“Not all is doom and gloom. We are beginning to understand the natural world and are gaining a reverence for life – all life.” – Roger Tory Peterson
“We will need action and vigilance in the years to come, and Wild America’s defenders will have their work cut out for them. But the despoilers should not gloat, for history is against them. If you doubt that, just look back a few decades.” – Scott Weidensaul
Some of my favorite parts of Wild America was reading James Fisher’s comments about America’s many wonders, including his awe at his first sight of the Grand Canyon. Actually, I’m awed every time I stand on its rim. — Photo by Pat Bean
Bookish Wednesday
I just finished rereading Scott Weidensaul’s “Return to Wild America,” after rereading Roger Tory Peterson and James Fisher’s “Wild America,” which was first published in 1955, and continues to be a popular classic today.
re If I had to name one bird that I saw everywhere there was a wetlands area during my own journeys around North America, it would be the great blue heron. While I never saw more than one or two at a time, they did seem to be everywhere there was water. — Photo by Pat Bean
“Wild America” is about Roger and James’ 100-day, 30,000 mile, journey across the continent, mostly in search of birds. Scott’s book, published 50 years later in 2005, is a year-long retracing of the two naturalist’s journey, which was arranged by Roger for his English birding colleague, James.
I reread these books slowly, over the period of two months, just a few pages at a time, so I could fully comprehend and enjoy seeing the birds and the landscapes through these men’s eyes. I highly recommend these books for anyone who loves this beautiful country of ours as much as I do.
The half-century contrasts between the two book are part doom and gloom, but also part joy and cheer. In some ways the wildlife and land are healthier and in some ways not.
Rereading the books was awesome, and well worth my time.
Blog pick of the day.
Bean Pat: Green Herons at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge http://tinyurl.com/ms8fkdx I love watching these birds; and since I couldn’t make up my mind today a Bean Pat also to Shroom Shroom http://tinyurl.com/m5pl4aj Tolkien and mushrooms
Pat Bean's blog 
The books sound very interesting. I’ll check my local library. If they don’t have them, they might be able to order them.
Thank you so much for the Bean Pat!! I appreciate it. I’m honored, and so glad you liked my post today. 🙂
[…] Wild America and Return to Wil… on Pat Bean's blog […]
Hi, Pat. I think I’m going to have to pick up a couple of books for evening reading! I’ve taken two road trips from the east coast out west. They were incredible trips. I was amazed at every stop – from looking at the bluest skies I’ve ever seen at Bryce Canyon, to seeing more stars in any one sky somewhere out in west Texas, to standing on massive snowbanks in the middle of July somewhere north of Zion. I could go on and on. Thanks for the post, and thanks for the Bean Pat! That means a lot, since I think so much of your blog!!
I read Wild America before I did my cross-country journeys, so found it ven more einteresting he second time around because I had personally visited some of the places Roger and James did. Scott looks at the landscape with a more critical environmental eye. I think you will enjoy both, but especially the first one.
You’re welcome Robin, and happy reading.
You have shared two beautiful photos today Pat. I particularly like the one of the mountains.
Thanks Colline
Funny, I just wrote on someone else’s blog that I’m amazed that Great Blue Herons seem to be everywhere, no matter what the climate. I love them, too, they seem so exotic yet apparently are so common. I still get excited every time I see one and can photograph it.
The most I ever saw in one place was on a frozen Farmington Bay, north of Salt Lake City in Utah. There were at least two dozen hanging around an open patch of water. What fun. Thanks for commenting Candace.