EXTREME BIRDWATCHING

An accessible primer on evolution in action and the scientific method’s nitty-gritty realities.

This well-written, detailed chronicle follows married biologists Peter and Rosemary Grant through 40 years of meticulous fieldwork on the Galápagos island of Daphne, tracking how finch beaks evolved in response to environmental changes. Burns excels at demystifying the scientific process—readers learn how leg bands identify individual birds, why seeds on the island must be counted and categorized, and how tiny beak measurements accumulate into patterns and proof of natural selection. The conversational tone keeps potentially dry material engaging, and the book doesn’t shy from the tedium inherent in groundbreaking research: endless data collection, repetitive observations, uncomfortable conditions. The level of procedural detail, while impressive for demonstrating methodology, may test the patience of casual readers seeking a breezier science narrative. Still, this honest portrayal makes the book particularly valuable for classroom use, showing students that real science involves patience and persistence alongside brilliance. The backmatter and resources enhance the work’s educational utility. The monochromatic blue illustrations, however, while serviceable and lovely, feel like a missed opportunity; full-color images would have better captured the islands’ stark beauty and the finches’ subtle variations.

A solid, practical teaching tool that will interest dedicated young scientists.