This is how I embarrassed myself today: wandering around Cape May Bird Observatory’s bookstore I overheard a woman asking Pete Dunne to sign the book that she just bought. He doesn’t mind signing books and has signed a few of his books for me in the past. Pete’s a familiar face around Cape May and leads weekly bird walks and hangs out at the hawk watch. Easy to see famous author.
So.
I decide I’m going to buy that new shorebird guide he has out that I’ve been hearing so much about. It’s supposed to be a great book and I need all the help I can get with shorebirds. I figure I might as well 
buy it now, seeing as he’s here and can sign it for me.
Anyone sensing the problem yet?
Pete Dunne didn’t write the great new shorebird guide, only I didn’t realize that until after I asked him to sign it.
Duh!
I was kidding him about how tiresome it must be to be signing books all the time as I handed mine over. I honestly had no clue what he was talking about when he said, “But that isn’t my book!” Huh?
I can only imagine the multiple shades of red I turned. Good sport that he is, he signed it anyway and with a smile. I suppose I should have gone back and bought his book for him to sign, but I really wanted that shorebird guide!
Thanks for sharing that. We all have been there before.
Oh, that so sounds like something I would have done. And, hey, how many people have his signature in a book that ISN’T his? Pretty cool!
What a great sport Pete is!
That’s pretty funny, but I totally understand how that could happen…
Oh Laura, SO funny!!!! From his inscription in the book, it looks like Dunne thought it was funny too!
So glad others do things like that, too! Hope you enjoy your new book!
That is too funny, Laura! Sounds like you maintained your composure, which I greatly admire. Love that he signed it anyway.
LOL LOL LOL!
Oh, man…I don’t even know what to say!
Dave: Yep – I’m a dummy!
-llm.: He mentioned that he hadn’t ever been asked to do that before – lol!
Naturewoman: Good sport, yes. I’m sure he would’ve preferred to be signing his own book!
Laura: The two books look so alike to me and are always pictured together!
Lynne: I don’t know – think he was just being nice! These guys all know each other anyway.
sandy: Shorebirds aren’t my thing, but I really would like to learn to ID them.
Lene: I was so embarrassed!
Susan: Glad you got a laugh at my stupidity!
No dummy, just human.
Laura
I finally found your blog, looking in all the wrong places…
I met Kevin at a birding festival in West Virginia this spring.
He’s a good guy and I think he would find it extremely funny.
Excellent book isn’t it?
Ric
Laura,
This is too funny. I think you made the right book choice though. It’s a gem. Next time you’re at the hawk watch, look for the enthusiastic, dark-haired, British birder. It’s probably Richard Crossley.
Rondeau Ric: Hi! I met Kevin once on one of the back trails in Cape May while he was lugging his huge camera around – he seems like a very nice guy and very down to earth. I’d bet he would laugh if I had the nerve to ask him for a sig.
Patrick: I think I did too. 😉
I think I met Richard once also at the little seawatch pavillion at the state park (is there anyone you can’t meet in Cape May?) Actually, I don’t think I’ve met David Sibley, yet! God I hope I don’t ever ask him to sign Kauffman’s field guide. 😉