Owls Aren't Wise & Bats Aren't Blind: A Naturalist Debunks Our Favorite Fallacies About Wildlife

Natural history books abound, and it's hard at first blush to differentiate one from another at a bookstore or library. Understandably then, an author can be forgiven for trying (metaphorically) to set the hook by using a clever title. OK, so be it. That being conceded, what really sets this book apart is its effortless communication of profound knowledge, and its gracious and informed advocacy of the importance of the natural world. That is easier said then done, but Warner Shedd doesn't fall into the smarmy folly of the "Ain't Nature grand?" school on the one hand, or the neo-pagan crypto-mystics -- I name no names, though I am sorely tempted -- on the other.
The author speaks with authority, being farm-raised, later trained as a show more forester, later yet an executive with the National Wildlife Federation, and currently active with writing and outdoor adventuring -- when not managing the woodlot and fields around his off-the-grid log home.
The tone of the book is deceptively relaxed, and it's to the author's credit that he has adopted just the right tone to impart informantion effectively. Precisely because of his presentation, this book should be in the home of every family seeking to involve its children in the delights -- and responsibilities -- of outdoor adventures. And that, of-course, should be every family. And just for the record, though I've emphasized the multi-generational, forward-looking use-value of the book, it must be understood that it's written for adults, and not dumbed-down for the environmentally unaware either. He has another book specifically for kids, and it's repeatedly seen on eBay.
So, you want to know the truth about the the so-called domesticated "house" cat? You want to know how to distinguish ravens from crows? Think you know that much-discussed -- and much maligned -- creature the beaver? How about golf-ball stealing foxes? These are just chosen at random, and I stop here, inviting all decent persons to take the plunge and immerse themselves in the lovely experience of having myths debunked, and the beautiful truths revealed.
Further info on this author and his work can be found at the Web-site warnershedd.com. Incidentally, despite his enthusiasm, the reviewer is NOT on the take from this author!
Happy reading! show less

I really enjoyed this book. I learned much about animals while reading about the myths, their origin, and further information about the animals. I can't say I had heard all of the myths, or that I believed many of them (there were some I must admit I thought were true, though). I enjoyed the stories the author tells about his and others' experiences, and the facts that refute the myths. It really is a shame that some of those myths are so ingrained and, at times, so dangerous.

Also, I am an animal lover (I am a vegetarian), but a practical animal lover. I don't believe in preserving all animal life at the cost of human life (not counting the stupid interactions, some caused by the myths so universally believed), or animal quality of show more life. It really is a shame that some animal lovers want to save all animals, even when it means suffering and death because of starvation, or other causes. I've seen that in action, and it is deplorable! If we've upset the balance (taken away predators, habitat...) in the wild, we need to manage it so that balance is returned. Allow controlled hunting, preserve habitat, etc. Starving is a horrible way to die as exhibited by the whitetail deer overpopulation that has happened right here in my own back yard. I just don't want to be a part of the management. I am just glad others are willing to perform that service.

A really interesting book! show less

Naturalist Warner Shedd describes more than thirty North American wildlife species, not only explaining the error and origin of common misconceptions about them, but also describing their behavior and many interesting facts. Woven seamlessly into the detailed information are numerous personal anecdotes. The fluid, descriptive writing and humor make this book a real pleasure to read. I was already familiar with many of the "myths" and knew they were incorrect, but there were also a lot in here I had never heard of. And I learned many new things about familiar animals. The illustrations by Trudy Nicholson are beautiful, detailed and infused with character.

from the Dog Ear Diary

A very readable introduction to a wide variety of U.S. wildlife. The details about the various animals' life cycles, diets, activities, environment, and so forth was interesting, and Shedd also talks about things we *don't* know about particular animals.

My only complaint about this book is that there are parts where Shedd conflates "common sight in New England" with "common sight in the U.S." I've never seen a beaver's dam that I can recall, for example, because I've never lived in the northern U.S., so when Shedd talks about how you see them everywhere, I think "huh? I've seen more non-roadkilled armadillos than I've seen beaver dams!" In spite of this, I've learned a lot about some animals that I do see regularly, like opossums and show more deer, and this book is definitely worth reading. show less

Most of these myths I already knew weren't true, or had never heard of. However, that didn't stop this book from being exceptionally engaging and informative. Lots of information about the species all around me: deer, rodents, squirrels, owls: love it!

I think Warner Shedd has charisma and intelligence mixed with something most of us don't have: experience. As a writer, he is funny and down-home, and, you can tell, just good natured. However, I didn't find many common myths in this book. The two on the cover were really the only ones I had ever stumbled across; the others in his book I had never once imagined or heard anyone express. Shedd is certainly a naturalist in his own right. I enjoyed the things I learned from this book.

He gets two and half stars because his writing was unsatisfactory in either a commercial or academic sense. Facts were not grouped in a way that made sense to me, and his anecdotes, while sweet and mildly entertaining, offered no real insight into why animals show more act the way they do.

I liked this book for what it was, nothing more, nothing less. show less