Bird of Life, Bird of Death: A Naturalist's Journey Through a Land of Political Turmoil

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Summary: the tragedy and wonder of Central American birding
Review: Maslow does a fine job of presenting his quest for the the magnificent quetzal, legendary bird of the Mayans. The book chronicles not only his search for the bird and aspects of its natural history, but presents encounters with many other birds of Central America as well. Home to some wondrous birds in the almost magical rain forests, Maslow shows though that the avifauna and the land they inhabit is threatened by instable politics, unchecked population growth, and deforestation. A must read for any interested in birds south of the border.

Rating:
Summary: Captured the time and place
Review: Maslow makes the reality of Guatemala in chaos both achingly plain and somehow funny at the same time. His political views are a subtext to a panorama of human and natural history. Very acute observations by someone who had to be crazy to pursue the quetzal into the Highlands and survive. One of the best books I have read in a while; I couldn't put it down.

Rating:
Summary: Captured the time and place
Review: Maslow makes the reality of Guatemala in chaos both achingly plain and somehow funny at the same time. His political views are a subtext to a panorama of human and natural history. Very acute observations by someone who had to be crazy to pursue the quetzal into the Highlands and survive. One of the best books I have read in a while; I couldn't put it down.