Wildlife: birds and birdwatching: general interest Books

Book SynopsisFrom stories of red-tailed hawks making their homes on the ledges of Manhattan skyscrapers to their role in protecting California's vineyards from flocks of grape-loving starlings,How Fast Can a Falcon Dive? explores how these avian predators interact with people and with their environment.Trade Review"Want to know everything about birds of prey—our amazing raptors? Then Capainolo and Butler's compact book, How Fast Can a Falcoln Dive?, is the place to start!" -- Joel Cracraft * Lamont Curator of Birds, American Museum of Natural History *"Birds of prey are endlessly fascinating. They fill us with wonder—and questions. Fortunately, this book has the answers, presented in an engaging style. A 'must-read' for anyone who admires raptors." -- Tim Gallagher * author of Falcon Fever and The Grail Bird *"This work will appeal to lay readers and raptor fanatics (there are many!). As abudding bird-watcher in high school, this reviewer would have devoured this book. Highly recommended." * Choice *"This reader-friendly and interesting book contains a wealth of information about birds of prey." * Wildlife Activist *"Almost anything a student might wish to know about raptors can be found in this well-organized, detailed, and thoroughly documented book." * NSTA Recommends *Table of ContentsRaptor basics Raptor bodies Raptor behavior Raptor reproduction Dangers and defenses Raptor husbandry Taming and training Raptors and people Research and conservation

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"For those of us who spend a lifetime helping preserve and encourage the conservation of birdlife, one of the greatest gifts we can receive is the chance to enter the ‘conservation time machine’ provided by books like Sue Leaf’s A Love Affair with Birds. It transports us back more than a hundred years to experience the diversity and abundance of the birdlife that once existed in Minnesota. It allows us to sense Roberts’s passion for birds, his detailed powers of observation, and his thoroughness in documenting his lifetime of bird observations."—Carrol Henderson, Nongame Wildlife Program supervisor, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources"Sue Leaf's engaging and carefully researched portrait of Thomas Sadler Roberts captures not just the man, but also the place and time in which his passions—medicine and ornithology—were born. Arriving in Minneapolis as a child when the city was young, Roberts over the course of a long, industrious life claimed an important place in Minnesota history that lives on in the book he wrote, The Birds of Minnesota, and the institution he founded, the Bell Museum of Natural History. Leaf tells Roberts's story with grace and empathy. A lively, important biography."—William Souder, author of Under a Wild Sky: John James Audubon and the Making of The Birds of America"A Love Affair With Birds, published by the University of Minnesota Press, traces the life of the Minneapolis physician who led birding expeditions, kept meticulous and now invaluable birding journals, and helped found the Bell Museum of Natural History."—Star Tribune"Minnesota’s importance to birds and birders cannot be overstated. More than 400 species have been recorded there. It’s a migratory pathway. And it’s the home of not just great hotspots but great advocates, like Carrol Henderson and our own Laura Erickson. That’s why this book is so relevant."—BirdWatching"In biographer Sue Leaf’s capable hands, we are drawn into Roberts’ long and worthy life, beginning with his family’s arrival in St. Paul in 1867. As a boy he was free to explore this edge-of-the-prairie region and its wildlife, and Leaf, herself a bird watcher, paints a vivid picture of what the area was like a century ago. Anyone with an interest in birds, Minnesota’s natural history and learning about the life of a singular doctor, author, curator, educator, conservationist and bird enthusiast will find this book a rare treat."—Star Tribune"Leaf’s recounting of this long life is a great read, especially for those of us who love history and the history of ornithology; the author’s tendency to wax poetic recalls the literary style of many of Roberts’s contemporaries."—American Birding Association Blog"An entertaining read that will engage anyone with an interest in our state’s history."—The Minnesota Historical Society Press"[Leaf] deserves warm plaudits for her careful scrutiny of mass of data, both ornithological and medical."—Canadian Field NaturalistTable of ContentsContentsAcknowledgmentsIntroduction1. A Fledgling Start2. Acquiring an Eagle Eye3. The Young Naturalists’ Society4. College Boy5. A Gypsy Life6. The Medical Student7. A Family Man8. The Busy Physician9. The Empty Day10. A Florida Interlude11. The Associate Curator12. Gains and Losses13. Writing the Book14. Building Mr. Bell’s Museum15. The Cardinal HourEpilogueNotesIndex

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Book SynopsisMore than 300 species of seabirds range across the world's oceans. In excess of 14 million birds, representing nearly two dozen species, make their home in the Hawaiian islands. This book displays the seabirds of Hawai'i - from the far eastern tip of the Big Island to the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument.

