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ROSEMARY LOW
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FEMALE HEROES OF BIRD CONSERVATION
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FEMALE HEROES OF BIRD CONSERVATION 256 pages 171 x 246mm 100+ photos in colour Soft cover £21.95 hardback £26.96 UK postage £3.90, Europe £11.45; overseas postage quoted on request. Copies signed and dedicated if desired. |
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Birdguides:
Paperback:
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Hardback:
www.birdguides.com/store/bookshop/store/bookshop/female-heroes-of-bird-conservation-hbk-first-edition-issue-1/
Book Depository UK: www.bookdepository.com
Pemberley Books - Iver, Buckinghamshire: pemberleybooks.com
Buteo Books, USA: www.buteobooks.com
Natural History Book Services: www.nhbs.com/search?q=Female+Heroes&qtview=228912
Wildside Books: [email protected]
Birdguides:
Paperback:
www.birdguides.com/store/bookshop/female-heroes-of-bird-conservation-pbk-first-edition-issue-1/
Hardback:
www.birdguides.com/store/bookshop/store/bookshop/female-heroes-of-bird-conservation-hbk-first-edition-issue-1/
Book Depository UK: www.bookdepository.com
Pemberley Books - Iver, Buckinghamshire: pemberleybooks.com
Buteo Books, USA: www.buteobooks.com
References to "Female Heroes of Bird Conservation" on this video just after 7 minutes
BTO blog https://www.bto.org/understanding-birds/book-reviews/female-heroes-bird-conservation
male Heroes of Bird Conservation wears its heart on its sleeve. Readers looking for a clinical account of the scientific contributions of female ornithologists should look elsewhere. Through poignant retellings of these women’s lives, this book aims to inspire its readers to reach the same lofty heights as its subjects. It is clear that the author, Rosemary Low, has more passion in her little finger, than most people have in their entire bodies. Her dedication to her subject matter is obvious in the meticulously researched accounts and the emotional language used to express her admiration for their accomplishments. What better voice to tell the stories of these women who are too often forgotten?
The book is divided between female ornithologists of the past and present. Although initially a little chaotic in structure, I learned a huge amount from the first half (historical female ornithologists) about the origins of my discipline and the role women played in its history. As an ornithologist who specialised in individual differences in behaviour, I find it particularly enlightening to see how many of these women were drawn to birds due to their unique personalities: a concept that would not be truly accepted by science for another hundred years. There are occasions when I wonder if the lens under which the early female ornithologists have been placed might be a touch too forgiving. It cannot be denied that these women were ahead of their time and overcame monumental prejudice in their determination to contribute to science.
Despite this, additional analysis of the role that privilege and colonialism played in their success would have been both relevant and fascinating.
Diversity is addressed more strongly in the second half, which examines women working in ornithology today. The prose benefits from the author’s lived experience, as she has spent time with these women over the years. You will particularly enjoy these chapters if you share the author’s love of parrots or have an interest in techniques such as captive breeding or reintroduction programmes. Although other topics do make an appearance, given the range of issues existing in modern ornithology,
some readers might find this focus limited. Regardless, the truth remains that these women have remarkable stories to tell, and I am pleased that this book exists to preserve their legacy.
Book reviewed by Fionnuala McCully
The book is divided between female ornithologists of the past and present. Although initially a little chaotic in structure, I learned a huge amount from the first half (historical female ornithologists) about the origins of my discipline and the role women played in its history. As an ornithologist who specialised in individual differences in behaviour, I find it particularly enlightening to see how many of these women were drawn to birds due to their unique personalities: a concept that would not be truly accepted by science for another hundred years. There are occasions when I wonder if the lens under which the early female ornithologists have been placed might be a touch too forgiving. It cannot be denied that these women were ahead of their time and overcame monumental prejudice in their determination to contribute to science.
Despite this, additional analysis of the role that privilege and colonialism played in their success would have been both relevant and fascinating.
Diversity is addressed more strongly in the second half, which examines women working in ornithology today. The prose benefits from the author’s lived experience, as she has spent time with these women over the years. You will particularly enjoy these chapters if you share the author’s love of parrots or have an interest in techniques such as captive breeding or reintroduction programmes. Although other topics do make an appearance, given the range of issues existing in modern ornithology,
some readers might find this focus limited. Regardless, the truth remains that these women have remarkable stories to tell, and I am pleased that this book exists to preserve their legacy.
Book reviewed by Fionnuala McCully
Remarkable Female Heroes of Bird Conservation
An inspiring new book shines a light on more than 30 female avian superheroes.
