River-Walking Songbirds & Singing Coyotes: An Uncommon Field Guide to Northwest Mountains

This book was a perfect introduction to Pacific Northwest wildlife. I love hiking and scrambling around outdoors, but had never taken the time to study and learn the names and features of the various flora, fauna, bugs, birds, and mammals populating these mountains. With short, teasing essays that highlighted the quirks and histories of the more prominent species, Lichen did a great job of supplying a base level of information while making me want to learn more. My next purchase will be a full color field guide. Great book, highly recommended for anyone who cares about the world outside.

All 3 of Lichen's "Uncommon Field Guide" series are uncommonly delightful to poke into. One can read them chapter-by-chapter or just open the book anywhere and delve in. Even if it is an animal or plant you are familiar with, there is a good likelihood that you will discover something new about it in her description. Reading the books is somewhat like the joy of discovering an animal or plant for the first time or in an unexpected place. My only complaint is that there is not one of Feltner's detailed illustrations with every single chapter.

Pat Lichen weaves fascinating scientific information with humor, personal experience, and heartfelt tenderness for the natural world. Linda Feltner's drawings gently accentuate the essays. I'd recommend all three of Lichen's books: River-Walking Songbirds and Singing coyotes, Brittle Stars and Mudbugs, and Passionate Slugs and Hollywood Frogs as good reading and good reference for any household in the Pacific Northwest.

Made me want to go straight out for a hike in the mountains! Now I know a lot more about the plants and animals out there!

This book was great fun to read! I especially liked the author's sense of humor and obvious connection to the natural world. Interesting details about how different plant and animal species live their lives.