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Book SynopsisSumner, MO, pop. 102, near the Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge, proclaims itself The Wild Goose Capital of the World. It even displays Maxie, the World's largest goose: a 40-foot tall fiberglass statue with a wingspan stretching more than 60 feet. But while the 200,000 Canada geese that spent their falls and winters at Swan Lake helped generate millions of dollars for the local economywith hunting and the annual Goose Festivalclimate change, as well as environmental and land use issues, have caused the birds to disappear. The economic loss of the geese and the activities they inspired served as key building blocks in the rural identities residents had developed and treasured. In his timely and topical book, Gone Goose, Braden Leap observes how members of this rural town adapted, reorganized, and reinvented themselves in the wake of climate changeand how they continued to cultivate respect and belonging in their community. Leap conducted interviews with residents and participated i

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Book SynopsisThis book, a study of birds as they are presented by four great English poets, inquires into the extent and sources of their knowledge of birds and analyzes the methods by which they adapted that knowledge for poetic purposes.Table of Contents Preface I. The Background II. Chaucer III. Spenser IV. Milton V. Drayton VI. Conclusion Index to Birds Named by Chaucer, Spenser, Milton, and Drayton

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Book SynopsisFew ecosystem destinations are as abundant in their biodiversity as Costa Rica. Having the right field guides in hand can make all the difference when you're enjoying the country’s birdlife. Photo Guide to Birds of Costa Rica features 549 excellent photographs and treats 365 species.Table of ContentsIntroductionMap of Costa RicaAnatomical FeaturesGlossarySpecies Accounts and IllustrationsTinamousCurassows, Chachalacas, GuansNew World QuailSungrebeGrebesDucksCormorantsAnhingasPelicansFrigatebirdsBoobiesGulls, Terns, SkimmersSunbitternHerons, Egrets, BitternsIbises, SpoonbillsStorksLimpkinThick-kneesPlovers, LapwingsStilts, AvocetsSandpipers, AlliesJacanasRails, Crakes, GallinulesNew World VulturesOspreyHawks, Kites, EaglesFalcons, CaracarasOwlsPotoosOilbirdNightjars, AlliesSwiftsSwallowsHummingbirdsPigeons, DovesParrotsCuckoosTrogonsMotmotsKingfishersPuffbirdsJacamarsNew World BarbetsToucan-BarbetsToucansWoodpeckersOvenbirds, WoodcreepersTypical AntbirdsAntpittasAntthrushesTapaculosTyrant FlycatchersTityras, Becards, AlliesManakinsCotingasJays Thrushes, Allies Dippers Mockingbirds Silky-flycatchersGnatwrens, GnatcatchersWrensVireos New World WarblersTanagers, Seedeaters, AlliesFinches, New World Sparrows, Allies Grosbeaks, Buntings, Allies Blackbirds, Orioles Euphonias Species Index

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Book SynopsisBird Talk delves into new scientific developments to reveal the complexities of how birds make, learn, and use sound in a bewildering array of songs and calls. The beauty of birdsong is one of the joys of nature, and this book reveals how songs are learnt and performed, why the quality of a male''s repertoire can affect his mating success, and how birds use song-matching and countersinging in territorial disputes. Bird Talk illustrates how birds communicate through visual signals too, from the dazzling feathers of a Peacock to the jumping displays a Jackson''s Widowbird performs to show off his long tail. Plumage features such as the red bill shield of a Pukeko can indicate dominance, and how aggressive wing-waving is used to ward off impostors.Bird Talk will help you understand how birds communicate in a range of situations, whether in harmony or in conflict, providing essential new insight into avian intelligence.Trade ReviewI highly recommend this book for anyone who is passionate about ornithology and birding, and interested in expanding their knowledge about the different ways that birds communicate, as well as the impacts of human activity on birdsong and other behavior. * San Francisco Book Review *Bird Talk: An Exploration of Avian Communication is a very good and surprisingly relatively inexpensive way to expand one's knowledge of birds and what we know about how they communicate by song, movement, physical appearance, and smell. [The book makes] scientific information easily available, effortless to read and process, primarily through the use of stunning visual material to engage our eyes and spike our interest. * 10,000 Birds *

