Behind More Binoculars: Interviews with Acclaimed Birdwatchers
Keith Betton & Mark Avery
This is a slightly smaller and slimmer sequel to ‘Behind the Binoculars’, produced by the same authors and published in 2015. It follows the same format – a series of structured though not identical interviews with a new selection of birding luminaries, the line-up this time comprising Frank Gardner, Ann and Tim Cleeves, Roy Dennis, Kevin Parr, Tony Marr, Tim Appleton, Tim Birkhead, Dawn Balmer, Jon Hornbuckle, Tony Juniper, Richard Porter, Bryan Bland, Carol and Tim Inskipp, Barbara Young and Bill Oddie.
The interviewees are therefore a highly diverse group, including leaders not only in birdwatching but also in the worlds of of ornithology, conservation, writing, broadcasting, politics, entertainment and management. But though diverse, they share one notable attribute - all are acknowledged achievers. It was humbling to read of pionering birding exploits in India and the Middle East, the Osprey and Red Kite conservation success stories, the birth of the Birdfair, the production of the BTO Atlas and much more besides.
The personalities revealed here are of course well known. I know several of them well so it was fascinating to read of their past lives as well as their contemporary contributions. The interviews place a particularly sharp focus on these important formative years and it is noteworthy that most of the interviewees developed their interest early and were able to nurture it with supportive peers and a more relaxed attitude to the outdoors than that which prevails today.
The interviews therefore chart the development of some often very long birdwatching careers but they also explore their subjects’ personal motivations. In the process, many of the interviewees reveal other fascinating sides to their lives which have nothing to do with birds but which bring a welcome balance and perspective. Indeed one of the interviewees (the award-winning writer Ann Cleeves) professes to have no interest in birds at all.
Published: Oct 2017 - Pelagic Publishling
Hardback - 228 pages
ISBN: 9781784271091
Price: £16.99
There are of course a myriad light touches and entertaining anecdotes, not least the claim of baboons on the Falkland Islands and the account of drag racing on the drive of The Lodge. The photographs, many featuring their subjects at an early age, also provide some potential for amusement. But there is more here than light entertainment. Taken together, the interviews constitute a surprisingly revealing and valuable record of the history of birdwatching, ornithology and conservation. The challenge is on for today’s younger generation of birdwatchers to follow in their footsteps. What will they go on to achieve? Perhaps the authors can interview them one day and let us know.
Andy Stoddart
31 October 2017
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