THE BIG YEAR A Tale of Man, Nature, and Fowl Obsession

Del Roy's raspy, folksy voice makes for a wry, genial recounting of his "Big Year"--a birder's effort to see as many species in North America as possible in 365 days--though some of his chuckles seem forced, and his intonation on chapter headings peculiar. Obmascik's three protagonists--one rich and dull, one obnoxious, and one a cash-strapped Sad Sack--turn what might be a fascinating hobby into a grueling competition that reduces birds to marks on a tally sheet. The historical and ornithological background can be interesting, but in Obmascik's excruciatingly detailed account, the Big Year and its contestants, despite Roy's efforts, tend not to be. W.M. (c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/ SEP 04]