Birding to Change the World: A Memoir

4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars | 54 ratings

Price: 22.04

Last update: 12-23-2024


About this item

In this uplifting memoir, a professor and activist shares what birds can teach us about life, social change, and protecting the environment.

Trish O’Kane is an accidental ornithologist. In her nearly two decades writing about justice as an investigative journalist, she'd never paid attention to nature. But then Hurricane Katrina destroyed her New Orleans home, sending her into an emotional tailspin.

Enter a scrappy cast of feathered characters—first a cardinal, urban parrots, and sparrows, then a catbird, owls, a bittern, and a woodcock—that cheered her up and showed her a new path. Inspired, O'Kane moved to Madison, Wisconsin, to pursue an environmental studies PhD. There she became a full-on bird obsessive—logging hours in a stunningly biodiverse urban park, filling field notebooks with bird doings and dramas, and teaching ornithology to college students and middle-school kids.

When Warner Park—her daily birdwatching haven—was threatened with development, O’Kane and her neighbors mustered a mighty murmuration of nature lovers, young and old, to save the birds' homes. Through their efforts, she learned that once you get outside and look around, you're likely to fall in love with a furred or feathered creature—and find a flock of your own.

In Birding to Change the World, O'Kane details the astonishing science of bird life, from migration and parenting to the territorial defense strategies that influenced her own activism. A warm and compelling weave of science and social engagement, this is the story of an improbably band of bird lovers who saved their park. And it is a blueprint for muscular citizenship, powered by joy.


Top reviews from the United States

  • Pamela Lowell
    5.0 out of 5 stars Heartfelt fascinating book about birding and so much more!
    Reviewed in the United States on June 9, 2024
    This was an incredible book about Trish’s journey from war-zone reporter in Guatemala to her devastating loss of her home and community after Hurricane Katrina, to her burgeoning interest in birding, social activism and healing through community. As a birder, I learned so many interesting facts about birds that I never knew, as a trauma therapist, I admired her ability to connect with others and persevere. As an environmentalist (and author myself) I loved her ability to show not tell about the actions she took to make significant changes in her world. I cried during her descriptions of working with her middle schoolers in a young naturalist program she founded! I loved her writing about black folks, poor neighborhoods, and J. Drew Lanham. This is a book not to be missed. It’s for birders naturalists, social activists, and those of us who love our natural world but at times feel despondent about how to help. Small local changes help us feel empowered and connected. The best book I’ve read this year, and possibly the best book about birding I’ve read in my lifetime.
  • Adrienne van der Valk
    5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant Storytelling, Important Message
    Reviewed in the United States on June 13, 2024
    This author manages to do something very difficult with her book: Weave important social messages into an incredible narrative that neither condescends to the reader nor beats you over the head with her beliefs. It is a beautifully and expertly told story that doesn't sugarcoat a single gory detail and yet leaves you feeling empowered. I finished it feeling like I could take a piece of what I learned and use it to make my small corner of the world a more just and compassionate place. It literally changed the way I see my neighborhood, my city, and even my backyard. Whether you are a nature lover or someone overcoming a major life obstacle, like the author, you need this book in your hands!
  • Sportsgal
    5.0 out of 5 stars A fabulous read.
    Reviewed in the United States on March 23, 2024
    This new release, by Trish O’Kane, is her memoir and it is absolutely riveting. In one section, Trish relives her experiences living through the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. They are painful and moving to read and brought tears to my eyes. Throughout the book, Trish’s advocacy and social justice shines. Her love of birds and their natural habitat are inspirational. This book is one we all need to read!!
  • Mary Kalinoski
    5.0 out of 5 stars book
    Reviewed in the United States on September 17, 2024
    The book arrived on the expected date and in very good condition. I have just started reading it and it is good so far. Anticipate full enjoyment of the memoir. I am a backyard birder and enjoy them at my feeders summer and winter. Thank you.
  • melody carrier
    5.0 out of 5 stars Birding to Change the World by Trish O'Kane. Excellent read.
    Reviewed in the United States on March 22, 2024
    I enjoyed the writing style. A personal memoir but with great info about being persistent in protecting habitat for birds and other animals. And great info about the hazards of fireworks on our natural world.
  • CSB
    5.0 out of 5 stars I'm For This Bird Book
    Reviewed in the United States on May 22, 2024
    This book has very good story telling in memoir form. It shows a gradual pivot in life vocation after losing one's home to Hurricane Katrina. Although I might not agree with this writer on some issues, we could sit down with a cup of tea and talk about birds. She taught me to pay more attention to feathered friends, who are so important to us and our mutual environment.
  • AyanaPB
    5.0 out of 5 stars My mom loves it.
    Reviewed in the United States on June 29, 2024
    She tells me how much she is enjoying this memoir every day, I’m looking forward to reading it after her.
  • deb
    5.0 out of 5 stars Well written
    Reviewed in the United States on March 6, 2024
    Great book.

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