Author tells story of bird-watching pioneer

Roger Tory Peterson was the bird-watcher’s bird-watcher and the inventor of the modern field guide. His landmark 1934 “Field Guide to the Birds” was the first book designed to go with people outdoors to help enrich their experiences.

“Birdwatcher: The Life of Roger Tory Peterson,” is the autobiography of Peterson, coinciding with his posthumous 100th birthday celebration. Written by Elizabeth J. Rosenthal, “Birdwatcher” is a lively biography of a man who, according to birding field guide author Kenn Kaufman, “did more than anyone else to create the modern popularity of birdwatching.”

Rosenthal interviewed more than 100 of Peterson’s family, friends and associates to flesh out the life of this conservation movement hero. Peterson traveled the world, lecturing on behalf of the National Audubon Society and alerting the public on the importance of preserving nature.

The book contains several never-before-published photographs.

Rosenthal graduated with a journalism degree from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Public Communications in 1982 and later attended Rutgers Camden School of Law. She’s worked for the state of New Jersey since 1987. She is the author of “His Song: The Musical Journey of Elton John” and many birding articles. She lives in New Jersey.

Published by The Lyons Press, “Birdwatcher” is a 437-page hardcover. It retails for $29.95.

Contact: 800-962-0973.