MAR: A GLIMPSE INTO THE NATURAL LIFE OF A BIRD. Lawrence, Louise de Kiriline. Toronto, Natural Heritage/ Natural History Inc., c1976, 1986. 103pp, paper, $8.95, ISBN 0-920474-40-3. CIP Grades 12 and up Reviewed by Elinor Kelly Volume 14 Number 6 1986 November First published in 1976, "This story is a simple narrative of a single bird's life, its naturally developed habits, desires and drives. It seeks to discover the interplay between the living creature and its environment, to determine the impact of events, trends and changes upon the individual's tolerance and responses." The bird, a yellow bellied sapsucker, was banded four years before the book begins and then closely, very closely, watched for two breeding seasons. Louise de Kiriline Lawrence lives in northern Ontario and is a well-known writer and observer of the natural world, with many books and articles to her credit. It is amazing that anyone could devote so many hours of the day to the patient watching and recording of the actions of one small bird. It was luck that brought a banded, and therefore recognizable, bird to come back so often to the same spot. This careful factual recording of the activities of the bird is combined with imaginative writing, speculation, and poetical evocation of the passing seasons in the woods. Not everyone cares to read about what one bird does in such very full detail minute by minute, however, and those who like the scientific aspect may have difficulty with the imaginative pieces of nature writing. Purchase is recommended for a small devoted readership. Elinor Kelly, Port Hope, Ont.