Posted January 22, 2022 | Reviewed by Vanessa Lancaster
An inspiring new book shines a light on more than 30 female avian superheroes.
Posted January 22, 2022 | Reviewed by Vanessa Lancaster
I recently read an inspirational and fascinating book by bird expert Rosemary Low titled Female Heroes of Bird Conservation.1,2,3 As Rosemary notes, ask someone to name a famous woman in the world of fauna conservation and they would probably mention Jane Goodall for her work with chimpanzees. Then ask that person to name a woman who had achieved great things in bird conservation, and they would probably give you a blank look. Yet women have made and continue to make truly remarkable achievements.
I'm pleased that Rosemary could answer a few questions about her landmark book. Here's what she had to say.
Why did you write Female Heroes of Bird Conservation?
I went where the parrots took me. I was the first person ever to write a book about endangered parrots. By the time I was in my forties, my writing priorities and interests were making a big shift from aviculture to conservation. My biggest joy was to observe parrots in the wild.
At the time of my first trips to the tropics, there was no interest in parrot conservation, and little was known about the status of most species in the wild or the impact of trapping for export which took off in the 1980s. Soon the trade was unsustainable, and many parrots species were in serious decline – but no one seemed to care.
Source: Rosemary Low, with permission.
In 1987 Mike Reynolds cared. He founded the World Parrot Trust. From the start, I edited the newsletter, soon to be a magazine. Through its influence, it was the first time that parrot keepers and conservationists joined forces to try to do something to conserve parrot populations in the wild. I got to know many people involved in parrot conservation.
Just as when I had been a teenager in the local cage bird society, it was a male-dominated sphere. But so were most areas of interest concerning the natural world.
By the start of this century, change was afoot. More women were becoming involved in bird conservation as universities opened courses for conservation and environmental issues. During my travels, I met some truly inspirational women. The classic example is Neiva Guedes in Brazil.
She saw, during a field trip as a student, that the iconic Hyacinth Macaw, whose numbers in the Pantanal had been decimated by trapping, was edging towards extinction.
Unable to concern major conservation organisations in its plight, starting with no help in the field and no money, she set up a conservation programme which undoubtedly saved the macaw in the Pantanal. This was done at great personal cost, through passion and extreme determination.
I met other women, such as the Americans Sarah Otterstrom and LoraKim Joyner, who, with equal initiative and passion, set about saving parrots in different areas of Central America. The work of the women featured in this book covers a wide range of species, from albatrosses to finches.
Their stories were remarkable. I felt compelled to tell them – compelled to write about the unsung female heroes of bird conservation who, for too long, had mostly gone unnoticed under the radar.
This led me to research women of the past whose names had mainly been forgotten, whose achievements, academic and in the field, seemed almost whitewashed from history. I wanted to revive their stories. They did amazing things at a time when women were expected to stay at home and raise families. But they rebelled – or they did both, which was even more extraordinary.
It's wonderful to see how women starting with nothing but their own passion and without the benefit of funding, or the assistance of major organisations, can go on to found conservation organisations which today are making a major impact, especially in the Neotropics.
Who is your intended audience?
I want all women to be empowered by the histories of the women in my book, and I want all men to appreciate the huge contribution that women have made to science and conservation. And to note that some women were not involved in these spheres until they were in their forties! Yet they went on to make major contributions.
Are you hopeful that as people learn more about the amazing contributions of these women, more women will become conservationists?
As I wrote the book, I focused strongly on young women working in conservation today. I included chapters on the problems and, yes, the discrimination that they have encountered. But I showed how these were overcome to encourage those with similar issues to meet them head on and to know that they can win.
Yes! I am adamant that more women should be involved in conservation because they have much-needed qualities, some of which are usually not found in their male counterparts. So, yes, I want to inspire more women to make a career in conservation.
Is there anything else you would like to say?
I have studied and lived with parrots all my life. I would not know how to live without them. They are amazingly sentient, intelligent, and often very affectionate creatures. In captivity, their psychological needs and their individuality are, sadly, often ignored. It is of deep concern to me that today many parrots spend their lives in cages which are much too small and do not meet even the basic requirements.
Sometimes the breeders are well-meaning but fail to understand the birds in their care. This also happens in the name of breeding for profit. It is the equivalent of puppy farms or keeping chickens in battery cages. These are now recognised as unethical. It is time that breeders of parrots, commercial or otherwise, learned to treat parrots with greater respect and understanding.
Some of the women in my book, such as Len Howard, had a deep understanding of wild birds as individuals. Her rapport with them was remarkable. We can all learn a lot from her.
