The Big Year

A Tale of Man, Nature, and Fowl Obsession

By: Mark Obmascik, Mark Obmascik - introduction

Narrated by: Oliver Wyman

A classic in the making -- an account of the biggest year in birdwatching history.

In the USA, some 50 million people lay claim to being bird-watchers or “birders,” spending billions of dollars on birding-related travel and membership fees every year. A select, and utterly obsessed, few compete in one of the world’s quirkiest contests -- the race to spot the most species in North America in a single year. And 1998 wasn’t just a big year. It was the biggest. The Big Year is Pulitzer Prize-winner Mark Obmascik’s account of what was to become the greatest birding year of all time.

It was freak weather conditions that ensured all previous records were broken, but what becomes clear within the pages of this classic portrait of obsession is that while our feathered friends may be the objective of the Big Year competition, it’s the curious activities and behavioural patterns of the pursuing “homo sapiens” that are the real cause for concern. It is a contest that reveals much of the human character in extremes. Such are the author’s powers of observation that he brilliantly brings to life and gets under the skin of these extraordinary, eccentric and obsessive birders while empathizing with and eventually succumbing to the all-consuming nature of their obsession. The result is a wonderfully funny, acutely observed classic to rank alongside the best of Bill Bryson.©2004 Mark Obmascik; (P)2004 Random House, Inc., Random House Audio, a division of Random House, Inc.

I choose this book on a lark (get it?)

I'm not a birder. In fact I didn't even know such people existed. At first I wasn't sure I was going to like this book, but the competition drew me it, and by the end of the book I wanted more. I recommend this book whether you are a birder or not. It's very entertaining and educational. Since I read this, I have gone out and bought my first pair of binoculars. Now if only I knew what a lark looked like.

Delightfully Entertaining

As a new birdwatcher, I enjoyed this story of birdwatching gone wild--and look forward to a hobby that offers so many joys beyond identifying a bird. I also recommend Red Tails in Love.

Ultra Birding - Competive Bird Watching

This book was a joy. The three main characters travel the country, ignore family and friends, stump through swamps, and end up deathly sick on an island in the North Pacific. They endure all sorts of physical indignities to be the one to see the most birds in a "Big Year", the bird watchers' equivalent of a transcontinental running race or world football championship. The author does an excellent job describing the quirks of the trio of hard core competitors and highlighting their personal quest to see over 700 North American birds in a year. While you learn something about birds, you learn much more about competitive spirit and what it takes to be the best birder in the USA. The day after I read this I took my camera to a nature reserve in MA and looked for birds to start my quest as a birder. I saw one old goose, only about 736 more to go!

A Perennial Favorite

What did you like about this audiobook?

Admittedly, I saw the movie, and my random attention to birds became an impassioned hobby. (75 ID'd species in two months, still counting) I stepped into this audiobook knowing full well it would likely have less "drama" than Hollywood's version, but, conversely, it had it's own color, humor, and informative yet engaging plot that kept me not only listening, but listening again. Because of this audio book, I purchased the printed one as well. I really enjoy Oliver Wyman's reading style, easy on the ears, funny, touching, a good "actor" in his own right. Unlike many outdoor hobbies, this one, birding, changes faces each season. And as you get to know the characters in this book, you've a slightly quirky, but earnest, group of colleagues to 'take along' with you. As for the movie? It states in opening credits, laughingly, "This is a true story, only the facts have been changed". If it inspired thousands to go on to read the book, pick up binoculars and start birding, then it's all good. Besides, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology gave the movie a good review. This audiobook rocks. I hope you enjoy it too.

How has the book increased your interest in the subject matter?

Absolutely.

Did not finish

The book start as others do, by setting the scene. And continues endlessly; well at least to where I gave it a pass.
Environmentalists will find it ironic that a bird lovers would fly to Alaska from New England,contributing to air pollution, to see one bird.