Dare to Bird

“Dare to Bird dares to challenge us to move beyond the politically subjected “colorblind” excuse for not celebrating human diversity, and asks us to see the same colorful world behind the bins as we see beyond the lens, to celebrate ourselves as part of a wider field of view. Inclusion matters ecologically and sociologically, and author Melissa “BC Birdergirl” Hafting crafts conversations that bring joy bird by bird in a book that’s as much about hope for humanity as it is about aspirations for the things with feathers.” —J. Drew Lanham, birder, ornithologist, naturalist, hunter/conservationist, Clemson University professor of wildlife ecology with a research focus on songbirds, and widely published essayist and poet, author of The Home Place: Memoirs of a Colored Man’s Love Affair with Nature and Sparrow Envy: Field Guide to Birds and Lesser Beasts

“Melissa’s story is one of triumph over a range of adversities. She eloquently demonstrates, through her words and her phenomenal photography in this beautifully designed book, the healing power of birds and birding. Melissa truly is a champion for encouraging more diversity in birding.” —David Lindo, vice-president of the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, honorary president of the Colombia Bird Fair and voted seventh most influential person in wildlife by BBC Wildlife magazine

“An ally to everyone who has ever experienced discrimination while birding, Melissa Hafting opens a fascinating window into the ebb and flow of collective joy and grief. In Dare to Bird these murmurations of our own psyches are illustrated by Melissa’s lived experience and the countless parallels she draws between our existence and that of the birds. Her absolutely stunning photography is the perfect complement, giving all of us the opportunity to be captivated by the same sights she shared with her closest companions.” —Faraaz Abdool, wildlife photographer, speaker, birding guide and environmental advocate; author of Casual Birding in Trinidad & Tobago

“... the main draw [of Dare to Bird] is Hafting’s eye-catching photos, which capture a bald eagle in flight, the male greater sage-grouse’s mating dance, and hundreds of nesting common murres on a Newfoundland cliff face. It’s a deeply personal love letter to birding.” —Publishers Weekly

“Dare to Bird takes us on a journey through the wondrous world of birds, a journey that brings healing and hope in the face of devastating personal tragedy. Melissa Hafting shows us that connecting to birds can lift us out of despair, unite us with others, and spark moments of joy and serenity that, quite simply, give us reason to live. Her gorgeous photography captures the essence of both common and rare birds, and, along with her text, teaches us why we should care about helping these creatures to not only survive but thrive. Hafting’s devotion to birds, birding, and conservation will inspire readers of all ages. I stand in awe.” —Melissa Groo, award-winning photographer whose work has appeared on covers of Audubon, Smithsonian, Living Bird and Outdoor Photographer magazines and in publications ranging from National Geographic to National Wildlife to Natural History. She is also a widely consulted expert on ethics in wildlife photography.

“An important, inspiring and deeply moving read that reminds us of the multi-faceted role nature plays in our lives. Melissa Hafting bravely showcases her humanity in her interactions with her family, her community and the birds themselves. Presented with her spectacular photography, this book takes you on a journey that simply makes you want to get outside and go birding.” —Liron Gertsman, award-winning nature photographer and conservation photojournalist whose work has been shown in venues such as the Natural History Museum in London, UK, and the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC

“Like Melissa Hafting, I enjoy helping others via email. And throughout our more than seven years of such correspondence, Mel’s questions indicated a sharp and enthusiastic birder whose passion and curiosity transcended simple species identification to delve into molt status, age/sex, subspecies, and various wondrous behaviors. But email does not always fully reveal a person: what they stand for, what adversities they have faced. In Dare to Bird, through exquisite and spectacular photographs and words of pleasing cadence, you really get to know Melissa: her sense of wonder, eye for beauty, and passion for sharing her love of birds with youth and those less privileged. For the stewardship of birds and the well-being of the increasingly diverse populace she encourages to enjoy them, I highly recommend this unique and important effort. Dare to Bird!” —Peter Pyle, ornithologist and marine biologist, The Institute for Bird Populations, birdpop.org

“Dare to Bird is a loving tribute to wild birds and the resilience and healing they can provide us if we are open to allowing them to be companions along our life’s journey. Melissa Hafting relays the message that you are not alone when you are with birds, not only through her heartfelt words but also through her breathtaking photography in the book. With each turn of the page, Dare to Bird will transport readers into the world of birds and birding in a way that feels supportive and inviting for all people while promoting the many benefits wild birds offer.” —Holly Merker, co-author of Ornitherapy: For Your Mind, Body and Soul and Die Kraft der Vogelbeobachtung

“With Dare To Bird, Melissa Hafting bares her soul and brings us along on her personal journey through the extreme grief of losing her parents. But she also shows us the way back to happiness, through her lifelong attachment to birds.” —Paul Riss, birder, founding partner of ROUND