On the strength of the previous review of Geoffrey McMullan's book here, I bought a copy for myself. And I can confirm it is a thoroughly enjoyable tale of someone who managed to juggle two activities that seemingly could not be at greater contrast: military service—specifically the Royal Regiment of Artillery, no less—and birdwatching. The book takes us across several continents and through many adventures, some tense, some nothing less than zany, as when Geoffrey has his camouflaged military rucksack confiscated by a customs official in Trinidad and Tobago, and borrows a hot-pink girl's school satchel for the trip.
If I were to level any criticism at the book, it is that at times the reader is not quite sure where we are; Geoffrey writes as though you were sitting in a pub with him while he regales you with tales over several pints, continually jumping from, say, Morocco, with a, "Oh! And then there was this time in . . ." to the Falklands, or Brazil, or Southeast Asia. In the end it distracts very little from the enjoyment.
Throughout, McMullan shows his high level of expertise on woodpeckers, his favorites, as well as hundreds of other species—and you'll find plenty of evidence, thanks to the profuse illustrations, that he is a talented artist as well. Highly recommended.
More Birds Than Bullets
If I were to level any criticism at the book, it is that at times the reader is not quite sure where we are; Geoffrey writes as though you were sitting in a pub with him while he regales you with tales over several pints, continually jumping from, say, Morocco, with a, "Oh! And then there was this time in . . ." to the Falklands, or Brazil, or Southeast Asia. In the end it distracts very little from the enjoyment.
Throughout, McMullan shows his high level of expertise on woodpeckers, his favorites, as well as hundreds of other species—and you'll find plenty of evidence, thanks to the profuse illustrations, that he is a talented artist as well. Highly recommended.
More Birds Than Bullets