The Field Guide to Dumb Birds of North America

Matt Kracht, 2019

This was supposed to be one of the funniest books of 2019, but it’s mainly an unfunny, potty-mouthed berating of birds. He likes to use the f-word, butt, dumb, gd, etc. I didn’t read it for that reason, just scanned a few. Here’s what he says about the wonderful chickadee that is starting to do it’s beautiful song and fills me with the hope of spring after this really, really long winter:

Black-capped Prickadee

Common Name: Black-capped Chickadee

A lot of people consider this bird cute. Whatever. They are curious and have a habit of energetically investigating everything and everyone that might possibly be a bird feeder. Their black cap and white cheeks are almost as distinctive as their bright, “chickadee-dee-dee” call. And “Dee Dee Dee Dee!” And also, “DEE DEE DEE DEE DEE DEE DEEEEE!” And I mean nonstop. If you have these little pricks in your yard, you’re getting no peace all summer.

Dee Facts: The black-capped chickadee is a non-migratory bird, so you can forget about enjoying the fall, winter, and spring, too.

Berating birds with adolescent potty-mouth language? I’m sorry, Matt, but I just don’t get this type of humor. I’ll stick to my Sibley Field Guide to Birds and Mark Twain and Bill Bryson for humor.