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Book SynopsisA comprehensive, detailed, illustrated history of Minnesota's breeding birdsthe first in nearly a century Unique among North American states, Minnesota sits squarely at the convergence of four major ecological regions, or biomes: aspen parklands, prairie grasslands, deciduous forest, and boreal forest. Consequently, the state hosts remarkably diverse avifauna. The Breeding Birds of Minnesota, the first comprehensive and in-depth assessment of Minnesota's breeding birds in nearly a century, offers an unprecedented, extraordinarily detailed, finely illustrated account of 250 of those birds, including their historical and present breeding distribution, habitat, population abundance, and prospects for the future.For each species, The Breeding Birds of Minnesota gives a brief life history, providing Minnesota seasonal status, migration, foods consumed, nest structure, and name origin; a summary of identification hints, primary vocalizations, and specific features of distribution or behavior

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Book SynopsisA comprehensive update of the classic from the state’s foremost expert In the nearly half-century since the first publication of the landmark Birds in Minnesota, the state and its bird populations have undergone dramatic changes. This newly revised, expanded edition reflects those changes as well as the most recent advances in birding, making it the indispensable resource for birdwatchers in Minnesota, both passionate amateur and professional. Featuring full-color photographs and more than one thousand distribution maps, the updated Birds in Minnesota describes where and during which season the 443 species of birds in the state can be found. Introductory comments by Carrol L. Henderson of the Minnesota DNR and Kim R. Eckert, author of A Birder’s Guide to Minnesota, along with the expert contributions of David Cahlander of the Minnesota Ornithologists’ Union, further enhance this new edition for today’s Minnesota birders. This edition of Birds in Minnesota is the essential birding reference—at once authoritative and user-friendly, comprehensive and concise, eminently practical and a delight to peruse. Trade Review"Minnesota conservationists, birders, educators, and children, now and in the future, stand to benefit for decades from this new and monumental update of Birds in Minnesota by my friend and lifetime Minnesota birder Robert B. Janssen. If you are not up to taking ‘six round trips to the moon’ to know Minnesota’s birdlife, read this book, and take a moment to thank Bob for his lifetime passion for birding in Minnesota and for sharing what he has learned."—Carrol L. Henderson, from the Foreword

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Book SynopsisAt the end of the twentieth century roughly 265 million people visited the 374 sites in the American National Park System. These places, designated and protected because of their significance to our nation's historical and natural heritage, contain some of the most beautiful landscapes in the United States - landscapes that naturally lend themselves to outdoor recreation. In this book, veteran parks interpreter Roland H. Wauer introduces the pleasures of birding in the national parks of the American Southwest. From California to Texas, from hugely popular destinations such as Arizona's Grand Canyon to the mostly undiscovered shores of Amistad National Recreation Area, Wauer visits fourteen sites and gives us his advice on what birds to expect and where and how to find them.

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Book SynopsisThe Texas coast offers rich avian treasures for expert birders and beginners alike, if only they know where to look. For those familiar with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's maps to the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail, this book on the Upper Texas Coast offers more - more information, more convenient and detailed maps, more pictures, more finding tips, and more birding advice from one of the trail's creators, Ted Lee Eubanks Jr., and trail experts Robert A. Behrstock and Seth Davidson. For those new to the trail, the book is the perfect companion for learning where to find and how to bird the very best venues on this part of the Texas coast.In an opening tutorial on habitat and seasonal strategies for birding the Upper Texas Coast, the authors include tips on how to take advantage of the famous (but elusive) fallouts of birds that happen here. They then briefly discuss the basics of birding by ear and the rewards of passive birding before turning to the trail itself and each of more than 120 birding sites from the Louisiana-Texas border, through Galveston and Houston, to just south of Freeport.While not intended as a field identification guide, the book contains more than 175 color photographs of birds and their coastal habitat, giving readers an excellent feel for the trail's diversity and abundance. Whether you are making your annual spring pilgrimage to Texas, leisurely traveling with the family along the coast, or wondering what to do during a layover in Houston, using this book as your guide to the trail will greatly enhance your birding experience.

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Book SynopsisIncluding the latest information on the seasonal status and distribution of more than 400 species, with 39 maps and over 50 photographs, this easy-to-use, full-color guide features information essential to planning a birding visit.

