Call of the Kingfisher: Bright sights and birdsong in a year by the river

Call of the Kingfisher is a debut book by composer and wildlife recordist Nick Penny, which celebrates the wild things that live in a short stretch of Northamptonshire's River Nene. The book includes bonus audio content accessed via QR codes, and explores local history, landscape, and naturalists who lived nearby. It also includes access to high-quality birdsong recordings made alongside the River Nene, and serves as a call to appreciate what we have and to use our ears as much as our eyes when experiencing the natural world.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 13 July 2023
Publisher: Bradt Travel Guides

Nick Penny's captivating debut, Call of the Kingfisher, is a heartfelt tribute to the wildlife inhabiting a picturesque stretch of Northamptonshire's River Nene. This enchanting love letter celebrates the diverse array of wild creatures that call the river home, with a special focus on the majestic kingfishers. What sets this book apart is its unique bonus audio content, accessible through QR codes, which enhances the reading experience. Nick Penny, a lifelong resident of Oundle, has dedicated four decades to walking alongside the river. However, for an entire year, he dedicated himself entirely to the river's needs, giving it the attention it deserved. As he immersed himself in the river's ecosystem, he witnessed an increase in the presence of kingfishers and their melodious high-pitched whistles.

Set in a picturesque yet lesser-known part of England, Call of the Kingfisher unfolds over a year by the river. The author shares his personal experiences, encounters diverse individuals, and explores the local history and landscape. The book weaves threads of exploration into the elusive feathered protagonist, delving into Roman and Bronze Age sites, watermills, and centuries-old stone churches. It pays homage to naturalists who once resided nearby, capturing the essence of forest dawns and dusks accompanied by the enchanting song of nightingales.

However, the true essence of this book lies in the vivid descriptions of the riverbank and the interplay of sights and sounds. The river is portrayed through the vibrant blue and orange hues of a kingfisher's glowing feathers, creating a captivating visual tapestry. Nick Penny, as both a composer and wildlife recordist, possesses a deep fascination with the sounds of the natural environment. He draws inspiration from the local landscape and wildlife, imparting fresh insights into the symphony of the countryside. The book includes access to a collection of high-quality birdsong recordings, capturing the rich melodies of nature's treasures, ranging from the majestic kingfishers and nightingales to the haunting calls of owls and cuckoos.

Call of the Kingfisher is a testament to the wonders that await those who approach nature with patience and an open mind. It encourages us to slow down, appreciate the beauty around us, and connect with the delicate balance of the natural world. Through Nick Penny's captivating storytelling and the accompanying audio content, readers are invited to embark on a sensory journey that celebrates the wonders of the river and the diverse wildlife that calls it home.

Weight: 300g
Dimension: 198 x 130 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781804691113