Book Review: The Mindful Birder’s Journal, by Keith Paluso III

The Mindful Birder’s Journal: Record Your Observations of the Winged World

by Keith Paluso III

Publisher: Quarto Publishing Group, USA Inc.

160 page hardcover.

Release date: April 2, 2024

This slender little volume is extremely portable. It will fit easily into a purse or backpack, right next to any, um, other stashes you might have tucked away in there…

That’s a good thing, too, because you’ll want this book with you whenever you go birding. Very user friendly and accessible to those just starting out, it’s chock full of hints and guidelines. The “How to Use This Journal” section begins with “The Ten Minute Rule”, which will help you take your time and get your head right for observation and birding. “What You’ll Need” has helpful hints on tools and items and mindsets. “Birding Guidelines” has just that. The main body of the book is divided seasonally, with twenty four species listed. My favorite was the Chimney Swifts from the Spring section. I never knew that they could not perch, instead using claws and spiky tail feathers in order to cling to vertical walls like caves and (natch) chimneys. There’s a Resources for Further Study part, with free birding app, pages to “Sketch What You See”, a  place for mindful field notes and a two page “Life List” for species, locations and dates.

My verdict: 5 broomsticks.

About the Author

Keith Paluso III is a musician, naturalist and content creator from Memphis, Tennessee. He has an environmental biology degree from the University of Tennessee. He began birding during a career as a state park ranger. His social media platforms are on TikTok and Instagram @thisiskeithpaluso. He lives in Tennessee with his wife and family (which includes fur kids).

About the Reviewer

Weyland Smith is an eclectic solitaire wytch from New Jersey. He is a columnist and storyteller for Pagan Pages. Wey can be reached at [email protected]