethos of Alec Chisholm, of whom he published a fine biography … Enchantment By Birds is full of anecdotes about the exploits of Chisholm and many other remarkable bird lovers in our recent history.’

‘In this lively and marvellously organised narrative, we learn the birds of Australia as well as the stories of the intrepid, often obsessive, bird enthusiasts in a bird-rich country … [W]ill open reader‘s eyes to our long, complicated and above all enchanted relationship with the avian world.’

Russell McGregor has been a birdwatcher since childhood and an historian for over 40 years. Formerly a professor of history at James Cook University, he has written numerous articles on birds and birdwatching, and is also the author of six previous books, including Indifferent Inclusion: Aboriginal people and the Australian nation (winner of the 2012 New South Wales Premier’s Australian History Prize), and Idling in Green Places: a life of Alec Chisholm (shortlisted for the 2020 National Biography Award).