References
In conversation with Rosemary Low.
1) Female Heroes of Bird Conservation will be available in the United States from Buteo Books in mid-February.
2) Many people can bring to mind women renowned for animal conservation, but few would be able to name a woman whose efforts have been dedicated to the conservation of birds. Rosemary Low’s stunning and informative book Female Heroes of Bird Conservation rectifies this injustice. Beautifully produced, its one hundred photographs include fascinating historical images, as well as colourful pictures of bird species and their saviours. An avian expert in her own right, Rosemary’s book beautifully pulls together the stories, challenges and remarkable achievements of an intriguing range of women whose stories are guaranteed to touch the hearts of readers of both sexes. Well researched and highly readable, you can open it at any chapter and be inspired by what can be done, usually initially with limited financial resources, and without the backup of major organisations. With environmental issues never more topical or important, Female Heroes of Bird Conservation is nothing short of an avian tour de force.
3) My background is non-scientific. I left school at 16 because both my parents had died and I needed to earn my living. My first job was totally unrelated to birds, which had been my interest, and soon my passion, since I was very young. I loved animals but a rabbit was the only pet I was allowed. However, when I was 12 I bought a Budgerigar in a pet shop and soon I was breeding these wonderful – and today greatly under-valued – little birds. This led, naturally, to keeping other birds, including finches, Cockatiels and other species of Parakeets. No one I knew had any interest in birds, until I joined the local cage bird society when I was 14. I always enjoyed writing so in my early twenties I had my first articles published in the weekly magazine Cage & Aviary Birds. By my mid-twenties I was a member of the editorial staff of that magazine (and ultimately deputy editor), a job I relished. After some years I moved to the Canary Islands and became the curator of birds at two great collections, Loro Parque in Tenerife and Palmitos Park in Gran Canaria. For information about Rosemary's books go to https://www.rosemarylow.co.uk.
I'm pleased that Rosemary could answer a few questions about her landmark book. Here's what she had to say.
Why did you write Female Heroes of Bird Conservation?
I went where the parrots took me. I was the first person ever to write a book about endangered parrots. By the time I was in my forties, my writing priorities and interests were making a big shift from aviculture to conservation. My biggest joy was to observe parrots in the wild.
At the time of my first trips to the tropics, there was no interest in parrot conservation, and little was known about the status of most species in the wild or the impact of trapping for export which took off in the 1980s. Soon the trade was unsustainable, and many parrots species were in serious decline – but no one seemed to care.
Source: Rosemary Low, with permission.
In 1987 Mike Reynolds cared. He founded the World Parrot Trust. From the start, I edited the newsletter, soon to be a magazine. Through its influence, it was the first time that parrot keepers and conservationists joined forces to try to do something to conserve parrot populations in the wild. I got to know many people involved in parrot conservation.
Just as when I had been a teenager in the local cage bird society, it was a male-dominated sphere. But so were most areas of interest concerning the natural world.
By the start of this century, change was afoot. More women were becoming involved in bird conservation as universities opened courses for conservation and environmental issues. During my travels, I met some truly inspirational women. The classic example is Neiva Guedes in Brazil.
She saw, during a field trip as a student, that the iconic Hyacinth Macaw, whose numbers in the Pantanal had been decimated by trapping, was edging towards extinction.
Unable to concern major conservation organisations in its plight, starting with no help in the field and no money, she set up a conservation programme which undoubtedly saved the macaw in the Pantanal. This was done at great personal cost, through passion and extreme determination.
I met other women, such as the Americans Sarah Otterstrom and LoraKim Joyner, who, with equal initiative and passion, set about saving parrots in different areas of Central America. The work of the women featured in this book covers a wide range of species, from albatrosses to finches.
Their stories were remarkable. I felt compelled to tell them – compelled to write about the unsung female heroes of bird conservation who, for too long, had mostly gone unnoticed under the radar.
This led me to research women of the past whose names had mainly been forgotten, whose achievements, academic and in the field, seemed almost whitewashed from history. I wanted to revive their stories. They did amazing things at a time when women were expected to stay at home and raise families. But they rebelled – or they did both, which was even more extraordinary.
It's wonderful to see how women starting with nothing but their own passion and without the benefit of funding, or the assistance of major organisations, can go on to found conservation organisations which today are making a major impact, especially in the Neotropics.
Who is your intended audience?
I want all women to be empowered by the histories of the women in my book, and I want all men to appreciate the huge contribution that women have made to science and conservation. And to note that some women were not involved in these spheres until they were in their forties! Yet they went on to make major contributions.
