Wildlife: birds and birdwatching: general interest Books
Creative Paperbacks Living Wild: Hawks
Book Synopsis
£11.40
Creative Paperbacks Seedlings: Eagles
Book Synopsis
£10.44
WW Norton & Co Flight of the Diamond Smugglers: A Tale of
Book SynopsisFor nearly eighty years, a huge portion of coastal South Africa was closed off to the public. With many of its pits now deemed “overmined” and abandoned, American journalist Matthew Gavin Frank sets out across the infamous Diamond Coast to investigate an illicit trade that supplies a global market. Immediately, he became intrigued by the ingenious methods used in facilitating smuggling particularly, the illegal act of sneaking carrier pigeons onto mine property, affixing diamonds to their feet, and sending them into the air. Entering Die Sperrgebiet (“The Forbidden Zone”) is like entering an eerie ghost town, but Frank is surprised by the number of people willing—even eager—to talk with him. Soon he meets Msizi, a young diamond digger, and his pigeon, Bartholomew, who helps him steal diamonds. It’s a deadly game: pigeons are shot on sight by mine security, and Msizi knows of smugglers who have disappeared because of their crimes. For this, Msizi blames “Mr. Lester,” an evil tall-tale figure of mythic proportions. From the mining towns of Alexander Bay and Port Nolloth, through the “halfway” desert, to Kleinzee’s shores littered with shipwrecks, Frank investigates a long overlooked story. Weaving interviews with local diamond miners who raise pigeons in secret with harrowing anecdotes from former heads of security, environmental managers, and vigilante pigeon hunters, Frank reveals how these feathered bandits became outlaws in every mining town. Interwoven throughout this obsessive quest are epic legends in which pigeons and diamonds intersect, such as that of Krishna’s famed diamond Koh-i-Noor, the Mountain of Light, and that of the Cherokee serpent Uktena. In these strange connections, where truth forever tangles with the lore of centuries past, Frank is able to contextualize the personal grief that sent him, with his wife Louisa in the passenger seat, on this enlightening journey across parched lands. Blending elements of reportage, memoir, and incantation, Flight of the Diamond Smugglers is a rare and remarkable portrait of exploitation and greed in one of the most dangerous areas of coastal South Africa. With his sovereign prose and insatiable curiosity, Matthew Gavin Frank “reminds us that the world is a place of wonder if only we look” (Toby Muse).Trade Review"Intriguing.... With great eloquence, Matthew Gavin Frank weaves his personal losses into a riveting cultural tapestry. If Flight of the Diamond Smugglers induces justified discomfort about the dirty business of diamonds, it also rewards with a panoramic view of an ancient and mysterious trade." -- Martha Anne Toll - NPR"[A] rumination on brutality and resistance in the mines of South Africa. . . . The material in general — ghost towns, corporate cruelty, the centuries-old relationship between humans and a species almost magical in its abilities — is fabulous." -- Nate Blakeslee - New York Times Book Review"Unexpected connections abound in Frank's lyrical work . . . . [he] blends investigative journalism, historical research and rhapsodically written memoir to examine mankind's relentless exploitation of the Earth and all its creatures, including the humans themselves. . . . In refusing to romanticize the landscape or the piracy that takes place upon it, Frank's book suggests that perhaps what diamonds are forever really means is that so is avarice. But maybe so, too, is ‘the magic of the pigeons." -- Kathleen Rooney - Minneapolis Star Tribune"The humble pigeon gains a sense of grandeur as the author evokes a plethora of classical, mythical, and scientific accounts to paint a fascinating portrait of this commonplace species.... An attempt to capture and remember the collective tragedies and horror of the diamond mining industry.... Frank captures the Orwellian atmosphere.... examin[ing] the helplessness of the people who are trapped in this quagmire where hierarchies of race and class push them into making perilous decisions." -- Shweta Kumari - The Mantle"A perfect combination of memoir and investigative reporting.... a page-turning tale of suspense." -- Corné van Zyl - The South African"A work of strange beauty born of personal tragedy.... An often unsettling, thoroughly researched, poetically expressed mélange of memoir, historical analysis and philosophical meditation.... The narrative’s path is not linear; instead, Frank follows the flow of his prodigious curiosity.... Frank observes... with a sharp yet sympathetic eye.... Suspense builds as the pages turn.... there’s much to marvel at, from the far-reaching aftermath of diamond mining to the ways old memories have a hold on us. Readers will empathize with Frank’s efforts to process his grief and with Diamond Coast residents’ search for glints of hope in a grim desert. Through it all, pigeons soar in the sky and alight on the ground, offering companionship, a particular set of skills and thought-provoking fodder for metaphor." -- Linda M. Castellitto, Bookpage, starred review"Equal parts memoir and investigative reporting.... A page-turning tale of suspense.... With novelistic writing, Frank masterfully weaves a fast-paced history of South Africa's Diamond Coast, and the impact of De Beers controlling both the land and the government. His thorough reporting on mineworkers, their pigeons, and towns that have