Open this book, and upon reading just a few pages, you will be fascinated! Young and old alike will be delighted by the stories it contains. You will want to go out to look and learn about birds firsthand.

Bird watching usually involves trying to get the binoculars focused on your target, which disappears out of sight all too soon. The photos in the book are clear and close-up so the subjects are easily identified. No cheating by reading the caption! Try hard to guess first. Then look up the colored pictures of the same bird in a field guide. Just as you finish looking at a picture, not quite as interesting as before, there will be several in a row you will enjoy, observing the way the bird sits - or moves that you may not have noticed before.

As I use my binoculars out the kitchen window or as I slowly wander the property, I see what I haven't seen before while watching birds. A Fascination for Feathers coaxed me to look closer. One look at the owl's face on the cover of the book, and you too will be reaching for your field guide and binoculars in searchof your own stories.

I received this book in the mail ages ago... It is not a murder mystery but a pick up and read in small doses. So I have read lots of it. 

Connie came to writing this book on a journey with lots of turns. Part of the journey was reading a bird column in the local paper. When the author could no longer write the column due to health problems, she convinced the paper to let her write a similar friendly column. When she stopped writing for the paper she wanted to continue her contact with her readers and she started a monthly newsletter Birds in Our Backyards.

Her book, A Fascination for Feathers, is a collection of observations and information gathered over the years from her own experience and from her comments from readers.

For instance, she tracked down the rumor (that is a fact in some people's eyes) that hummingbirds ride on the backs of geese to migrate. The rumor started in the 1800s and it is still making the rounds. How else could those little hummingbirds go to Central America? Read the book to find out who started the rumor and how one hummingbird flew on the back of a big silver goose (inside a commercial airliner) to Florida.

The book is full of information and suggestions and experiences collected over many years by Connie and reported to her by friends and readers.

Whoa! Fourteen bushtits just flew to my suet feeder. I've been a birdwatcher for almost forty years and I never tire of seeing bushtits as they hurry about like Alice's rabbit with an important date, no time to say hello, goodbye, just time to stop briefly for a quick bite of suet and then hurrying on their way because they're late, late. It's the last day of the Great Backyard Bird Count and the bushtits will be a nice addition to my list.

Just as the bushtits hurry off to their important date, a young male Pileated woodpecker has stopped by for his daily repast. It's safe to say that I have a fascination for feathers, which also happens to be the title of a book I recently read, "A Fascination for Feathers" written by Connie Thompson. Connie lives in Michigan's Upper Peninsula with her husband, Pat. Her book is not aimed at bird experts, but for those casual and non birders intrigued with birds. It's a compilation of anecdotes, personal experiences, and stories, from avid birdwatchers as well as from novies becoming aware of the outdoor world of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The collection in part is gleaned from the weekly column Connie wrote for the Sault Ste. Marie newspaper on the lore of birdwatching. The beauty of her column was that she attracted a readership of non birdwatchers that not only looked forward to her column but wrote to her about their experiences with the bird world.

I envy Connie for the forum her weekly column presented to reach out every week to introduce the people of the Upper Peninsula to the emissaries of the bird world to remind them just how beautiful and extraordinary their part of the world is. Through her column, and now her book, Connie draws in the community at large to realize and understand the positive aspect birds play in our lives. 

Some time ago, I had the good fortune to receive an unsolicited complimentary copy of a new book release. I'm not usually a big fan of anything unsolicited, but this book turned out to be a lot of fun to read. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is a comfortable and high-spirited read. I don't mean it is full of action, though there are some exciting stories, but rather high-spirited inthe sense that as I read this book I was reminded that there are people out there who seem to live life and engage the people around them with an unceasing high spirit. Ms. Thompson's book is filled with short stories and anecdotes and curious birdwatchers who turned to her for answers to a thousand unique questions. Be sure to find this book so you can share her passion for birds and people. 

 Looking for a bit of spring break or bedtime reading? How about a little something for Mother's Day or Father's Day? This softbound compilation (A Fascination for Feathers by Connie M. Thompson) doesn't take up much room in your suitcase or tote, but it provides plenty of birding vignettes to intrigue and entertain. You may have read Connie's "Crabby Mom" piece about Sandhill Cranes in the November 2011 Goldfinch newsletter. Thompson lives and watches birds in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. She wrote a regular birding column for several years. She does not claim scientific credentials, but shares her love of wild creatures, especilly birds, and her willingness to stop what she'd doing to observe and learn.

Thompson covers topics from perches and predator guards on bird houses (Pet Peeves) to trying to drive her truck through two Turkey hens and their twelve poults (Turkey Herding) to de-bunking Hummingbird myths (Hummingbirds Fly South in More Than One Way). There's something here for everyone. 