Are you hopeful that as people learn more about the amazing contributions of these women, more women will become conservationists?
As I wrote the book, I focused strongly on young women working in conservation today. I included chapters on the problems and, yes, the discrimination that they have encountered. But I showed how these were overcome to encourage those with similar issues to meet them head on and to know that they can win.
Yes! I am adamant that more women should be involved in conservation because they have much-needed qualities, some of which are usually not found in their male counterparts. So, yes, I want to inspire more women to make a career in conservation.
Is there anything else you would like to say?
I have studied and lived with parrots all my life. I would not know how to live without them. They are amazingly sentient, intelligent, and often very affectionate creatures. In captivity, their psychological needs and their individuality are, sadly, often ignored. It is of deep concern to me that today many parrots spend their lives in cages which are much too small and do not meet even the basic requirements.
Sometimes the breeders are well-meaning but fail to understand the birds in their care. This also happens in the name of breeding for profit. It is the equivalent of puppy farms or keeping chickens in battery cages. These are now recognised as unethical. It is time that breeders of parrots, commercial or otherwise, learned to treat parrots with greater respect and understanding.
Some of the women in my book, such as Len Howard, had a deep understanding of wild birds as individuals. Her rapport with them was remarkable. We can all learn a lot from her.
References
In conversation with Rosemary Low.
1) Female Heroes of Bird Conservation will be available in the United States from Buteo Books in mid-February.
2) Many people can bring to mind women renowned for animal conservation, but few would be able to name a woman whose efforts have been dedicated to the conservation of birds. Rosemary Low’s stunning and informative book Female Heroes of Bird Conservation rectifies this injustice. Beautifully produced, its one hundred photographs include fascinating historical images, as well as colourful pictures of bird species and their saviours. An avian expert in her own right, Rosemary’s book beautifully pulls together the stories, challenges and remarkable achievements of an intriguing range of women whose stories are guaranteed to touch the hearts of readers of both sexes. Well researched and highly readable, you can open it at any chapter and be inspired by what can be done, usually initially with limited financial resources, and without the backup of major organisations. With environmental issues never more topical or important, Female Heroes of Bird Conservation is nothing short of an avian tour de force.
3) My background is non-scientific. I left school at 16 because both my parents had died and I needed to earn my living. My first job was totally unrelated to birds, which had been my interest, and soon my passion, since I was very young. I loved animals but a rabbit was the only pet I was allowed. However, when I was 12 I bought a Budgerigar in a pet shop and soon I was breeding these wonderful – and today greatly under-valued – little birds. This led, naturally, to keeping other birds, including finches, Cockatiels and other species of Parakeets. No one I knew had any interest in birds, until I joined the local cage bird society when I was 14. I always enjoyed writing so in my early twenties I had my first articles published in the weekly magazine Cage & Aviary Birds. By my mid-twenties I was a member of the editorial staff of that magazine (and ultimately deputy editor), a job I relished. After some years I moved to the Canary Islands and became the curator of birds at two great collections, Loro Parque in Tenerife and Palmitos Park in Gran Canaria. For information about Rosemary's books go to https://www.rosemarylow.co.uk.
FEMALE HEROES OF BIRD CONSERVATION
By Rosemary Low
Ask someone to name a famous woman in the world of fauna conservation and they would probably mention Jane Goodall for her work with chimpanzees. Then ask that person to name a woman who had achieved great things in bird conservation, and they would probably give you a blank look. Yet women have made and continue to make truly remarkable achievements.
All over the world women are working in bird conservation –- usually without the recognition they deserve, despite dedicating their lives to birds, often at considerable personal cost. They work in the field, campaign against the illegal wildlife trade and educate people in sensitive areas regarding the important role that birds play as part of the biodiversity of their locality and of the planet. This book is full of inspirational women including those who have played an important role in bird conservation and even in bird rescue centres. Their stories and those of the birds they saved will touch your heart. The book also covers social issues such as discrimination against women working in the field.
This book shines a spotlight on more than 30 of these female heroes. It encourages women to be inspired by their stories and to make their own contributions to saving wonderful feathered creatures from extinction.
Review: Female Heroes of Bird Conservation by Rosemary Low
Review by Louise Peat
If you are looking for an uplifting read this book will not only tick the box but will also leave you deeply inspired, impressed and in awe by what can only be described as a group of elite superheroes, women both past and present who have battled copious challenges and obstacles to fulfil their dreams, ambitions and passions.
