Birds and Us: A 12,000 Year History, from Cave Art to Conservation

Award-winning writer and ornithologist Tim Birkhead explores the 12,000-year-old relationship between humans and birds in his book "Birds and Us." From Ancient Egyptian ibises to Renaissance woodpecker experiments, Victorian egg collecting to endangered species conservation, Birkhead reveals how birds have shaped us and how we have shaped them.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 464 pages
Publication date: 16 March 2023
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

In Birds and Us, acclaimed writer and ornithologist Tim Birkhead takes us on an awe-inspiring and captivating journey through the intricate tapestry of our shared history with birds, spanning from the mummified ibises revered by Ancient Egyptians to the groundbreaking anatomical experiments conducted on woodpeckers during the Renaissance. This captivating and richly informative book, the culmination of a lifetime of research, vividly showcases how birds have molded us and, in turn, how we have shaped them.

Weaving in personal anecdotes from his own scientific endeavors, including expeditions to awe-inspiring Neolithic caves in Spain and the bustling guillemot colonies of the Faroe Islands, Birds and Us unfolds like a narrative masterpiece. It is a testament to Birkhead's unwavering dedication and unwavering commitment to unraveling the mysteries of bird behavior and evolution.

Through its pages, we embark on a journey that spans 12,000 years of human interaction with the avian realm. Birkhead presents the information with infectious enthusiasm, skillfully interweaving personal encounters with rigorous historical research and captivating scientific rigor. Thought-provoking at every turn, this inspiring, shocking, and wonder-filled exploration of our relationship with birds from ancient times challenges us to confront the profound impact we have had on these magnificent creatures and the urgent responsibility we hold to protect and restore their habitats.

Birds and Us is a captivating and enlightening book that appeals to bird enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone with an interest in the intricate connections between humans and the natural world. It serves as a testament to the power of storytelling and the profound insights that can be gained through scientific exploration. As we continue to navigate our shared existence with these remarkable birds, this book offers us a valuable lens through which to appreciate their beauty, complexity, and significance.

Weight: 370g
Dimension: 130 x 197 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780241990131