This easy-to-read book contains no less than 122 short stories about the experiences of the author and others living in Northern Michigan. Connie Thompson was a writer for The Evening News based in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan for many years. Since 2005 she has continued to write about birds and their antics in a monthly four-page newsletter called Birds in Our Backyards. The book contains over eighty nice black-and-white photographs. A Fascination for Feathers makes for fun reading about birds and birding in one of the country's best birding locations.

FHB 

 I thoroughly enjoyed your book and have put a review of it on our Chippewa Valley Aududon Club's blog: Here is the link to view it:  www.cvacmi.org/cvac/node/91

 Connie Thompson of Dafter, in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, is the writer of a monthly email newsletter, Birds in Our Backyards, and has recently published a book, A Fascination for Feathers.

After moving to a small house on 40 acres, her rediscovery of and fascination with birds began. She remembers her grandfather, who tended to his feeders and kept binoculars and a bird guide by his chair, showing her, with purpose and patience, the male and female Cardinal in his guide after Connie observed the stunning red bird at the feeder. She says she's not a bird expert and her writing doesn't get heady and overly scientific. In fact, she's rather chatty and personal. Her book is filled with both endearing and out of the ordinary adventures with birds, anecdotes, informative and instructive pieces, and both her own and her readers' observations of birds.

Connie and her duck hunting (not poaching) husband love and live birds in their everyday lives throughout the seasons. They are surrounded by nature up there in the north and birds are ever present and engaging. Rescuing a tangled up Great Horned Owl from a soccer net, observing American Bitterns taking advantage of temporary flooding and unexpected food opportunities, or a ruffed grouse that entered their home by crashing through a window, unscathed, don't seem out of the ordinary for them. Scooping up fallen birds and warming them to prevent shock provides a helpful human intervention as well as an opportunity to be up close and observant.

Feeding birds and providing water in harsh weather conditions has its challenges and Connie shares hints and strategies, such as a way to refill a feeder without leaving the warm house. Clever, to send seed through a tube from the window to the feeder! I particularly enjoyed Connie's description of the birds at Christmas time "gazing in wonder at the gaily decorated Blue Spruce tree" with strings of popcorn and cranberries, hanging pinecones filled with peanut butter treasure, and skewered bits of apples and oranges scattered among the branches. She indulges her visiting birds and has a wonderful time loving them.

 I just had to call and say how much I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I don't read many novels anymore, but I found A Fascination for Feathers to be wonderful and the best thing that I have read in ages!

 I am enjoying your book very much (as is my Pops). Your writing is in a wonderful style for fun reading!

I received your book and have enjoyed reading it the last few days. Your book is full of interesting information and anecdotes that remind us that there is more to birding than checking off birds on a checklist. Thanks again for sending it.

"A Fascination for Feathers" is far removed from books I normally read, but I found that it was easily read, provided ample information concerning numerous bird species of interest and instilled excitement from past memories."

I wanted to let you know that I am really enjoying your book, A Fascination for Feathers. I have become an avid birdwatcher now. We have lots of opportunities here on the St. Mary's River for different types of birds.

I wanted to share with you how I have been learning more from your book. I have an iPad and last week I purchased the Audubon app for it. I can look up birds by name, shape, family, or just browse. Once I find the bird, there is the typical information you would find in a bird book, but also several recorded songs and calls for each bird.

So when I read about a bird in your yard, I then look it up on the iPad and learn about it and begin looking for it in our yard. It has really slowed down my reading speed but I am learning so much from your book with this added dimension.

I just read your piece on Beautiful Appointments. I loved it. It reminded me of a line from a Pilgrim at Tinker Creek by Annie Dillard. Her statement (I can't remember exactly) was how nature is changing so we have to savor each minute because it changes quickly. I have thought of that often when I am tempted to hurry past something beautiful and also to enjoy even the flowers on the side of the road.

  I've read Connie's new book and it is fascinating. Many interesting and funny stories of bird experiences from different people in the EUP.

 A Review:

The title, A Fascination for Feathers, provides a hint to the enthusiasm with which Connie Thompson conveys her interesting observations and love of the birds of the upper Michigan Peninsula (UP).

For several years, Connie wrote a weekly column about birds for The Evening News in Sault Ste. Marie, MI where she shared information about the birds that visit her UP home in the woods and nearby environs. Many of her columns are included in the book, along with letter she received from readers about their own sightings. In one of her columns she wrote, "I hope to convey the sense of wonder that I continually feel when birding in our area." She easily accomplishes that goal.

