Wildlife: birds and birdwatching: general interest Books

Book SynopsisSinging Like Larks opens a rare window onto the ancient song traditions of the British Isles, interweaving mesmerising lyrics, folklore and colourful nature writing to uncover the remarkable relationship between birds and traditional folk music. Birds are beloved for their song and have featured in our own music for centuries. This charming volume takes us on a journey of discovery to explore why birds appear in so many folk songs. Today, folk songs featuring our feathered friends are themselves something of a threatened species: their melodies are fading with the passage of time, and their lyrics are often tucked away in archives. It is more important than ever that we promote awareness of these precious songs and continue to pass them down the generations. Lifetimes of wisdom are etched into the words and music, preserving the natural rhythms of nature and our connection to times past. An important repository and treasury of bird-related folk songs, Singing Like Larks is also an account of one young nature writer’s journey into the world of folk music, and a joyous celebration of song, the seasons, and our love of birds.Trade Review'A beautiful, informative and fascinating book. In each chapter [Millham] seamlessly blends the behaviour of the bird with its place in the history of folk song, all written in a lively and engaging style … with evident passion for the subject.' -- Stephen Moss, bird writer and naturalist'How beautiful is this lovely book?' -- Folde, Dorset'Inspiring' -- Essex Life'Absolutely charming.' -- The Copper Family

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Book SynopsisThis is a compact, A5 edition of Queen of the Sky by Jackie Morris. The amazing story of a peregrine falcon rescued from the sea off the remote coast of west Wales. Jackie Morris tells the story of how her friend Ffion Rees nursed the Falcon back to life and back to the wild it''s about the bond which grew between the two.

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Book Synopsiswhat if / I actually - am - a bird / my cupped hands / opening to release me... Phil Barnett's relationship with birds is so close that his poetry blurs the distinctions between himself and the birds - a kind of ornimorphology where rather than giving the birds human characteristics, the reverse happens, and he imagines himself as a bird. Phil Barnett is a photographer, writer, musician, artist and naturalist, who has a passion for the birds that kept him company through a long hard illness. His photography and poetry have quite a following on social media, which is where we found him, on The Daily Haiku. His skill as a photographer leads to an acute visual sensibility, and his slow recovery moves from a tick sheet his mother had to fill in for him, to extraordinary poetry - full of wit and wonder and spectacular language.Trade ReviewThese poems are windows onto moments of a life steeped in nature. At once perceptive and full of wonder, they captivate with a uniqueness and vibrancy, just as the sudden surprise of birds can startle us from our myopic existence. Jane LovellTable of ContentsBirds Knit my Ribs Together Introduction The pond Dream Thrush Wounds Three Curses To know what it's like Box of letting go Jackdaws to roost Bird watching We give what we can Just sitting Under wings Trepanning unchorused A crack must have opened Plugged by a bird unsprung Butcher bird Terrible curve Nor Woodcock rising Two white horses Floating cork of me Molten roe So close Amber under The news Spans two hills Its own angle The nature dog Coastal footpath Used to be Flux Set the air Stones Open A willow's words When I was water

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Book SynopsisA fully updated second edition of this introductory identification guide to the 279 bird species most likely to be seen in Hong Kong, including every species classified as Abundant, Common or Uncommon in the Hong Kong Bird Report. High quality photographs from the region's top photographers are accompanied by detailed species descriptions, which include nomenclature, size, distribution, habits and habitat. The user-friendly introduction covers geography and climate, vegetation, opportunities for naturalists and the main sites for viewing the listed species. Also included is an all-important checklist of all of the birds of Hong Kong, encompassing, for each species, its common, Chinese and scientific name, and its current IUCN status.

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Book SynopsisA Photographic Field Guide to the Birds of Canberra and the High Country is a fully comprehensive field guide to the 322 bird species found in the Australian High Country, and includes all common, rare and vagrant species. With photographs from the author and the region's other top-quality nature photographers, each species is illustrated with many variants. The guide is focused on field use to help beginners and experts identify species. Previously published as A Photographic Field Guide to the Birds of the Australian High Country (John Beaufoy Publishing, 2017). For each species the common and scientific names are listed as well as local variations. The main identifying features of each species are described and key facts cover size, habits, habitat, breeding, distribution, voice and status in the region. Distribution maps provide an at-a-glance view of where the birds can be found. The book also includes information on climate and topography, types of habitat, orders and families, residents, migrants, vagrants and highly scarce migrants, topography and the key birdwatching sites. The checklist provides complete information on the local status of each species.

