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Nature Boy

A journey of birdsong and belonging

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Nature Boy

By: Seán Ronayne
Narrated by: Seán Ronayne
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About this listen

 'Captivating' Manchán Magan

'Sublime' Eoghan Daltun

Seán Ronayne always knew he was different. Nicknamed 'nature boy' by the other kids, as a child he struggled to fit in and regularly escaped to the woods and coastlines around his home in Cork. The natural world was his
happy place and where he discovered his true passion - identifying and understanding birds through their sound and song. A passion that would save him in the weeks and months following a near‑death experience in his late teens. Even in the darkest times, nature became his guiding light.

As Seán found his path working as an ornithologist, he began to see how, by highlighting the wonder and beauty of the natural world, he could draw attention to the danger it currently faces.

And, at the age of thirty-two, Seán received an autism diagnosis and his life finally started to make sense.

Here, Seán takes us on his journey. From his adventures in the Sahara Desert, the jungles of Nepal and the streets of Thailand, to discovering the night sounds of Catalunya, and his mission to sound record all the regularly occurring bird species in Ireland, Nature Boy is an inspiring story of love, connection and the healing power of nature.

'Seán's sensitivity to the natural world captivates the reader, allowing all of us approach closer and appreciate more the sublime beauty of what surrounds us' Manchán Magan

'A stunning testament to the wonders of nature' Pádraic Fogarty

'Seán is perhaps the greatest and most eloquent champion for Irish nature I have come across. Powerful, impassioned and deeply moving, please read this book, now!' Niall Hatch, BirdWatch Ireland

'With disarming honesty, eloquence and humour, Seán Ronayne recounts how he took possession of a childhood taunt and made it his adult mission' Magnus Robb

'Seán is a man who reveals wonder from within the ordinary' Ken O'Sullivan

'A gorgeously personal, and deeply moving, account of living a life fully immersed in the fantastic wonderland that is nature. Sublime' Eoghan Daltun

'Informative, inspiring and insightful, this book is a heartfelt and enthralling personal journey of a life ensconced in nature' Anja Murray
©2024 Seán Ronayne Environmentalists & Naturalists Professionals & Academics Heartfelt Inspiring Thought-Provoking Nepal

Critic reviews

Seán's sensitivity to the natural world captivates the reader, allowing all of us approach closer and appreciate more the sublime beauty of what surrounds us
Ronayne lays bare the experiences that cultivated in him such a rich and amplified lens on the natural world
Nature Boy is an earnest and uplifting blend of biography, almanac, travelogue and conservation call-to-arms
There are many fascinating passages in Nature Boy ... This book will help a reader better understand the dynamics of autism and better appreciate the natural world on our doorstep
All stars
Most relevant
Brilliant book, beautifully read by Seán. It was wonderful to hear the passion and joy in his voice and really brought his amazing story to life.

Beautiful book

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I loved that the author read out his story. I loved the bio interwoven with , birds, travel and ASD. Just couldn't stop listening. thank you Sean for sharing.

a Beautiful book!

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I saw Sean for a very short-too short-segment on Springwatch a few weeks ago. His passion,his willingness to put his emotions out there,he was just captivating.It spurred me onto to find out more about his work and more about Sean as a person.Hence listening to this book.It is a beautifully balanced book of fascinating bird facts and of Seans life so far.His gentle humour and his searing honesty about how vulnerable he has felt in life being autistic but not being aware of it until later in life had me in tears many a time.I have just been assessed and diagnosed as autistic myself at the age of 55 so identified with much of how Sean has felt. Listening to his love of birds and all nature actually has inspired me to do more in my own little world. I cannot recommend this book enough.Thank you Sean for such a moving and enthralling look into your life, it’s been a privilege.

A rare and beautiful soul

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Started and finished the book in under a week. It's full to the brim with tales of the natural world, dotted with touching personal stories from Seán's life. His narration adds an extra dimension to the audiobook, his passion and emotion really seeps through.

Fantastic audiobook wonderfully read by Seán!

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Pure passion for nature and his beloved birds. Engagingly written with complete honesty, humour and passion. One of the most refreshing books I've read in ages, loved it.

Totally wonderful

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