It was interesting for me to read about birds that I have seen only a few times - and some that I have not yet been fortunate to observe - the specialities of the UP. She is lucky to have Great Gray Owls visit her yard during many winters and conveys her intimate knowledge of their habits. Other 'yard birds' that she shares with her readers include Ruffed Grouse, Northern Shrike, Pileated Woodpecker, Pine Grosbeak and Northern Goshawk, in addition to the more common Black-capped chickadee and Red-breasted nuthatch.

It was clear from the readers' letters she included that her enthusiasm for birds is infectious and she has helped people see and appreciate the birds that are all around them. Her book will continue this mission.

Fascination for Feathers is a 'must read' for anyone living or visiting Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Since that area is on my birding 'bucket list' I will keep using it as a reference tool when I am finally able to make the trip. In the meantime, I will share it with birding friends who hail from northern Michigan and nearby areas.

 I just have to tell you how fantastic your book is. I'm getting to the age where I prefer to read only for short periods of time. Your book is so easy to just pick up and read anytime you like. I chuckled quite a bit at the bird stories and it was so very informative. It was all around enjoyable and I sure am glad that we got a copy!

 A Fascination for Feathers by Connie Thompson is an easy book to pick up, read some, dash off to do some bird watching, fill the feeders, and come back to read some more. Ms. Thompson became a writer of a weekly newspaper column about birds when the former writer 'retired.' She admits that she is no expert, but has gathered stories, observations, bird tales, etc. from her own experience and those shared by her readers that will fulfill your 'fascination for feathers.' Even though the birds are from the Upper Michigan peninsula, we have much in common. Whether it is the turkey peeping in the living room window, a Pileated Woodpecker digging a hole in a log to get at grubs in a rotten stump, an Osprey, or a "dad" Sandhill Crane diverting attention from the mother and colt, the book holds something for everyone. Although I read it in the summer, it would be a great book to have during winter when it is more difficult to get your fill of birding. Grab a cup of tea (or coffee or your favorite beverage), open the book and it is like sitting down to do some sharing of tales about the one (bird) that got away. Grab this book and you won't be disappointed."

My name is Brenda Little, and I've proved myself to be as slow a reader as I warned you. I placed your book (A Fascination for Feathers) beside my bed and read a page or two each night before falling asleep. I finished it this past week, and I have a compliment to give you. I was sorry when I read the last page. I wanted the book to go on.

As I looked at the photos of the crafts you produce, I wished to be able to shop for them in our area.

Tonight I am taking my copy to the first meeting of the new year for Daviess County Audubon Society in Owensboro, KY. I plan to pass the book along to others in our chapter.

Also weekend after next, I plan to attend the bi-annual meeting of the Kentucky Audubon Council in Elizabethtown, KY where I plan to pass along word of your book especially to any of the chapters who did not happen to receive a copy.

Our chapter President, Judy Adams, has told me that she plans to use selections from your book about Sandhill Cranes in our newsletter, The Goldfinch. There is great controversy here in Kentucky at this time as procedures are taking place to allow the hunting of Sandhill Cranes. Before we use any of your words, we will certainly get your permission and will give you credit for any of your words we use.

Thank you for thinking of us (the Kentucky Audubon) as you promote your book.

Yours, Brenda

Hi Connie,

I really did enjoy your book full of bird factoids and interesting stories. I started a "column" in our newsletter with your "book report". If you care to read it go to our site: bigbluestemaudubon.org then to Newsletters, Current Newsletter, on the 3rd page. (synapsis below)

Gary

"A Fascination for Feathers"

By Connie M Thompson

Submitted by Gary Erbes

"Connie is a bird-watcher, journalist and photographer who lives in UP Michigan. She conveys many observations and snippets of adventures with birds in her neighborhood. She had written a weekly newspaper column and shares many stories from her birding readers. Connie has an easy-to-read style and sprinkles in interesting bird factoids. One of my favorites was the explanation of how perching birds sleep without falling out of trees. They have a special tendon in their feet that unlatches when they lift their weight up. She also throws in thoughtful advice such as, "The day we stop trying to learn is the first day that we start to die." Connie has many of her black and white photos scattered throughout. My favorite subject is the Great Gray Owl, which brings back to me good memories of a past birding trip. In think you will enjoy this collection of short unrelated tales. Her writing enabled me to remember many similar experiences that I and family or friends have had, enjoying birds and nature."

"A Fascination for Feathers" is a compilation of "observations, tales and recollections about birds" as stated by the author in her face page. Nicely bound, it is a 240 page paperback. The front and back pages are very colorful. Interior photos (of which there are many) are black and white images.