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Book SynopsisIn their second guide to birding in New Mexico, Judy Liddell and Barbara Hussey share their experiences and intimate knowledge of the best places to find birds in and around Santa Fe and other areas in northern New Mexico.Following the same format as their book on the Albuquerque area, the authors describe 32 sites organized by geographic regions. Along with a general description of each area, the authors list target birds; explain where and when to look for them; give driving directions; provide information about public transportation, parking, fees, restrooms, food, and lodging; and give tips on availability of water and picnic facilities and on the presence of hazards such as poison ivy, rattlesnakes, and bears. Maps and photographs provide trail diagrams and images of some of the target birds and their environments.A “helpful information” section covering weather, altitude, safety, transportation, and other local birding resources is included along with an annotated checklist of 276 bird species seen with some regularity in and around Santa Fe.

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Book SynopsisUndertaking a Big Year requires a more extreme version of planning than what is needed to bird in a typical year. In a Big Year a birder is trying to see or hear new birds every day, day after day, throughout the whole year.The first woman to complete a North American Big Year (continental United States and Canada) and identify over 700 species, Lynn E. Barber clocked more than 175,000 miles and ticked off a then record setting 723 species over twelve months in 2008. Yet even as an anomaly - a female birder in the then male-dominated world of competitive birding - she took the initiative to reimagine the whole idea of a Big Year in the two biggest states in the country.At home in both Texas and Alaska, Barber offers an inside look into how to plan, execute, and thoroughly enjoy a year of finding the birds that inhabit two of the nation's most diverse landscapes. The drastic differences between the climate, geography, plant life, and habitat at the far northern and southern edges of the US mainland mean seeing a distinct number of birds in each state that are not found in the other. Yet as states with both coastal and international boundaries, Texas and Alaska provide countless opportunities to see the most seasonally varied, far flying, and specifically adapted birds in the world.As Barber chronicles her travels throughout the Texan and Alaskan landscapes, serious and casual birders alike will appreciate her lively and informative prose and commitment to her distinct approach to the Big Year challenge.

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Book SynopsisRaptors - birds of prey that hunt during the day - include easily recognizable birds like eagles, hawks, or falcons. They may be seen perched on highway signs, electrical poles, or soaring overheard in urban and rural spaces across North America. Here, avian ecology and raptor experts Craig Farquhar and Clint Boal present the first comprehensive volume on these birds of prey in Texas. Given the state's size, location, and biodiversity, it is not surprising that Texas leads other states in the documented number of raptor occurrence.The introductory chapters of Raptors of Texas provide information on raptor ecology, evolution, behavior, morphology, and the unique conservation challenges raptors face. Detailed species descriptions of the most common raptors in Texas come next, illustrated with life-like graphite drawings and range maps. Additionally, short entries for rare raptors sighted in the state are provided.This reference is a must-have for serious birders, ornithologists, avian ecologists, and wildlife professionals who want to know more about these birds of prey and the important roles they play in our urban and rural environments alike.

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Book SynopsisAn illustrated flight across the SoutheastBirdlife invites readers into the lives of birds we often meet in the southeastern United States. Writer, scientist, and illustrator Todd Ballantine presents the habits and habitats, colorings, migratory paths, and songs of nearly one hundred birds of the Southeast that he has come to know so well. He wings us across diverse landscapes, along the coasts of states from Virginia to Texas, and in elds and forests in between, providing keen insights and tips for recognizing birds on the branch, on the beach, or in the air.Along the coast and estuaries, you will meet the double-crested cormorant and the herring gull; near marshes and wetlands, the American coot and the great blue heron; in elds and open areas, the killdeer and the savannah sparrow. In the brush and at the wood's edge, you will encounter the dark-eyed junco and the white-eyed vireo, and in the forest—if you are lucky—you might hear the evocative call of the nocturnal Chuckwill's-widow.Birdlife delights with Ballantine's own artistic and precise illustrations, hand-lettered text, easy-to-follow presentations, and memorable descriptions. His black-and-white bird renderings provide easy identi cation of shape and form. A unique book to enjoy in nature's habitats, high and low, Birdlife is a must-have companion for birding enthusiasts and anyone intrigued by the lives of birds.