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Book SynopsisAn Identification Guide to Garden Birds of Britain and North-West Europe is a photographic identification guide to 75 species of bird most commonly found in or over the gardens of Britain and North-West Europe. The text combines scientific facts with affectionate descriptions of the birds' identifying features, including sex and age differences, habits, nest types, eggs and calls. The introduction contains tips on how to identify birds; how to look after garden birds; which species can be seen through the year; a glossary and anatomy details. For each species there are two or three photographs labelled with distinguishing features where appropriate, a calendar showing the time of year when the adult can be seen and star facts that give further proof of the birds' fascinating features.

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Book SynopsisNew Zealand's Biggest Year is an epic birding tale of how two friends become rivals and set out to break the all-time record for the most Aotearoa New Zealand bird species seen in one calendar year. Their rivalry results in more birds being spotted in a single year than ever before and two national records are broken. However, which of these two birders will take the title and become the all-time biggest year lister Aotearoa New Zealand has ever seen? From the first day at the top of South Island to the sprint finish on the Chatham Islands, this is Harry Boorman's personal account of his epic, year-long adventure. Full of twists and turns, unexpected sightings, pandemics and trip cancellations, including the addition of a species (the Emus) to the official bird list on the very last day, Harry's story gradually unfolds to its nail-biting conclusion.

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Book SynopsisA Field Guide to the Birds of Singapore is a fully comprehensive field guide to the 422 bird species of Singapore, as well as ‘escapees’ not formally accepted as ‘wild’ birds. The species are clearly illustrated in over 100 plates, with many variants. The main identifying features of each species are described and key facts cover size, voice, range and status, habitat and breeding. The book also includes information on taxonomy and nomenclature, observing birds, climate, habitats, the breeding cycle, migration and conservation as well as 25 key birdwatching sites with maps.

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Book SynopsisThe 100 Best Birdwatching Sites in Australia contains the author's personal selection of 100 of the best birdwatching sites in all states, territories and islands of Australia. The sites are chosen for the large number of species or the large number of special birds to be found in each one. In some cases, the sites are quite specific, such as Hasties Swamp, some are huge (Lakefield National Park), some are lengthy (the Strzelecki Track) and some cover a whole district, such as Katherine. Access details of sites have been updated where relevant for the 3rd edition. Sue Taylor's engaging narrative describes the efforts she goes to in search of particular species. For each site she covers the type of habitat, which special species may be found there and when is the best time to visit. She lists four birds to look out for. Photographs show the site and two of the species that inhabit it whether as residents or as seasonal visitors.

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Book SynopsisA Naturalist's Guide to the Birds of Australia is an easy-to-use introductory photographic guide to 280 bird species seen in Australia, including the most commonly seen and rare endemic species.

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Book Synopsis'A thrilling, deeply emotional and authentic bird-lover's travelogue.' James Lowen, author of Much Ado About Mothing 'One spring morning, as the cuckoos were arriving in England, we departed. At Tilbury Docks we slowly edged our Toyota camper into a shipping container and, like a heron scooping a frog from a marsh, our container was hoisted high over the dockside. Inside was everything we needed, our new life bound for South America.' After a vicious attack left Michael Webster in treatment for years, it was only his love of nature - in particular birds - that truly healed. Repaying this debt to nature, he and his wife embarked on their trip of a lifetime, travelling through South America; immersed in the wild, following and filming birds. For over four years Michael and Paula travelled the length of the Andes, the greatest mountain chain on Earth. From penguins in Patagonia, up beyond the hummingbirds of the equator, to the flamingos of the Caribbean. They endured dust storms, thundering gales, icy mountain tops and skin-searing heat, and tested the limits of their physical and mental strength as they lived wild, month after month, camping under galaxies of diamond stars. The Condor's Feather is testament to the possibility of new adventures, new friendships and new hope.Trade Review'A thrilling, deeply emotional and authentic bird-lover's travelogue. Michael Webster conveys just why South America's rare birds and wildlife need saving - and provides inspiration for all of us to do our bit to help.' - James Lowen, author of Much Ado About Mothing and editor of Neotropical Birding

