Natural history writer Jon Dunn will speak about his latest book, The Glitter in the Green: In Search of Hummingbirds on Tuesday morning in a Darien Library online event.
— an announcement from Darien Library
Hummingbirds are a glittering, sparkling collective of over three hundred wildly variable species. For centuries, they have been revered by indigenous Americans, coveted by European collectors, and admired worldwide for their unsurpassed metallic plumage and immense character.
Yet they exist on a knife-edge, fighting for survival in boreal woodlands, dripping cloud forests, and subpolar islands. They are, perhaps, the ultimate embodiment of evolution’s power to carve a niche for a delicate creature in even the harshest of places.
Dunn, who is also a photographer and wildlife tour leader, follows the trail of the charismatic hummingbird the full length of their worldwide range, from Alaska to the bottom tip of South America.
He shares exhilarating tales, from marooning on a Chilean island to catch a glimpse of the rare Juan Fernández Firecrown, to an arduous trek through the Andes searching for a hummingbird lost to science for decades, and to a market in Mexico City — where readers will learn of dark superstitions surrounding the hummingbird.
Along the way, Dunn introduces a charming cast of birdwatchers, conservation workers, scientists, and locals. The Glitter in the Green explores how hummingbirds have shaped our lives, past and present, and the zealous passion they inspire.
This event is co-sponsored by Barrett Bookstore and the Darien Nature Center.
Jon Dunn, “who lives in his croft in the Shetland Islands.”
About Jon Dunn
Jon Dunn is a natural history writer, photographer, and wildlife tour leader. His writing has appeared in a number of magazines, including BBC Wildlife.
He is the author of three previous books, including Orchid Summer. He lives on his croft on the remote Shetland Islands.
If You’re attending …
This event will take place on Zoom at 10 a.m., Tuesday, May 4. You will receive an email confirming your registration with a link to join the Webinar after you register for the event.
Need help registering? Email Adult Programming at apstaff@darienlibrary.org.