struggled in the wake of mine closures makes for compelling reading. The author excels in allowing people to speak for themselves, adding personal touches to a history of greed and trauma.... Frank writes a fascinating story of grief and history that will draw readers in from the first page. Must-read narrative nonfiction." -- Stephanie Sendaula, Library Journal, starred review"[T]he author [Frank] creates an intriguing and unusual blend of genres. Here he mixes natural history with anthropology and a twist of true crime in a tale of small-scale theft." -- Kirkus Reviews"For too long, the lowly pigeon has been seen as an urban nuisance, undeserving of our attention, and too common to be seen in a magical or heroic light. Matthew Gavin Frank’s compelling investigation into the bird’s unexpected role in the diamond trade is here to change that: Flight of the Diamond Smugglers is a lyrical portrait of a resilient species caught in the grinding gears of a cruel industry of extraction and exploitation." -- Kirk Wallace Johnson, author of The Feather Thief: Beauty, Obsession, and the Natural History Heist of the Century"From the depths of diamond pits where miners toil for starvation wages, to the skies above the South African coast where pigeons glide, Matthew Gavin Frank’s riveting exposé casts light on a little-known world that ensnares humans and animals alike in the pitiless pursuit of treasure and profit." -- Lauren Redniss, author of Oak Flat: A Fight for Sacred Land in the American West"A beautifully written book on diamond smuggling, the universe, life and much of what lies in between. . . . Throughout it all, this book reminds us that the world is a place of wonder if only we look." -- Toby Muse, author of Kilo: Inside the Cocaine Cartels—from the Jungles to the Streets"Hard-bitten and starkly poetic. Matthew Gavin Frank digs deep into South Africa’s brutal mining territories and strikes unlikely signs of life. The most precious gems in this story are, unexpectedly, flesh and feathers. An incredibly raw, personal, and original tale." -- Noah Strycker, author of Birding Without Borders: An Obsession, a Quest, and the Biggest Year in the World"This book is a rare gem indeed, smartly researched by someone with a big heart and a beautiful mind." -- Aimee Nezhukumatathil, author of World of Wonders: In Praise of Fireflies, Whale Sharks, and Other Astonishment
£19.94
Sasquatch Books The Hidden Lives of Owls: The Science and Spirit
Book SynopsisEmbark on an adventure into the world of owls, owl-watching, avian and the deep forest. Leigh Calvez pursues nine different owl species including the great horned, spotted and snowy. Calvez makes the science entertaining and accessible through the stories of the people who are obsessed with these birds and her own avian adventures in the field. The author entertainingly explores the questions about the human-animal connection, owl obsession, habitat, owl calls, social behaviour and mythology.Trade Review“Calvez probes the forest at night in search of answers to the mystery [of owls], exploring topics such as owl calls, social behavior and mythology attached to the species.”—The Chicago Tribune"[Calvez's] writing integrates the luscious imagery of her surroundings along with the scientific data and analysis... it creates such an engaging reading experience." —Owl Eye“Leigh Calvez enters the world of owls with a sense of wonder as wide-eyed as her subjects. The reader shares every discovery along the way in this winning and heartfelt exploration.”—Thor Hanson, author of Feathers and Bartholomew Quill“Almost like spying on the neighbors, Leigh joins the brother- and sisterhood of nocturnal birders who track and measure night birds for science and for love."—Kathleen Alcalá, author of The Deepest Roots “You’ll come away from this riveting book blessed with owl wisdom that will enlarge your world forever.”—Sy Montgomery, author of Birdology and The Soul of an Octopus “Informative as it is captivating, this book is a compelling window into the science and secrets of these guardians of the forest.” —Brenda Peterson, author of Build Me an Ark: A Life with Animals"Calvez writes with feeling and is obviously in awe of these mysterious creatures.”—Library Journal“This enthusiastic study of the owls of the Pacific Northwest may inspire new fans and citizen scientists.”—Shelf Awareness“Leigh Calvez shares what she calls her ‘owl journey’ in this beautiful book, which is full of sensitive observations and high drama."—Kristin von Kreisler, author of An Unexpected Grace and Earnest“An owling delight.”—The Owl Pages“An ode to the owl.”—The Washington Post“[An] illuminating journey.”—Sierra Magazine“Leigh Calvez shares many such trivia-friendly tidbits while providing the definitive histories of 11 owl species.” —Audubon Magazine "Entertaining and enlightening… a worthwhile and enjoyable read." —Birdwatch MagazinePNBA bestsellerWashington State Book Award Finalist
£16.14
Sasquatch Books Pacific Flyway: Waterbird Migration from the
