There is nothing better than the sight of a rare bird. Whether sitting in your backyard when an errant traveller stops by, or trekking to an exotic location, every encounter is a gift.

Through a lifetime of experiences, Gene Walz shares the joy of the birding life in Happiness is a Rare Bird.

With quirky terms such as vagabonds, endemics, fall-out, jinx birds, and lifers, the unique birding community brings together kindred spirits to marvel at the incredible diversity of their avian subjects.

From common house sparrows to the spectacular Cock of the Rock (front cover), every bird is a beauty. Through his numerous memorable birding experiences, Walz paints a picture of a life that is as colourful as the birds he has seen. In nearly every continent around the world he's found happiness and it truly is a rare bird.