The result of their work as individuals is vast, increasing knowledge and awareness of avian species, husbandry, saving lives and even species from certain extinction. Put them together in a group and the impact their work has had on a global scale is colossal.
Some of the stories of these women are beyond extraordinary especially those from the past when times were very different and women were seen as second class citizens, there to serve the man of the house. How they managed to achieve what they did in an age where so many obstacles were stacked against them is truly remarkable. I don’t want to give too much away but one of the stories that had the greatest impact on me was that of Katharina Heinroth. Her story would not be out of place in a modern day action blockbuster movie; to have survived all she went through this woman must have been made of steel!
There is a diverse range of female characters in this book from the stoical explorer to the loner author but all have a nurturing nature in common and an affinity for all things feathered. They dedicated their lives to their passion and all have left a positive impact on the planet. With such tenacious attitudes and an abundance of drive and energy they have and indeed still are making a difference. This book gives me hope in an age where the future is very uncertain.
Rosemary admits in her introduction that this book is the one she has enjoyed writing the most in her career as an author (which has produced over 30 published books) -- and my word does it show!
The book is highly readable and does justice to all the women featured. Over the years Rosemary has met several of the individuals she has written about so is able to give a more personal insight. There is one negative to the book -- I feel it is incomplete without a chapter on the author, who has had an equally amazing journey and has helped to inspire many people!!! Indeed, this prolific author had two other books published in 2021: Parrot Conservation, a very meaty looking book which I will be reading next and Parrots: A Celebration of their Beauty.
Female Heroes of Bird Conservation – signed copies from the author, costs £21.95 soft cover and £26.95 hardback, plus £3.95 UK postage, £11.45 Europe.
By Rosemary Low
Ask someone to name a famous woman in the world of fauna conservation and they would probably mention Jane Goodall for her work with chimpanzees. Then ask that person to name a woman who had achieved great things in bird conservation, and they would probably give you a blank look. Yet women have made and continue to make truly remarkable achievements.
All over the world women are working in bird conservation –- usually without the recognition they deserve, despite dedicating their lives to birds, often at considerable personal cost. They work in the field, campaign against the illegal wildlife trade and educate people in sensitive areas regarding the important role that birds play as part of the biodiversity of their locality and of the planet. This book is full of inspirational women including those who have played an important role in bird conservation and even in bird rescue centres. Their stories and those of the birds they saved will touch your heart. The book also covers social issues such as discrimination against women working in the field.
This book shines a spotlight on more than 30 of these female heroes. It encourages women to be inspired by their stories and to make their own contributions to saving wonderful feathered creatures from extinction.
Review: Female Heroes of Bird Conservation by Rosemary Low
Review by Louise Peat
If you are looking for an uplifting read this book will not only tick the box but will also leave you deeply inspired, impressed and in awe by what can only be described as a group of elite superheroes, women both past and present who have battled copious challenges and obstacles to fulfil their dreams, ambitions and passions.
The result of their work as individuals is vast, increasing knowledge and awareness of avian species, husbandry, saving lives and even species from certain extinction. Put them together in a group and the impact their work has had on a global scale is colossal.
Some of the stories of these women are beyond extraordinary especially those from the past when times were very different and women were seen as second class citizens, there to serve the man of the house. How they managed to achieve what they did in an age where so many obstacles were stacked against them is truly remarkable. I don’t want to give too much away but one of the stories that had the greatest impact on me was that of Katharina Heinroth. Her story would not be out of place in a modern day action blockbuster movie; to have survived all she went through this woman must have been made of steel!
There is a diverse range of female characters in this book from the stoical explorer to the loner author but all have a nurturing nature in common and an affinity for all things feathered. They dedicated their lives to their passion and all have left a positive impact on the planet. With such tenacious attitudes and an abundance of drive and energy they have and indeed still are making a difference. This book gives me hope in an age where the future is very uncertain.
Rosemary admits in her introduction that this book is the one she has enjoyed writing the most in her career as an author (which has produced over 30 published books) -- and my word does it show!
The book is highly readable and does justice to all the women featured. Over the years Rosemary has met several of the individuals she has written about so is able to give a more personal insight. There is one negative to the book -- I feel it is incomplete without a chapter on the author, who has had an equally amazing journey and has helped to inspire many people!!! Indeed, this prolific author had two other books published in 2021: Parrot Conservation, a very meaty looking book which I will be reading next and Parrots: A Celebration of their Beauty.
Female Heroes of Bird Conservation – signed copies from the author, costs £21.95 soft cover and £26.95 hardback, plus £3.95 UK postage, £11.45 Europe.
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