This beautifully lyrical book describes Winkler's firsthand encounters with goshawks, copperheads, flying squirrels, Kinglets, Chickadees, Nuthatches, and other birds and animals as he travels into areas many may have overlooked or forgotten. Winkler weaves anecdotes and stories about his own life into each chapter--how he discovered nature, why he watches birds, and why his suburban surroundings have held his interest. To quote the author: ''Living in society's overpopulated, paved-over world--with all its rules, regulations, and traffic jams--I think we envy the birds' wild freedom. We want that freedom and wildness for ourselves. And so we birders watch, listen to, identify, count, list, house, feed, and photograph birds.'' Going Wild is an irresistible invitation to follow in Winkler's footsteps and revel in the wonders on our own doorsteps.

Filled with a love of nature, a strong conservation ethic, and personal touches that make the reader want to learn more, this quiet book will find a niche with fans of good nature writing.

A book urban dwellers with a taste for nature should take to heart...filled with fascinating bits of information...What makes Going Wild: Adventures with Birds in the Suburban Wilderness so interesting is that practically all of the adventures [Winkler] recounts took place in Fairfield County, Conn., where he lives, between 50 and 75 miles from New York City.

president of the British Ornithologists' Union, in The Times Literary Supplement (London)

An account of Winkler's trips and observations might sound unexciting, especially since most Europeans will not know many of the birds that he is speaking about. Yet that is not the case; Going Wild provides a thoughtful and well-informed account of nature...[and] will appeal to lovers of natural history, especially birds.

These vivid anecdotes and many more are woven into a fascinating tapestry of bird lore and birding wisdom, embroidered with an abiding, observant love of all animal life. A book that will delight birders everywhere and fascinate nature lovers of all stripes, Going Wild celebrates the often-overlooked yet amazingly rich world that starts so close to home.