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Book SynopsisMillions of Australian feed wild birds in their gardens. Yet there is currently very little information or advice on offer to tell them how to do this properly. This book provides the first readily available source of reliable information relevant to Australia. What’s more, it is written by an expert who feeds birds himself in his own suburban backyard. Including profiles on different types of Australian urban birds, what to feed them and what types of feeders to use, it also has tips on how to create a bird-friendly garden. Feeding the Birds at Your Table offers sensible and practical suggestions so feeding doesn’t only benefit us, but benefits the birds themselves. Packed with lists, tips and boxes for easy use, and featuring illustrations of some of the most common Australian birds, Feeding the Birds at Your Table tells you how to do just that - as responsibly as possible.

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Book SynopsisIn Curlews on Vulture Street, acclaimed urban ecologist Darryl Jones reveals the not-so-secret lives of the most common birds that share our towns and cities.Despite the noise, heat, dust and fumes, the ceaseless movement, light and toxins, many birds successfully live their lives among us. And not just furtively in the shadows. Ibis steal our lunch, brush turkeys rearrange gardens and magpies chase us screaming from near their nest.From his childhood in a country town noticing blackbirds and sparrows to studying brush turkeys in the suburbs, Jones shares a fascinating story of curiosity, discovery, adventure and conflict, played out in city streets and backyards. He also provides rare insights into the intimate lives of some of our most beloved and feared, despised and admired neighbours. You'll never see magpies, curlews, ibis, lorikeets and cockatoos in the same way again.

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Book SynopsisThe Birds of Shropshire provides the most comprehensive record of the County's avifauna ever published. Produced by Shropshire Ornithological Society, the book is based on the results of six years fieldwork by over 650 different observers who submitted over 333,400 records. These records have been used to produce maps showing the current distribution of almost 200 different species. Stunning images of 220 species have been contributed by 21 local photographers. The book includes an account for each species, describing its distribution and relative abundance, and the breeding status where relevant. The current breeding and winter maps will be compared with those shown in An Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Shropshire (1992) and with the Shropshire part of the national An Atlas of the Wintering Birds in Britain and Ireland (1986). Historical data, and results of specific local studies, are also incorporated. For many species it will show that massive changes have occurred in their population and distribution. The book will shape conservation priorities in the County for the next 20 years.Trade Review'If you have any interest in the birds of Shropshire this book is an essential read. The vast amount of information it contains is disguised by the quality of the writing, the beautiful illustrations and the clean, fresh layout of the pages. It's that rare publication: a reference book that invites you to read it.' Martin George, Shropshire Wildlife Trust

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Book SynopsisFrom its long coastline, with cliffs and islands that bustle with breeding seabirds in the summer, to its open moorland that hold some of the most southerly Curlews and Black Grouse, Wales packs a lot of birds into a small area. It is significant for its populations of Chough, Hawfinch and Pied Flycatcher, and its Manx Shearwaters are of global importance. And it has played an important role in the study of migration, as Skokholm was the first bird observatory in Britain. It is almost 30 years since the first avifauna was published for all of Wales and much has changed. Knowledge of the status of many species has increased thanks to improved monitoring and a greater number of birdwatchers, and we have a better understanding of how humans have affected Wales’ birds, particularly the twin challenges of land-use and climate change. The Birds of Wales synthesises the new information and sets it in context of each species’ history in Wales. It tells the stories of all the birds that have been recorded here, whether common or rare, and looks forward, anticipating what may occur in the coming decades. It will have an essential place on the bookshelf of everyone with an interest in birds in Wales and should be on the desk or in the rucksack of everyone who influences what happens to the nation’s land and seas. It is a once-in-a-generation state of Wales’ birds. Trade Review'[The Birds of Wales] is already proving to be an invaluable reference for information on species ecology and demography in Wales... It is beautifully illustrated with a scattering of photographs generously donated by a number of photographers.' Callum Macgregor, British Trust for Ornithology'[The Birds of Wales] is certainly a very weighty tome, worthy of a place on any birdwatcher's bookshelf... The authors deserve huge congratulation on producing this impressive publication. The amount of research that has gone in to the work is staggering.' Alan Rosney, Glamorgan Bird Club'[The Birds of Wales] is good-value and an essential purchase for anyone with even the slightest interest in birds in Wales, and for all conservationists and planners. There should be a copy in every public and school library in the country. For book collectors, it is another excellent addition to the large-format avifauna genre.'John Clark, British Birds'This superb book, which is the worthy successor and update of Birds in Wales (Lovegrove, Williams & Williams, 1994), is one of the excellent avifaunas produced by Liverpool University Press. We had to wait but the result is extraordinary.' Walter Belis, Alauda Translated from French, 'Ce superbe livre, qui est le digne successeur et une mise à jour de Birds in Wales (Lovegrove, Williams & Williams, 1994), fait partie des excellentes avifaunes produites par Liverpool University Press. Il a fallu patienter mais le résultat est extraordinaire. '‘This is a great book, which tells you everything about what Wales has to offer in the world of birdwatching… The pictures are stunning, and the write-ups of all the species from a team of great names matches them.’ John Miles, Birdwatching Magazine 'The Birds of Wales is an environmental milestone. The writer’s lives paused in time while they secured an immense record of the ecology and distribution of our avifauna at a critical period. It will inspire young minds, mobilise the essential army of recorders and future generations will use it to critically assess our efforts to protect the natural world.' Catherine Duigan, Medium