Book SynopsisThe migratory waterbirds of the Pacific Flyway convert food, air, and water into a mileage plan that has few equals in the animal world. Set against a backdrop of stunning images from more than 120 internationally acclaimed photographers, this book shares the amazing stories of these migrants - a cast of characters that includes shorebirds, seabirds and waterfowl. Stretching from the Arctic regions of northeastern Russia, Alaska and western Canada and along the Pacific coastlines of North, Central and South America, the Pacific Flyway traverses some of our planet's greatest climatic and topographic extremes. Defined by water, the flyway encompasses a sweeping expanse of coastal and offshore marine ecosystems and an inland archipelago of freshwater wetlands. Hemispheric in scope, this integrated network of ecosystems is linked by its moving parts - the millions of migratory birds whose lives depend on this 10,000-mile (16,000-km) corridor as they travel between their breeding and overwintering grounds. With their ocean- and continent-spanning travels, waterbirds are our sentinels in a changing world, each of their journeys revealing the fraying edges of the web of life that sustains us all. 'Pacific Flyway' perfectly blends amazing photography, science writing and storytelling to illuminate the profound challenges faced by migratory birds and to inspire a long-term commitment to global conservation efforts.Trade Review"Visually stunning and expertly presented, [Pacific Flyway] spotlights bird migrations along the Pacific coast. In admiring prose, the authors marvel at seagulls, ducks, snow geese, and other 'feathered ambassadors.' Readers who want to learn about bird migrations will find this volume educational, while those simply in search of escape will find it a stimulating and scenic journey." --Publishers Weekly
£21.25
Sasquatch Books BirdNote: Chirps, Quirks, and Stories of 100
Book Synopsisan excellent gift for the would-be birder in your family. And even veteran birders will enjoy it.…I recommend this book to anyone who loves birds (or anyone you think should love birds)."–EcoLit Books This beautiful gift book features entertaining and informative essays from the popular public radio program, BirdNote, accompanied by gorgeous full-color illustrations throughout--an illuminating volume for bird and nature lovers across North America.Here are 100 of the best stories about our avian friends from the public radio show BirdNote, each brief essay illuminating the life, habits, or songs of a particular bird. > Why do geese fly in a V-formation? > Why are worms so good for you--if you're a robin? > Which bird calls, "Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you-all?"From wrens that nest in cactuses to gulls that have a strange red dot on their bills--these digestible and fascinating bird stories are a delightful window to the winged world.Trade Review"Have you ever wondered what that little red dot on a seagull’s bill is for? Or why geese fly in a V formation? Answers to such questions—and more illuminating insights into avian species....are neatly compiled in BirdNote.…It’s a trove of trivia for anyone who’s ever wondered, “Why is that bird doing that?” —Seattle magazine"[BirdNote has] a lively, conversational tone that makes for a quick and engaging read. Fans of the show and bird lovers of all ages will find much to enjoy in this book.”—Booklist"…beautifully designed, with full-color illustrations and a handy bookmark tassel. This will make an excellent gift for the would-be birder in your family. And even veteran birders will enjoy it.…I recommend this book to anyone who loves birds (or anyone you think should love birds)." –EcoLit Books
£19.51
Rockridge Press North American Bird Watching for Beginners: Field
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£13.99
Rockridge Press Bird Watching Field Journal: Log, Sketchbook, and
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£12.34
Publications International, Ltd. Brain Games - Sticker by Number - Vintage: Birds
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£16.13
Timber Press (OR) Birds of New England
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£22.50
Timber Press (OR) Birds of Washington and Oregon the East Side
£16.48
Torque Golden Eagle vs. Great Horned Owl
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£11.40
Mountaineers Books Rare Air: Endangered Birds, Bats, Butterflies, &
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£20.85
Amicus Ink Hawks
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£7.59
Amicus Ink Geese
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£7.59
Amicus Ink Robins
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£7.59
Amicus Ink Cranes
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£9.49
Amicus Ink Flamingos
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£9.49
Amicus Ink Herons
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£9.49
Amicus Ink Ostriches
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£9.49
Amicus Ink Storks
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£9.49
Amicus Ink Swans
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£9.49
Peachtree Publishers,U.S. Superlative Birds
Book SynopsisExplore the fascinating world of superlative birds?from the bee hummingbird, the tiniest bird in the world, to the peregrine falcon, the fastest creature on Earth.Ever wonder which bird has the loudest voice? Which one builds the biggest nest or has the most feathers? Get to know all about the best and brightest?and smelliest!?denizens of the bird world with this collection of nonfiction science verses. You won?t need your binoculars to observe the superlative characteristics of these avian wonders.Author Leslie Bulion includes a science glossary, notes on poetry forms, and resources for information about these extraordinary birds in the back of the book. Witty drawings by Robert Meganck add another layer of fun to this humorous and informative gallery of the world?s most accomplished birds.