Sharing of experiences by her readers via e-mail, letter and photos submitted helped to make all of this a fun experience for her. At the urging of family and friends, she has combined these vignettes (hers and others) into this resulting book.

These writings are from Upper Michigan yet most of the birds can be found in our locale. She presents them in a chatty, newsy manner I found enjoyable for the most part. The twelfth chapter contained a few paragraphs delightfully described as "Christmas day at the Thompson's." This in particular is a very lovely visualization to which any of us could easily relate. It depicts a Christmas morning with a dusting of snow on the ground and in the air sparkling with the sun. One pine tree stood proudly laden with a variety of treats for the birds and the animals. One by one they came to partake of their favorite.

I consider this a charming book which could find its place next to your favorite armchair.

I just love this adorable bird book that you wrote! The stories are interesting and told exactly as though you are talking to me. I feel you in the room when I'm reading this. Congratulations on a terrific little book.

Book Review

A Fascination for Feathers

by Connie M. Thompson

This book is a pleasant read for those who like to "nibble" on birding vignettes. It is not a book to consult for greater technical knowledge about birds, nor is it a "page-turner" with a story and timeline. Rather, it is best placed on the kitchen table for short reads between pieces of morning toast, or something to be read aloud - in small segments - by a passenger while you are on a road trip.

The author has compiled over several years, her observations, tales, and recollections of bird encounters of the eastern Upper Peninsula. Some stories are self-discoveries from her journal; others are nuggets from people in the region who either know her or have read her local newspaper column.

I just finished reading "A Fascination for Feathers" which consisted of observations, tales, and recollections about birds by Connie M. Thompson and I did find it interesting. It's a book that has a little bit of information for most bird watchers including the novice. This is especially true if you're from Michigan - what she calls "God's Country."

Connie didn't start out as a bird watcher, but when she moved to an area that was inundated with nature and lots of birds, it awakened her love of these creatures. She started sharing her sightings with others and in time became a writer of a column about birds in a local newspaper.

This book covers not only her observations but lots of stories and tidbits from her readers. It also contains numerous black and white photographs. I enjoyed reading the book.

 Book Review: A Fascination for Feathers by Connie M. Thompson

Connie M. Thompson's paperback is a simply-told memoir of her birding life in the Eastern U.P. with good personal photographs and anecdotes interspersed with fascinating facts (did you know that in one day a nighthawk can consume over 500 mosquitoes or 2,175 flying ants?). The chapters are broken down into short sub-chapters, making for a great book to read at leisure. This book would make a nice gift for your birding friends and I recommend it for an occasionally poetic, enjoyable read.

 Ms. Thompson, who wrote a weekly bird column for a newspaper in the U.P. of Michigan, has compiled a collection of her own observations and those of her readers on bird activities in the area. For anyone with an interest in birds (and there are many of us), this makes for a good read. In many cases the anecdotes make us recall similar experiences we have had, and others are completely new. The author, by her own observations, has been able to gather a great deal of insight into bird behavior, and has imparted that to her audience.

It seems that the U.P. is a great place for winter birds, particularly those on the large side, and sightings of Goshawk, Ruffed Grouse, and Great Gray Owl tend to make us envious. Then in the summer they have Sandhill Cranes! More to envy.

One of the most interesting stories from my perspective, was that of finding a Great Gray Owl nest, but the three youngsters were all on the ground, and being fed there. It would seem that they should still have been in the nest.

If you like anecdotes and birding, the book "A Fascination for Feathers" is right for you. Connie & Pat Thompson have dedicated quite some time to collect really interesting facts and curious anecdotes about birds and birding in general. After moving to Michigan's Upper Peninsula and getting a job at a local newspaper writing a column about birding, Connie Thompson was able to share her knowledge to other people interested in birding and wanting to learn more about it. When she quit that job, she continued writing a monthly newsletter Birds in Our Backyards. This, she feels, is her way to give back to the community. With her husband Pat, Connie enjoys the outdoors and lives so close to it, that sometimes it comes crashing in her living room (you will need to read the book to find out about this).

The book itself is very easy reading because what Connie did was compiled some of the stories that have been published in the newsletter, and added some of her personal stories. Many birders or just people that like nature and birds, would enjoy reading stories about how sometimes we fall in love with certain birds, while we might dislike others, or everything there is to know about the pileated woodpecker. Suggesions about how to properly approach birds or how to set up a feeder in your backyard are also found in the book. And sometimes Connie leaves us without the answer to an identification quesiton, creating a mystery around a particular bird that someone spotted but was unable to identify. Most of the pictures throughout the book are hers, and while looking at them, you'll have a chance at getting acquainted with the experiences of this avid birder. 

Enjoy!