Naturalist Jake Page's fine literary collection of essays, "Songs to Birds," offers thoughtful observations with a keen wit on specific species as well as certain behavioral characteristics. Particularly interesting are the essays on the ill-fated introduction of the European starling into North America, the calculating and deceitful nature of gulls, how zebra finches choose their mates, the songs and calls of birds, and how the author and his wife nurtured nestling chimney swifts. Fascinating details about birds and thought-provoking insights into the broader aspects of the natural world are a winning combination. Wesley W. Bates' exquisite engraving-style illustrations add a touch of grace, and the rich cream-coloured, linen-finish pages provide a nice tactile element to this rewarding reading experience. ( )

This is a pleasant collection of essays revolving around the author's experiences with birds. While courting his wife Mr. Page was introduced to birding and remained a lifelong fan. He includes history, environmental awareness and empathy when pondering the plight of the chimney swiflets who tumbled into his fireplaceand to the eagle chick ritually captured to survey an Indian village. New facts and observations are woven into Page's Songs to Birds, so that even the most seasoned birder will come away with something new. ( )