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Book Review: The Southern Wildlife Watcher


For many years, I have been a devoted reader of South Carolina Wildlife. I have spent countless hours, pouring over each issue with a thirst for knowledge of all things outdoors. I was captivated with the natural world at a very young age, and that passion was fueled by the beautiful photography and impeccable writing found in the pages of my favorite magazine.

One of my favorite on-going columns in South Carolina Wildlife is one called For Wildlife Watchers, by Rob Simbeck. 

From the first time I read one of Simbeck's essays, I was hooked. It was some of the most compelling nature writing that I had read up to that point. What impressed me was the writer's ability to draw the reader into the story, and then present the facts in a way that is both informative and highly entertaining. Rob has a way of giving life to his characters (in this case, birds, reptiles, mammals, fish, and insects) that a reader can easily relate to. 

Now, I am pleased to announce, that Rob Simbeck has a new book out entitled: The Southern Wildlife Watcher: Notes of a Naturalist, published by the University of South Carolina Press.

This book is a collection of thirty-six of the most common and not-so-common animals of the Southeast. Rob goes into great detail about the biology, behavior, and even the mating habits of everything from pileated woodpeckers to striped bass, from bottle-nosed dolphins to the common house fly. Each essay is packed with interesting information, and a down-to-earth explanation of the science behind the how and why animals do the things they do. Each piece is thoroughly researched, and backed by some of the best and most well-known wildlife experts in their fields.

I was fortunate enough to receive an advanced copy of this wonderful book, and  I have been telling everyone I know about it. If you enjoy great nature writing, or great writing of any kind, I highly recommend this book. It will be available August 28, but you can order your copy right now. Below is a link that will take you to the Amazon page.

"Rob Simbeck has written for the Washington Post, Guideposts, Field & Stream, Birder's World, Wildbird, and wildlife/conservation magazines in twenty states. He is the author, ghostwriter, or editor of more than twenty books and is former president and chairman of the Southeastern Outdoor Press Association."

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