Owls Aren't Wise & Bats Aren't Blind: A Naturalist Debunks Our Favorite Fallacies About Wildlife by Warner Shedd (2000, Hardcover)

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 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!