Ep. 168 : Peterson Field Guide to North American Bird Nests with Casey McFarland

In 1975, Hal H. Harrison wrote the Peterson Field Guide to Eastern Birds’ Nests. In 1979 he wrote the Western guide. I have my copy of Eastern Birds’ Nests on the primary bird shelf (there are two shelves) beside Bird Feathers by S. David Scott and Casey McFarland. Now, Casey McFarland, Matthew Monjello & David Moskowitz have come together to revamp the Peterson Field Guide to Bird Nests. In one (kinda thick) package they managed to fit descriptions of over 650 bird species along with beautiful high quality photos of many examples of the varied avian architectures discussed. This one has a small name change too: Peterson Field Guide to North American Bird Nests Casey McFarland joined me for a great conversation on what it took to make the book happen. We discuss the legacy Hal H. Harrisons work and how his book inspired a lot of what Casey, Matt, and David wrote, but also they were determined to find new practices that weren’t as invasive in their search for beautiful shots of nests and eggs.  We spoke about varied bird ecologies and place-based, habitat considerations birds participate within to best protect and rear their young. From bird nests, to the Cyber tracker evaluation process’, to an encounter with a Bobcat while searching out nests on the Rio Grande, Casey shares his passion for tracking the wild, and deepening his understanding of the world around him. all the while sharing that enthusiasm and curiosity with others through his work along the way. Shout outs to Matt Monjello and David Moskowitz who could not be apart of the interview. I hope, someday in the near future, our paths will cross and I can ask them all about their projects, their joys and experiences in writing this great new book. Additional information: Peterson Field Guide to North American Bird Nests Casey McFarland.net David Moskowitz.net An experimental demonstration that house finches add cigarette butts in response to ectoparasites