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Book SynopsisThis is the most comprehensive account of Gloucestershire’s birds ever produced, covering all the species recorded in the county in modern times. There are detailed maps showing the distribution and abundance of over 130 regular species, based on four years of fieldwork carried out by hundreds of volunteers. Graphs, tables and statistics illustrate the patterns of occurrence of many species, including passage migrants and rarities. Also included are descriptions of the bird habitats and the history of bird watching and conservation in the county. Some of Britain’s most prominent bird artists, past and present, including Jackie Garner, Robert Gillmor, Terence Lambert, Peter Partington, Peter Scott and Keith Shackleton, have provided beautiful illustrations, which sit alongside sumptuous photographs of many of the birds and the county’s landscapes. The volume includes a Foreword by His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales.Trade ReviewReviews'Wherever you go – along the river, or up on the wolds – here is the essential guide to Gloucestershire’s birds. It will bring you joy.' Ian WallaceThere was a great need for a book of this calibre in our county and it has now been more than fulfilled. James Lees, Birdwatch * Birdwatch *'Anyone from Gloucestershire, or who has an interest in the area, will find the book fascinating. It is the first really detailed account of ornithology in Gloucestershire and will almost certainly become the bible for local birders.' James Lees, Birdwatch * Birdwatch *'… two authors have seized the opportunity to incorporate the results of the national Atlas, with a full avifauna. Their splendid book is a triumph of organization and yet another valuable contribution to local ornithology from their talented designers at Liverpool.' David Balance, Ibis * Ibis *'A comprehensive review with a particularly appealing mix of artwork and photographs.'Best Local Birds Atlas, 2007-17Table of Contents Foreword by HRH the Prince of Wales Abbreviations and acronyms Acknowledgements An outline of Gloucestershire and its birdlife A brief history of bird watching, recording and conservation in Gloucestershire The 2007–2011 Atlas project Gloucestershire bird survey results Species accounts Exotics and escapes Scientific names of non-birds Appendix (field workers, square stewards) References and bibliography Index to bird species

