This year’s Tucson Festival of Books was a great success–not the least thanks to the participation of Jon Dunn, who took part in a panel discussion with Elizabeth Rosenthal on the history, significance, and future of the field guide.

As consultant, editor, and author of a number of field guides (along with innumerable articles on identification, distribution, and classification), Jon gave us some one-of-a-kind insights into the birth and evolution of the National Geographic guides and the other important references he’s responsible for.

The audience of about 60 birders and book lovers was enthusiastic, and Jon was, characteristically, patient and thorough in answering their questions, ranging from how to choose a field guide to how to make that difficult jump from beginner to “intermediate” birder.

Afterwards, Liz and Jon signed books at the Tucson Audubon stand.

But that wasn’t the end of it. Jon generously agreed to lead a Tucson Audubon bird walk at Sweetwater Wetlands Sunday morning; books were signed, birds were sighted, and everyone was impressed–no surprise to those of us who know him–at how fine a morning in the field with Jon Dunn can be!

Jon with Robert Meredith, Liz Payne, and Darlene Smyth at the 2010 Tucson Festival of Books.