Birdwatcher – The Life of Roger Tory Peterson
By Elizabeth J RosenthalA review by Alan Davies and Ruth MillerRoger Tory Peterson is a veritable legend, a man who perhaps more than any other has made modern birding what it is today. So great has his influence been over so many birders, that when we were invited to review this biography by Elizabeth Rosenthal, we were excited to have the chance to learn more about the man behind the legend.Immediately upon its arrival, this substantial book of over 430 pages held our attention.  From his photo on the front cover, Roger Tory Peterson looks straight out at you as he works in the field on a sketch of shorebirds, and it feels almost as though he’s talking to you from the rest of the book. This in-depth and insightful book is packed with verbatim comments and conversations from people who knew him through all aspects of his life. These provide a detailed commentary as this book takes you by the hand and leads you through his truly remarkable life, from his formative years right through the heights of his career to his last years, though the word ‘retirement’ seems quite inappropriate for such a perennially active man.  Roger Tory Peterson was still enjoying photographing birds and butterflies right up until his death in 1996.As the book progresses, you build a picture of a man who is driven, focused, and attentive to detail; who is fascinated not just by birds, but by all aspects of nature; a talented artist and skilled photographer; a natural teacher who could not help but share his knowledge with others and who was fortunate enough to make a career out of his passion. Elizabeth Rosenthal’s own compassion for this clever and complex man shines through the narrative of her researched and detailed account of Roger Tory Peterson’s life. She is not afraid to cover his personal faults and foibles either, so that by the end of the book you have the sense that you really know the great man known as the ‘King Penguin’.The central section of black-and-white and colour photos really bring the book to life, showing Roger Tory Peterson at work in the field and in his studio with sketchbook and camera, as well as with some of the many people who shared his life, including his wives Barbara and Virginia, and his good friend, James Fisher.The adventure of the two ‘boys’, ‘Wild America’, as Roger Tory Peterson and James Fisher travelled together across the States on a road trip revelling in all aspects of the natural world they encountered, is a seminal piece of travel and nature writing.  It inspired Kenn Kaufman’s own travels along the ‘Kingbird Highway’ around America, which was itself an inspiration for our own adventure, The Biggest Twitch. Having absorbed both these books from cover to cover, it was fascinating to read about this great adventure across the wild areas of America from the point of view of Roger Tory Peterson and James Fisher.  Their shared passion for the wildlife they encountered and the pleasure they took in each other’s company flows out of the Wild America narrative, and is confirmed by Elizabeth Rosenthal’s account of their incredible road trip.It is fascinating, too, to read the short sections on other prominent birders such as Kenn Kaufman and Pete Dunne who were influenced by the great man.  All proclaim how their personal development as expert and passionate birders was based on the firm foundation of Roger Tory Peterson’s knowledgeable but accessible articles and field guides.  From his informative writing, his superb illustrations and ground-breaking field guide techniques, is there truly any one individual who has had such an incredible influence on the world of birding that we know and enjoy today?From the very opening pages to the comprehensive index at the end, this book, now out in paperback, is a thorough account and opens a wide window onto Roger’s life.  For anyone wishing to learn more about the remarkable life of the ‘King Penguin’, this book is an absolute must-read.  Thank you, Elizabeth, for bringing Roger Tory Peterson into all our homes. Visit www.petersonbird.com for more information about this wonderful book.