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Book SynopsisFramed by the magnificent and internationally important coastline from the Dyfi round Anglesey to the Dee, North Wales, which includes the mountains of the Snowdonia National Park, is a very special place for birds. In excess of 700 contributors submitted more than 200,000 records over five summers to produce this fascinating atlas of the area’s breeding birds. Lavishly illustrated with stunning photographs this beautiful full colour book includes fully bilingual introductory chapters, a Welsh language précis alongside each English language species account and a wealth of recording data, maps and tables.Trade ReviewIt’s quite a big book and quite a thick book. … The contents look good – clear maps, some beautiful photographs, understandable tables and a few graphs. ...This is a book to take with you to a Desert Island because it is fascinating, and because part of its size is dictated by having some dual-language parts, so as well as learning the birds of North Wales you could try and learn Welsh through bird distributions. Mary Avery, Sunday Book Review * Sunday Book Review *[An] exemplary work of citizen science. Mark Cocker, The New Statesman * The New Statesman *This atlas the first of its kind for this challenging area.Best Local Birds Atlas, 2007-17Table of ContentsForeword by Iolo WilliamsAbbreviations and acronyms AcknowledgementsIntroductionWhy produce this Atlas?The project areaBackground to the projectProject managementOur approach to an AtlasVolunteers - training and motivationPublicityNewslettersFieldwork methodsOther sources of dataMonitoring progressFunding the projectPublication costsPublication processHabitats, landscape and land useNorth Wales - a portraitPhysical geography and geologyClimateWeather patterns during the Atlas periodHuman geographyPrincipal land cover types and their associated bird speciesEstuaries (including floodplain grazing marsh), sand dunes and saltmarshCoast cliffs including offshore islandsRocky shores and coastal shingleFarmland and boundary features - hedges, walls, ditches and tracksLowland neutral and calcareous semi-natural grasslands and heathland (including maritime heath)Lowland wetlands (raised bog, fens and reedbeds)Lakes, reservoirs and pondsRivers and streamsBroadleaved woodlandWet and riparian woodlandsConiferous plantationsFfridd including scrub and BrackenMontane, moorland, blanket bog and upland dry acid grasslandResidential areas including gardensIndustrial and postindustrial habitats including quarriesMajor changes in bird habitats from the time of Forrest to the present day1800 to 19001900 to the 1940s1940s to 1970s1970s to 1980s1990s to the present dayFuture predictionsOur resultsDistribution patterns and species richness - implications for conservationIntroductionOverall species richness - bird biodiversity hotspotsBiodiversity planning and its relevance for birdsBiodiversity planning in WalesThe population status of birds in WalesWhich were the most widespread breeding species?Distribution patterns of specific groups of speciesWaterbirdsSeabirdsRaptors and owlsWading birdsUpland birdsWoodland birdsFarmland birdsComparison with the 1968-72 and 1988-91 national AtlasesDeclining speciesSpecies no longer breeding in North Wales (since 1968-72 and 1988-91)Increasing speciesRecent colonists in North WalesSpecies that may return to North Wales and potential colonistsBirds seen in the breeding season that did not breedHow we achieved our resultsObserver effortFieldworker skillsFinal coveragePopulation estimatesFuture conservation measuresLessons learned from this project that should be considered for any future, similar surveyPlanning before fieldwork beginsDuring the fieldwork periodMonitoringSpecies accountsIntroduction to the species accountsBreeding status and Welsh conservation statusHistorical information about speciesVice-county names within the textThe main mapThe small maps at 10km levelData tablePhotographsPopulation trend graphsSponsorshipThe individual species accountsSpecies classified as Category E by the BOUTechnical informationSources of dataPreparation of dataNumbers of recordsContributors of recordsMonitoring progressOrganising the textArranging publicationUnitary authoritiesAppendicesGlossaryScientific names of non-bird speciesGazetteerReferencesIndex of bird speciesEnglish namesWelsh namesScientific names

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Book SynopsisDerbyshire to many visitors is synonymous with Britain’s most visited National Park, The Peak District, almost all of which lies within the county. The spectacular White and Dark Peak landscapes are one of the main visitor attractions. The Park contains a wide variety of flora and fauna of which birds are of particular interest. To county residents and more regular visitors, however, Derbyshire birding offers much more than just the Peak District. Very different landscapes and habitats to the east and south are home to a birdlife contrasting with that found in the Peak District. This book is the result of almost 20 years of endeavour by the Derbyshire Ornithological Society. It follows on from the only two previous books devoted to Derbyshire’s birdlife, Whitlock (1893) and Frost (1978). It contains 319 accounts of species that have been reliably recorded in the county. Amongst those are 135 breeders for which distribution maps are given and over 100 are illustrated with black and white vignettes. Also included are sections on a history of Derbyshire ornithology, the Derbyshire Ornithological Society, ringing in Derbyshire, a general description of the county, a summary of Derbyshire statistics, changes to the county boundary, place names, the natural areas, a chronology of additions to the county list, fossil species, escaped and released species, unacceptable historic records, the breeding bird survey and a comprehensive gazetteer. Beautifully illustrated and with an abundance of information for the serious and armchair ornithologist alike, The Birds of Derbyshire will be the definitive study of the region’s birds for many years to come.Trade ReviewHugely detailed and beautifully produced ... [An] exemplary work of citizen science. Mark Cocker, The New Statesman * The New Statesman *Table of ContentsGlossary, Abbreviations and Terms Foreword Introduction Acknowledgements A History of Derbyshire Ornithology The Derbyshire Ornithological Society Ringing in Derbyshire A General Description of the County of Derbyshire A Summary of Derbyshire Statistics Changes to the County Boundary Place-names and the History of Birds in Derbyshire The Natural Areas A Chronology of Additions to the Derbyshire List Fossil Species Photo Section Derbyshire Habitats and their Typical Species A Selection of Derbyshire Rarities The Breeding Bird Survey The Species Accounts Important Records for 2012 Escaped and Released Species Unacceptable Historic Records Table of Breeding Species in Order of Frequency of Occurrence Gazetteer Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisA detailed examination of all aspects of parrots from behavior to their conservation.Parrots' colour and charisma, coupled with the fact that they mimic human speech, make them fascinating to many people. They are ancient birds with unique bill and foot structures that enable them to forage on fruits in the canopy of forest trees as well as on seeds in grasslands. Because they depend on fruits and seeds all year round, most species are confined to the tropics or sub-tropics, where the world's biodiversity is at its greatest. There are over three hundred species of parrots, of which more than one hundred are recognised as rare, endangered, vulnerable or threatened with extinction. Parrots are largely distributed in tropical areas of developing countries where economies are weak and uncertain, and where there is great dependence on the exploitation of natural resources, particularly hard wood evergreen forests, which are preferred parrot habitats. Unfortunately, high levels of corruption are common to these regions, with much illegal trade in animals and little or no law enforcement. Collectors of parrots in the first world pay huge sums for rare parrots. However, research, education and conservation actions are greatly reducing illegal trade in African parrots. This book provides complete coverage of all aspects of the biology of extant African, Malagasy and Mascarene parrots, and reviews our knowledge of extinct and fossil parrots from the region. Particular themes include the behavioural and ecological characteristics of parrots, their species characteristics and conservation biology. Current concepts in avian and conservation biology are also discussed. Parrots of Africa, Madagascar and the Mascarene Islands is aimed at ornithologists, conservation biologists, avian ecologists, academics, bird watchers and parrot fans alike. It is well illustrated, with high quality original photographs, and includes distribution maps, figures and tables.Table of ContentsConservation biology; systematics; biogeography; intelligence and communication; breeding biology of African parrots; diet and metabolism of African parrots; African longtailed, Vasa and Fossil Parrots; African Parrots; African Lovebirds; Case study of the endangered Cape Parrot; African Parrots in crisis; African Parrot action plan.

