When I first took up bird watching many years ago, one of the first books I bought to learn more about it was a copy of Margaret Morse Nice’s 1939 classic “The Watcher at the Nest” (I’m nothing if not anachronistic). Among the many things I learned from reading it are counted two qualities that have largely defined my life as a naturalist ever since: an appreciation of taking the time to make careful observations of even the most common species in the most everyday surroundings, and a deep love for the classic books of natural history.
A remarkable scholar who followed an unconventional and exceptionally demanding path to the pinnacle of ornithology, the life and accomplishments of Margaret Morse Nice deserve far more attention than they are often now given. Fortunately, Dr. Marilyn Ogilvie’s recently published For the Birds; American Ornithologist Margaret Morse Nice brings to modern-day readers a carefully researched and very well written presentation of the pioneering accomplishments of this remarkable ground-breaking, glass ceiling shattering scientist and passionate advocate for women in the sciences.
“For the Birds gives Nice her due recognition, lending compelling insight into her activism promoting conservation and preservation, her field methods, and the role of women in the history of science, particularly in ornithology. Nice’s life acts as a looking glass into the various challenges faced by fellow female pioneers, their resolve, and their contributions.”
I’ve quoted the above paragraph from the University of Oklahoma Press’s web page for the book as I truly couldn’t have written a better one myself.
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