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Book SynopsisThe unlikely stars of Landfill are gulls. No, not seagulls. Gulls. Over the past century gulls have been brought ashore by modernity, living in our slipstream, following trawlers, ploughs and now rubbish trucks. They are more our contemporaries than other birds, living their wild lives in towns and cities, grabbing a bite where they can. Our story is theirs too. In Landfill, Tim Dee follows gulls to rubbish dumps, meets gull-watchers, discovers ancient poets, Victorian novelists and learns how gulls continue to tell us how the wild can share our world, if we'd only listen.Trade Review'An important and entirely brilliant book...an absolute triumph.' Helen Macdonald, author of H is for Hawk; 'A startling and truly original book.' Richard Holmes; 'A true zoological and anthropological classic.' Charles Foster

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Book Synopsis‘A magisterial diary for bird lovers.’ Observer WINNER – BOOK OF THE YEAR - East Anglian Book Awards 2023 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Telegraph As seen on BBC Winterwatch 2023 ‘Honest, human and heart-grabbing. I loved this book so much.’ Sophie Pavelle, author of Forget Me Not ‘Delightful’ Stephen Moss, author of Ten Birds that Changed the World ‘Fascinating and thought-provoking’ Jake Fiennes, author of Land Healer ‘Awe-filled and absorbing’ Nicola Chester, author of On Gallows Down The Meaning of Geese is a book of thrilling encounters with wildlife, of tired legs, punctured tyres and inhospitable weather. Above all, it is the story of Nick Acheson’s love for the land in which he was born and raised, and for the wild geese that fill it with sound and spectacle every winter. Renowned naturalist and conservationist Nick Acheson spent countless hours observing and researching wild geese, transported through all weathers by his mother’s 40-year-old trusty red bicycle. He meticulously details the geese’s arrival, observing what they mean to his beloved Norfolk and the role they play in local people’s lives – and what role the birds could play in our changing world. During a time when many people faced the prospect of little work or human contact, Nick followed the pinkfeet and brent geese that filled the Norfolk skies and landscape as they flew in from Iceland and Siberia. In their flocks, Nick encountered rarer geese, including Russian white-fronts, barnacle geese and an extremely unusual grey-bellied brant, a bird he had dreamt of seeing since thumbing his mother’s copy of Peter Scott’s field guide as a child. To honour the geese’s great athletic migrations, Nick kept a diary of his sightings as well as the stories he discovered through the community of people, past and present, who loved them, too. Over seven months Nick cycles over 1,200 miles – the exact length of the pinkfeet’s migration to Iceland.Trade Review‘[B]eautiful in its detail of the pink-foot, brent and snow geese… The Meaning of Geese is mournful and magisterial.’ Observer‘Goose-nerd Nick Acheson opens his wildlife diary to us, sharing the highs and lows of a unique winter spent in nature’s embrace on the windswept North Norfolk coast. The Meaning of Geese is an intimate study of the intriguing lives of these under-appreciated birds, as well as a window into the inner workings of a naturalist’s obsession.’ Lee Schofield, author of Wild Fell‘Combining old-school charm with 2020s urgency, Nick’s book, like its subject, is simultaneously earthing and elevating, evoking the bittersweet ache of belonging to a place that is changing but still and always home. The writing is measured, erudite, unfailingly generous but with an underlying emotional vibrancy that cuts through like an icy wind or the sudden dazzle of winter sun.’ Amy-Jane Beer, author of The Flow‘A fascinating and thought-provoking record of an individual and his passion for geese, among other birds. Beautifully descriptive but also detailed in the history of winged visitors to the North Norfolk coast, Nick communicates pure passion and unconditional love for a landscape that is his home. A book about geese, people, their observations and a landscape steeped in natural history.’ Jake Fiennes, author of Land Healer‘What Nick has achieved with The Meaning of Geese is not just a timely, poignant meditation on his relationship with these birds and his home, but through powerful, lyrical prose, he seems to happen upon unlocking the meaning of life itself: a passionate, purposeful existence which is entirely bound to and entwined with the natural world. Relaxing yet rousing. Honest, human and heart-grabbing. I loved this book so much.’ Sophie Pavelle, author of Forget Me Not‘This book is an absolute treasure. Nick’s attention to detail is astonishing, but he also writes with humour, humility and grace, seamlessly blending a lifetime of knowledge, insight and passion – not only for his beloved geese but for the entire natural world. I will never again look at geese without pondering their “meaning”.’ Brigit Strawbridge Howard, author of Dancing with Bees ‘The Meaning of Geese shows us it is possible and necessary to know ourselves and our wild world through a deep intimacy with just one place under the sky – and the simple reach of a mother’s happy red-darter-coloured bicycle. In an awe-filled and absorbing portrait, wild geese bring the world and its mysteries to us and our shared landscape. The warmth, humility, friendship and deep knowledge that exude from this book are infectious and necessary. It is a lyrical love letter to North Norfolk, its skies, people and the gleaming, binding, gossamer threads its geese trail across the globe and back. The Meaning of Geese shows us how we too can be explorers and pioneers of a deeper knowledge, from the seat of an old red bicycle.’ Nicola Chester, author of On Gallows Down‘A delightful account of a low-tech (and low-carbon) quest to follow, watch and understand one of Britain’s greatest bird spectacles: the huge flocks of pink-footed geese that visit our shores from the far north each autumn and winter.’ Stephen Moss, author of Ten Birds that Changed the World‘Nick Acheson lives his life as he writes his books – full of clarity and passion. Only a man hefted so deeply to a landscape could bring the detail of wildlife to the page in such brightness. So much so that you feel you are riding on his handlebars as he toils up Norfolk’s hills on his old bike in search of his beloved geese or shivering at his side as an easterly wind buffets the flocks that fuss and shout all around. Migrant geese bring with them the spectacle of the sunlit months of northern reaches, places like Iceland, Siberia, even Canada. As the days shorten, they are guided by the stars to whiffle and glide onto the mud of the North Norfolk coast, bringing in their wake a yearning evoked by meeting travellers who have seen what we never will. But for Nick, the geese are far more than natural wonders, they are the embodiment of a rich human history, the stuff of folktales, the creatures that bind nature-loving friends together, a consolation in the dark months, and they are feathered portents of a changing planet. The Meaning of Geese is exactly the right title. The details of Norfolk’s wildlife, large and small, fall out of the page. As I read this book while winter nudges away the last warm days of the year, I am fired by a love for a world that still has geese sailing through the night to land amongst us and am grateful to those who wait for them to arrive and watch them with wonder.’ Mary Colwell, author of Curlew Moon‘In The Meaning of Geese, Nick invites you into the realm of gaggles, honks and cackles. His gentle, warm love for all things goose shines from every page. In winter walks gone by, I might have overlooked a field full of these feathered beings, but Nick’s ability to shine a spotlight of adoration, wonder and curiosity onto something right under your nose is quite wonderful. Growing up in Lancashire, a sky brimming with honking pink-footed geese is a visceral childhood memory, and I feel like Nick’s goose winter has reconnected me with those feelings of awe and joy.’ Lucy Hodson, BBC Springwatch, naturalist and wildlife communicator'Poetic, wry, beautifully observed and possessing a wonderful sense of place, this is note-perfect nature writing.' Patrick Barkham, author of The Butterfly Isles ‘A poignant and intimate study of the lives of geese.’ BirdGuides

