Book Review - Loon Lessons - James D. Paruk - University of Minnesota Press

     My normal practice is to review books sent to me by Princeton University Press, but having read this volume I could hardly wait to give you my verdict. I was just so taken with it.

     I did some research into the author, hitherto unknown to me, and I can say without fear of contradiction that James Paruk is one of the leading authorities in the world on loons, and it may not be hyperbolic to assign him first place. Paruk is an impeccable scientist who has paid his dues in the field, spending long hours at night capturing loons, often out on the open ocean under less than ideal conditions, even rescuing a colleague, drowning in icy water.

     Furthermore he has displayed that rare ability of a dedicated, rational scientist, who is able to present facts, while still permitting the reader a glimpse into the psyche of someone who simply loves loons, and one is never left in doubt that these two values do not need to collide.

     And facts there are aplenty! By the time you have finished this book there is nothing that you will not know about the current state of loon research, all exquisitely laid out for you in an easily accessible way. If you have never had one shred of scientific training, fear not! You will understand every word.

     Here in Ontario, we tend to think of the Common Loon (Gavia immer) as "our" bird; our dollar coin features a loon and is colloquially called a "loonie."

Many of us have thrilled to the sound of loons yodeling across a northern lake when we have spent a weekend at a cottage. Those sounds you hear have many different meanings, but all signal the very notion of wilderness. 

     Paruk has captured all of this, and clearly understands the response of humans to this primal call of nature, so rooted in antiquity, but accessible to us all.

     Loons are threatened in many ways, all related to human interference with their habitat, food supply, water quality and so forth. Learn what you can do to help in ways based on science not on the immediate reaction to human emotion. Often what seems right may not be what is needed to protect and enhance loon populations.

     For every birder who seeks to understand the birds he or she is seeing; for those for whom the quest goes beyond ticking off the species, this book should be essential reading. Rush out and buy it now!

     It has been a long time since a book has impressed me this much, and I would hate you to miss out on the pleasure it brings.

Loon Lessons - University of Minnesota Press

Author: James D. Paruk    ISBN: 9781517909406

221 pages - 26 full colour illustrations 

Published: 2021