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Book SynopsisFeaturing 234 color plates, and more than 950 color maps, this book helps identify East Asia's bird species. It covers major islands including Japan and Taiwan, as well as the Asian continent from Kamchatka to the Korean Peninsula.Trade ReviewWinner of the 2009 Louis Brownlow Book Award "Finally. The first single-volume guide for eastern Asia, and it's exquisitely illustrated."--Matt Mendenhall, Birder's World "Although northeastern Asia boasts a number of regional endemics and is a source of many actual and potential vagrants to North America, the region has been sorely lacking a modern field guide... Birds of East Asia finally provides a treatment that meets the standards expected for modern field guides... I will certainly take it with me on any future visits to the region. That's a compliment I cannot offer any other current or past field guide to the region."--Nick Lethaby, Birder "Any birder planning to visit this fascinating part of the world will want to get Birds of East Asia for their trip."--Federick Brock, Wildlife Activist "Eastern Asia, in a biological sense, represents one of the last great frontiers, even for a group as generally well known as birds. Brazil, a field ornithologist with considerable experience with Asian avifauna, has produced the first comprehensive guide to birds of the region... This is an excellent field guide and reference book. Birders who travel extensively in East Asia (or who want to) will own a copy as will any library with strong ornithological holdings."--Choice "This interesting guide, which covers major islands including Japan and Taiwan, as well as the Asian continent from Kamchatka to the Korean peninsula, is amply illustrated with a plethora of color plates and maps that will provide any traveler with the information necessary to identify any bird of this vast region."--Indiana Audubon Quarterly

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book SynopsisBird Life of Coasts and Estuaries describes the bird life of the British coastline and adjacent off-shore waters from an ecological point of view, using information from research to show how bird distribution and abundance are related to important environmental variables such as marine currents, weather, coastal landform and the influence of man. First published in 1992, the book will appeal to the layman who wants to know more about coastal birds, the birder who wants to find out how birds interact with their environment and all those who are interested in the habitats that make up what is arguably Britain's most important natural asset.Table of ContentsPreface; Introduction; 1. The coastal environment; 2. The open sea; 3. Rocky shores, cliffs and shingle beaches; 4. Mudflats and sandy shores; 5. The coastal fringe; 6. Threats to coastal birds; Appendix; References; Index.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"An essential reference for birders west of the continental divide, particularly for intermediate and advanced observers." * Western Birds: The Quarterly Journal of Western Field Ornithologists *

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Book Synopsis

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