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Book SynopsisAccompanied by superb photographs, this ground-breaking book is the first practical field guide to record the Zulu names of bird species commonly found in KwaZulu-Natal. Where one name was previously used to describe a number of birds belonging to the same genus (i.e. ukhozi for most eagles), the need existed to give species specific names. The authors hope this book will be used to inspire a greater interest, awareness and protection of the avifaunal heritage of KwaZulu-Natal. It is vital for the heritage of all South Africans that these names are recorded and made widely available. Noleen Turner, a passionate birder and honorary research professor at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, in collaboration with Prof Adrian Koopman and Roger Porter, led this seven-year project, together with 18 expert Zulu bird guides from various parts of KwaZulu-Natal. The recording, derivation and crafting of these names has been a lengthy but fascinating process. Turner notes that the project has included not only the consideration of biodiversity management, but also the pursuit of social ecology, the long neglected but crucial 'people's' aspect of conservation. She said when it came to Zulu names for birds, they had to fill in the gaps, and of the 550 species analysed, some were confirmation of well-known names, such as inkazwi for the fish eagle; some were selected from the most commonly known names such as inkankane for the hadeda ibis. Some names were redirected: for example, the name for the Brown-headed Kingfisher indwazela became the generic name for all kingfishers (ndwaza referring to the motionless position while waiting for prey). Other new names were coined based on appearance, calls, behaviour and distribution such as isankawu (the bird whose call sounds like a vervet monkey) for the Southern Pochard, or umacutha derived from the Zulu word cutha (meaning to draw the body tense) as the generic name for herons, which perfectly describes the bird's behaviour before it lunges at its prey.Trade Review"An outstanding and exceptionally useful book" - Mark Anderson, - CEO BirdLife South Africa

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Book SynopsisQuite simply one of the best collections of images of Australian birds ever compiled. This lavishly illustrated book showcases beautiful photography which depicts the country's wild birds in their natural habitats. There is a strong focus on endemic bird species and families, while the authors have specialised in portraits and behavioural shots. Subjects range from soaring albatrosses and hunting raptors, to rarely seen views of skulking emu-wrens and quail-thrushes. Chapters focus on habitats such as bushland, coast and gardens, and on aspects of bird life and behaviour such as breeding, feeding and flight. Accompanying text enhances the photos by outlining facts regarding ID, behaviour, the circumstances in which the image was taken, photography tips, and much more besides. The pages are packed with action shots, close-ups, panoramics and much more, making 'Australian Birds in Pictures' a wonderful companion for all nature and wildlife enthusiasts and bird lovers.

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Book SynopsisTake The Handbook of Nature-Study with you wherever you go with these handy new editions from Living Book Press.Each volume features the author''s classic Introduction to Nature-Study, an invaluable guide to help parents and teachers both understand the importance and benefits of studying nature and introduce this wonderful skill to their children. New full-color photos are included for those times that you''re unable to see nature up close. This volume features the section on Birds along with the author''s lesson questions, suggested readings, and teacher''s stories. Grab this book along with a field guide specific to your area and enjoy delving into the endlessly fascinating world that is nature-study.

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Book SynopsisLearn to identify 36 of Australia's most common birds and develop your birdwatching skills while creating great memories with family and friends. Backyard Birdwatching helps to increase the environmental life skills of people of all ages and create conversation and activity around the birds in your backyard or local park. Birdwatching is easy, costs nothing and is a great discussion topic maintaining a thread from one day to the next. It is also an activity which can be activated quickly with few resources.

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Book SynopsisPenguins. We love them. Seemingly upright caricatures of us, it is easy to bond with these black and white little people'. They have become perennial favourites of cartoonists, because they are fun. They make us laugh. Waddle is a compendium of delightful quotes and gorgeous photographs that capture the essence of this amusement. Its intention is to put a grin on your face and a warm feeling in your heart all thanks to these endearing creatures that don't just walk, but waddle.

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Book SynopsisFrom the shores of Lake Erie in the north to the long and winding Ohio River of its eastern and southern border, Ohio provides amazingly diverse habitats for birds. The hilly Appalachian region of the east and south contain some of the most diverse woodlands in the United States. The northwest region known as the Great Black Swamp has many marshes and wetlands. And along the shore of Lake Erie sits one of the most famous birding sites in the world-the Magee Marsh Wildlife Area. Known as the "warbler capital of the world," many thousands of birds stop along along their migration routes during the spring and fall. Ohio has many protected areas for birds including a National Park, three National Wildlife Refuges, and over 3.5 million acres of IBAs (Important Bird Areas). The Buckeye State is truly one of the best places to see birds year-round in the U.S.A. From geese to grosbeaks, owls to warblers, grouse to waxwings, Ohio is truly a birder's paradise. Written by expert Ohio birder Ethan Kistler and filled with gorgeous color images by Brian E. Small, the American Birding Association Field Guide to Birds of Ohio is the perfect companion for anyone wanting to learn more about the natural history and diversity of the state's birds and when and where to see them.Now With:•Printed with certified paper from responsible sources•Sturdy lay-flat binding•Rounded corners won't catch-no more torn or ragged pages

