A World on the Wing: The Global Odyssey of Migratory Birds

Written by:
Scott Weidensaul
Narrated by:
Mike Lenz

Unabridged Audiobook

Ratings
Book
4
Narrator
2
Release Date
March 2021
Duration
13 hours 24 minutes
Summary
In the past two decades, our understanding of the navigational and physiological feats that enable birds to cross immense oceans, fly above the highest mountains, or remain in unbroken flight for months at a stretch has exploded. What we've learned of these key migrations is nothing short of extraordinary.

Bird migration entails almost unfathomable endurance, like a sparrow-sized sandpiper that will fly nonstop from Canada to Venezuela-the equivalent of running 126 consecutive marathons without food, water, or rest-avoiding dehydration by 'drinking' moisture from its own muscles and organs, while orienting itself using the earth's magnetic field. Crossing the Pacific Ocean in nine days of nonstop flight, as some birds do, leaves little time for sleep, but migrants can put half their brains to sleep for a few seconds at a time, alternating sides-and their reaction time actually improves.

These and other revelations convey both the wonder of bird migration and its global sweep, from the mudflats of the Yellow Sea in China to the remote mountains of northeastern India to the dusty hills of southern Cyprus. This breathtaking work of nature writing also introduces listeners to those scientists, researchers, and bird lovers trying to preserve global migratory patterns in the face of climate change and other environmental challenges.
Reviews
Profile Avatar
Darylann C.

As a lifelong lover of birds, I feel privileged to have a further and deeper understanding of their incredible journeys! The gifts they possess, the tenacity are awe inspiring. My emotions ran the gamut - sometimes at once with hope and despair. Such beautiful creatures with such gifts. I would recommend this book to anybody who cares, loves, respects and enjoys birds. And frankly it wouldn’t hurt people without an understanding to have a good listen. It would open eyes to conditions that so many species of birds experience. It’s a very thorough exploration and through this book we get to tag along to hear of all the work that’s been done and continues. Also the narrator was very easy to listen to and I would happily listen to him again.

1 book added to cart
Subtotal
$24.99
View Cart