With its whimsy and discerning intellect, this radiates beauty.
Publishers Weekly
Rogers's memoir brought me into a season of discovery alongside her, and in many ways, I felt I was witnessing someone fall in love for the first time. Rogers's memoir will make a great read for anyone who wants to dip back into the first joys of birdwatching, and offers a beautifully written story filled with worthwhile information and insights.
The Urban Audubon
Susan Fox Rogers' Learning the Birds: A Midlife Adventure is a treat for readers who savored When Birds Are Near, Rogers's 2020 anthology of contemporary birding essays. Her solo venture offers three intertwined stories: Rogers's initiation into the world of birding; a burgeoning romance between her and her birding partner; and a sustained reflection on what it means to be middle-aged. The author's perspective expands and deepens, and tonally the chapters range through inquisitiveness, euphoria, restlessness, lonesomeness and fulfillment. Rogers's ease with language often brushes against poetry, but the writing is grounded by straightforwardness and humility.
Michigan Quarterly Review
Rogers's engaging essays offer something for everyone. Active birders can relate to the rigorous study and dedication necessary to gradually master an appreciation of the natural world; nonbirders can enjoy the adventure and developing love interest that compel the introspective, thought-provoking narrative.
Terrain.org
Rogers invites readers to fall for birds, and a human love interest, in this book of natural history interlaced with self-reflection and meditations on relationships. You'll surely discover something new about birds - and yourself.
Audubon
Learning the Birds is a great way to re-live being a new birder, especially if you started the adventure as an adult. Rogers spins a good tale - her adventures are relatable. A great winter read.
Pennsylvania Ornithological Society
Florida readers will particularly enjoy her jaunt through the Everglades, heart set on finding a flamingo.Learning the Birds is a story of self-discovery in a phase of life that is unde-rexplored, and, like many of the "unremarkable" birds it documents, very much worth paying attention to.
The Gabber