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Book SynopsisThis new book in the American Birding Association Field Guide Series includes complete coverage of all the major species, identification tips, and info on conservation status, habitat, and behaviors. Written by expert birders Helen & Andre F. Raine and filled with gorgeous color images by Jack Jeffrey, the American Birding Association Field Guide to Birds of Hawaii is the perfect companion for anyone wanting to learn more about the natural history and diversity of the state's birds, and when and where to see them.

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Book SynopsisWashington is one of the premiere states for birds and birding. Its rugged coastline and expansive forests in the western portion, the towering Cascades, of the central region and the arid eastern valleys, combine to provide excellent and varied habitats for hundreds of types of birds year-round. Washington is home to three magnificent national parks providing some of the best natural wildlife viewing areas in North America. And there are over 100 parks throughout the state, including 19 marine parks and 11 historical parks. Over 350 beautiful color photographs, featuring 300 bird species in natural habitats; clear and concise identification, habitat, and birdsong text; tips on when and where to see species throughout the year; complete Washington bird checklist; detailed map and index, and more. Written by expert Washington birder Dennis Paulson and filled with gorgeous color images by Brian E. Small, the American Birding Association Field Guide to Birds of Washington is the perfect companion for anyone wanting to learn more about the natural history and diversity of the state's birds and when and where to see them.

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Book SynopsisOf all birdgroups, none is more closely associated with the world's tropical forests than trogons and quetzals. With shimmering golden-green feathers and long ornamental tail coverts, Central America's resplendent quetzal often has been called the world's most beautiful bird. Other New World as well as African trogonids also are iridescent and brightly pigmented, while red or reddish brown hues predominate in Asian species. Since deforestation and fires have ravaged many of the reclusive group's prime habitats, ornithologists and conservationists may soon be unable to study many of the world's trogonids in their native environments. Beautifully illustrated with color plates and line drawings, this comprehensive review of trogons and quetzals -- the first to be published in more than 150 years -- covers all thirty-nine extant species. The book includes detailed species accounts, range maps, and identification keys as well as a chapter that discusses comparative biology in terms of evolution, anatomy and morphology, behavior, ecology, breeding biology, and populations. Forty hand-colored plates -- most by the renowned nineteenth-century illustrator John Gould -- depict adults of both sexes; nineteen line drawings by author Paul Johnsgard illustrate behavior and anatomy. The book also includes more than three hundred bibliographic references. Despite their beauty and renown among birders, little has been previously published about the biology of many trogon and quetzal species. This up-to-date survey will serve as a valuable reference for ornithologists, conservationists, aviculturalists, and birdwatchers worldwide.

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Book SynopsisSwift and iridescent, hummingbirds are found only in the New World, and encompass an amazing variety of specializations. No other family of birds can lay claim to so many superlatives, including smallest size, most rapid wingbeat, and most specialized plumages. While many species can be attracted to feeding stations and backyard flower gardens, others can be found only in the wild.Paul A. Johnsgard's Hummingbirds of North America is the only book devoted to the identification, distribution, and biology -- both individual and comparative -- of all hummingbirds that breed in North America. First published in 1983, this acclaimed volume now has been revised and expanded to include twenty-five Mexican species, such as the long-billed starthroat and the fork-tailed emeralds, thereby more than doubling the species coverage of the original edition. Full species-by-species accounts survey the evolutionary history, anatomical and physiological specializations, and comparative ecology, behavior, and reproductive biology of this largest family of nonpasserine birds. Individual accounts are complemented by 24 full-color paintings.Including updated range maps, identification keys, and a bibliography that has been broadened to include literature on the little-known Mexican species, the book is both accessible to amateur birders and an authoritative volume for ornithologists.

