A little brother to the bear, and other animal studies

In this gentle yet lively collection, a seasoned naturalist shares more than mere facts; he invites listeners into the woods where a grieving mother bear cradles her fallen mate, where fledgling birds tumble through treetops in fierce play, and where a solitary dog sparks a chase with a startled woodcock. The narrative interweaves personal memory with careful observation, revealing how ordinary moments—berries being plucked, a river’s icy rush— echo deeper patterns of animal behavior.

The book moves beyond the bear, offering vivid sketches of everything from clever foxes to silently gliding eiders, each described with the colorful tribal names that early inhabitants once used. Touches of humor arise in “Animal Surgery” and “Hunting Without a Gun,” while the author’s reflective “Point of View” encourages listeners to wonder why creatures act as they do. It’s a portrait of wilderness that feels both scholarly and warmly anecdotal, perfect for anyone eager to hear the forest speak.