£7.59
Creative Paperbacks Eagles
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£12.59
Creative Paperbacks Flamingos
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£10.44
Creative Paperbacks Parrots
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£10.44
Creative Paperbacks Penguins
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£10.44
Creative Paperbacks Swans
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£10.44
Creative Paperbacks Vultures
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£10.44
Creative Paperbacks Falcons
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£10.44
Creative Paperbacks Ostriches
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£10.44
Creative Paperbacks Peacocks
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£10.44
Creative Paperbacks Pelicans
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£10.44
Creative Paperbacks Storks
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£10.44
Creative Paperbacks El Avestruz
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£10.44
Creative Paperbacks El Pavo Real
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£10.44
Creative Paperbacks Hummingbirds
Book Synopsis
£12.59
Creative Paperbacks El Flamenco
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£10.44
Creative Paperbacks El Colibrí
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£10.44
Creative Paperbacks El Perico
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£10.44
Creative Paperbacks El Cisne
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£10.44
Creative Paperbacks El Buitre
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£10.44
Creative Paperbacks El Halcón
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£10.44
Allen & Unwin Your Backyard Birds: Understanding the
Book SynopsisA beautiful, inspiring and heartwarming book about our human relationships with the birds who share our backyards.'Do you ever wonder what birds are talking about as they fly by you? The sounds and songs of birds constantly surround us as we go about our lives. But what are they talking about? Or are they even talking or just mindlessly squawking and chirping? Why are so many urban birds so loud? Is there a message in what the birds are telling each other?'Observing and interacting with all the different birds who visit Australian backyards leads naturally to questions about their behaviours, habits and needs. Why are they visiting? What do they want from us? For a bird, life in Australia means having mates: others who you can trust and work with to locate food and water, which can disappear as suddenly as it appears. As the humans who plant the gardens they live in and visit, what can we learn from Australia's often-cheeky birds?With a foreword by science journalist and broadcaster Robyn Williams AM, and chapters dedicated to discovering extraordinary information about Australia's innovative birds, Your Backyard Birds is a delightful and compelling read. With real stories from bird-loving citizen scientists, this fascinating book features new insights about the lives of our avian friends. Your Backyard Birds, written by a wildlife ecologist who is passionate about the vital role of citizen scientists, provides a fresh and lively perspective on human interaction with birds.
£25.60
Lone Pine Publishing,Canada Compact Guide to Tennessee Birds
Book SynopsisTennessee State Ornithologist Michael Roedel provides information on more than 80 different birds commonly seen in Tennessee. Each account features full-color illustrations and a range map, along with information on each bird's common and scientific name, its size and voice, a photograph of the bird's egg, along with information on nesting, size of the egg and incubation period.
£999.99
Lone Pine Publishing,Canada Compact Guide to North Carolina Birds
Book SynopsisThis easy-to-use field guide will help even the novice birder identify the species encountered in backyards and along wilderness trails across North Carolina. Over 80 different birds are featured, complete with color illustrations, photographs of eggs, and extensive natural history. The author is the mountain area biologist for the Audubon Society in North Carolina and a life-long birder.
£14.24
Lone Pine Publishing,Canada Birds of Georgia
Book SynopsisFull of interesting facts and useful information, Birds of Georgia is a field guide geared to both the casual backyard observer and the experienced naturalist. The book features over 300 of Georgia's most abundant or notable bird species, each one illustrated in color.
£21.99
Lone Pine Media BC Northern California Nature Guide
Book Synopsis
£16.99
