Birding On Borrowed Time

Birding on Borrowed Time by Phoebe Snetsinger, with a foreword by Peter Kaestner and illustrations by H. Douglas Pratt, was published in 2003 by the American Birding Association. This remarkable autobiography chronicles the extraordinary life of Phoebe Snetsinger, one of the world’s most accomplished birders, whose passion for ornithology and adventure continued despite a terminal cancer diagnosis. Originally self-published in 1999 and reissued by the ABA in 2003, this edition remains the definitive account of her record-breaking birding career.

In vivid and engaging prose, Snetsinger recounts her travels to every corner of the globe in pursuit of rare species, blending meticulous observation with deeply personal reflection. Her story is as much about resilience and purpose as it is about the natural world, offering insight into the motivations of one of birding’s most celebrated figures. The inclusion of H. Douglas Pratt’s finely rendered illustrations and Peter Kaestner’s foreword further enhance the book’s authority and aesthetic appeal.

Widely regarded as a classic in modern nature writing, Birding on Borrowed Time appeals to birdwatchers, natural historians, and readers drawn to stories of determination and discovery. This American Birding Association edition stands as both a tribute to a pioneering woman in ornithology and an inspiring testament to living life fully through passion and purpose.