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Book SynopsisOver 900 species of birds are known from North America, an avifauna made up primarily of native year-round residents and seasonal migrants, modestly enhanced by introduced exotics and neighbouring vagrants. BIRD IS THE WORD is an unequalled compilation of the names of almost 800 of those birds and the record of how, when, where, and by whom those names were created and drawn into the history and science of the continents avifauna. The names of record date from the early years of European discovery, exploration, and settlement of Middle and North America through the emergence and evolution of science during the 18th and early 19th centuries, the enhanced purposeful search for and documentation of new species during the 19th century, and the consolidation of the expanded record during the 20th century. Part I of Bird is the Word describes the scope, structure, and content of the book, focusing on an introduction to avian taxonomy, a listing of the avian orders that are represented in North America and its environs, and insights into the different categories or groups of names that are in use throughout the North American orders. Part II, organised by order, family, genus, and species -- and making up most of the book -- is devoted to the names of the individual species and the historical and/or cultural context of those names. Each species is introduced by its common name and Linnaean name and pronunciation, and accompanying information provides historical insight into the discovery and naming of the species, explanations of the Linnaean name, and other names for the species -- French names, Spanish names, British names, Inuit/Eskimo names, and Other, or colloquial, names. A final chapter identifies and describes nine species or subspecies of birds that have become extinct since colonial times. Numerous sidebars are present throughout Part II to expand upon specific matters of interest. Part III of the book includes three appendixes, one providing a list of names for gatherings of different species of birds, a second providing a glossary of words used in the book, and a third that introduces the reader to more than a hundred naturalists and other persons who participated in the search for, finding, recording, naming, describing, or illustrating of birds of record for North America. BIRD IS THE WORD is a rich and readily accessible collection of information about finding and naming the birds of North America. It is much more than a reference book; it is a journey of discovery that will enrich the readers birding experience.

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Book Synopsis“For those who plan to visit Alaska, this book is an obvious must, but even armchair birders will get satisfaction from reading it. Any birder will get many hours of enjoyment” —The Canadian Field-NaturalistGuide to the Birds of Alaska has been a must-have for Alaska birders for more than thirty years. New in the sixth edition: More than 900 full-color photos, including 400 new to this edition every bird is now illustrated including the casuals and accidentals 22 new species of birds All changes in names and systematics made by the American Ornithological Union Updated status and distribution charts showing the seasonal occurrence of each bird in Alaska’s six biogeographic regions Detailed information on field marks, behavior, similar species, voice, and habitat Useful map of Alaska’s six biogeographic regions Checklist of all species for birder’s use Comprehensive reading list and index This comprehensive guide provides the most current knowledge about the birds in Alaska. “A fun and convenient way to pique or enhance your interest in Alaskan birds.” — Daily Sitka Sentinel Table of ContentsCONTENTS A Note on Alaska’s Biogeographic Regions Map Introduction Key to Charts Checklist of Alaska’s Birds BIRD FAMILIES Geese, Swans, Ducks Grouse, Ptarmigan Loons Grebes Albatrosses Fulmars, Petrels, Shearwaters Storm-Petrels Cormorants Bitterns, Herons Ospreys Hawks, Eagles Rails, Coots Cranes Oystercatchers Plovers Sandpipers Jaegers Auks, Murres, & Puffins Gulls, Terns Pigeons, Doves Typical Owls Goatsuckers Swifts Hummingbirds Kingfishers Woodpeckers Falcons Tyrant Flycatchers Shrikes Vireos Jays, Magpies, Crows Larks Swallows Chickadees Nuthatches Creepers Wrens Dippers Kinglets Leaf Warblers Old World Flycatchers and Allies Thrushes Starlings Wagtails, Pipits Waxwings Longspurs and Snow Buntings Wood Warblers Sparrows, Buntings Cardinals and Allies Blackbirds Finches Old World Sparrows Casual and Accidental Species Further Reading Index Photo Credits About the Author Notes

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