Award-winning ornithologist and wildlife biologist John C. Robinson has introduced thousands of people all over the world to the joys of bird watching for nearly thirty years. In his latest title, Birding for Everyone, Encouraging People of Color to Become Birdwatchers, he encourages the appreciation of nature through birding. John also explores the curious lack of a minority presence in the birding community and offers new solutions for changing the face of conservation through birding.
Though the National Survey on Recreation and the Environment reports that 82 million enthusiasts enjoy bird watching, a closer look at the demographics reveal a disturbing lack of diversity in terms of race. The phrase "I've never met a black birdwatcher before" has echoed throughout Robinson's career since 1979, but his concern surrounds a larger trend -- few minorities are connected to nature.
As the U.S. population continues to diversify, minority involvement in environmental issues will become ever more vital to long-term conservation efforts and the preservation of the earth's natural resources. Rejecting the myth that minority groups have no interest in birds and the outdoors, John addresses multiple reasons for the relative absence of minorities among birders and calls for a renewed focus on support for outreach and recruitment programs in urban areas.
In Birding for Everyone, John C. Robinson also shares his personal life experiences as a natural history tour guide, reveals how he fell in love with birds and the college course that changed everything. He explains how role models, mentors and involved adults can help open new worlds, such as bird watching, to young people, especially those for whom nature may not be instinctively considered.
Readers will develop a basic knowledge of birds (including their distinctive songs), learn to identify birds using John's inside secret tips, discover birding festivals and tours, find online bird watching resources, read interviews with minority birders and about how to connect with mentors and other birders around the world.
Birding for Everyone is a fun and engaging read that encourages birders and the birding industry to unite in supporting global efforts to ensure that our natural resources remain available for generations to come. This book can help readers of all ages learn to appreciate the need for conservation while celebrating bird watching and our natural, diverse world.
