Zoology: birds (ornithology) Books

Book SynopsisAn introduction to France for anyone visiting with birds in mind, from casual birdwatchers checking a bird that flies over the terrace during a family holiday to addict birders who would sell their souls for a dream species or a record-breaking checklist. Some may have just a few spare hours to get their binoculars out between business meetings or museum visits, others will be out in the field for two weeks or more, from sunrise to sunset. The authors wrote this book for all bird lovers, birdwatchers and birders, whatever the duration of their stay, the number of kilometres they are prepared to travel and how they enjoy birds. With over 400 regularly occurring species, of which 357 normally breed or winter, France has one of the most diverse avifaunas of the whole of Europe, spanning an incredible range from colourful Mediterranean flagship species such as roller, bee-eater or black-winged kite to secretive cold-climate or mountain specialists like three-toed woodpecker and Tengmalm’s owl. The Birdfinder section provides targeted details for 30 species which often rank in the top wish-list of birders visiting France. Dividing the country into 14 regions, the authors highlight 312 representative sites, chosen for their bird species composition and ease of access. The selected sites enable the reader to see the widest possible species diversity and largest range of local specialities in a reasonable time, while respecting the basic ethical rules obvious to all birdwatchers. Whenever possible, sites are arranged in clusters or itineraries that can be covered in two to three days without hurrying. To supplement the use of the book in the field, all the sites described are geolocated in a file that can be downloaded from the publisher’s website and loaded onto any GPS device.Trade ReviewRarely it is possible to find a naturalistic guide with this abundance of information on the roads to drive or to walk and the bird species that may be observed. The novelty of this book is that all the sites are geolocated in a file that can be downloaded from the publisher’s website and loaded onto any GPS device. … Everybody who has planned a naturalistic trip to France must place in the luggage this book! -- Bruno Massa * Avocetta *Extremely well documented, detailed and illustrated, this new guide, created by three well-known French ornithologists, covers all the sites of France interesting to one degree or another for the birds. -- Jean Marc Thiollay * Ornithos *A great solution is to download a GPS file from the publisher's website, which makes it easier to navigate to destinations. The GPS file opens in Google Earth and Google Maps; Maps.me, recommended by the authors, is a great application for accessing and editing on your smartphone. -- Matti Sillanpaa * Linnut *I would highly recommend Where to Watch Birds in France as a well thought out book that collates and easily directs you to interesting bird spots that you might not have found outside of local guides or websites. The authors and contributors have definitely written something that they would want to use themselves and this certainly feels like a guide designed by bird watchers for bird watchers! -- Katharine Bowgen * British Trust for Ornithology *This new guide to birdwatching in France .... wins with its modern layout and sophisticated combination of printing and electronic information. 312 of the best observation areas are presented in 466 clearly arranged maps, on which the most important places are marked as "waypoints". These can be downloaded from the internet to a GPS device. .... The references to specific observation sites are very precise. * Ornis *All you could want in a birdfinding guide, with lots of maps and just the right level of detail, all in a very compact package. -- Grant McCreary * The Birder's Library *A must have for those birding France. -- Ian Paulsen * Birdbooker Report *There is no doubt that a huge effort has gone into this book, which can now be considered the definitive resource for the country’s travelling or visiting birders. * Fatbirder *An ideal tool for any trip to France, whether for the specific aim of birdwatching or for some other purpose that allows a quick escape. -- José Luis Copete * Ardeola *A monumental step in making more of this country’s bird life accessible to visitors… The amount of detailed information for each site is a marvel… A major contribution to the bird-finding literature for western Europe. -- Rick Wright * American Birding Association *Table of ContentsSymbol chart Foreword Preface Acknowledgements Introduction Regions at a glance Practical information Birdwatching in France Region 1 – Paris and the Seine Reservoirs Region 2 – From the North Sea to the Somme Bay and the western Ardennes Region 3 – Normandy Region 4 – Brittany Region 5 – The Loire Valley Region 6 – Poitou-Charentes and the Vendée Region 7 – Aquitaine Region 8 – The Pyrenees Region 9 – Western Mediterranean Coast and the Cévennes Region 10 – Eastern Mediterranean Coast, Southern Alps and Corsica Region 11 – Jura and the Alps Region 12 – Massif Central Region 13 – Burgundy Region 14 – Northeast Birdfinder Checklist Site index

Read more less

Book SynopsisWhen and where did the ancestors of modern birds evolve? What enabled them to survive the meteoric impact that wiped out the dinosaurs? How did these early birds spread across the globe and give rise to the 10,600-plus species we recognise today ― from the largest ratites to the smallest hummingbirds? Based on the latest scientific discoveries and enriched by personal observations, The Ascent of Birds sets out to answer these fundamental questions. The Ascent of Birds is divided into self-contained chapters, or stories, that collectively encompass the evolution of modern birds from their origins in Gondwana, over 100 million years ago, to the present day. The stories are arranged in chronological order, from tinamous to tanagers, and describe the many dispersal and speciation events that underpin the world's 10,600-plus species. Although each chapter is spearheaded by a named bird and focuses on a specific evolutionary mechanism, the narrative will often explore the relevance of such events and processes to evolution in general. The book starts with The Tinamou’s Story, which explains the presence of flightless birds in South America, Africa, and Australasia, and dispels the cherished role of continental drift as an explanation for their biogeography. It also introduces the concept of neoteny, an evolutionary trick that enabled dinosaurs to become birds and humans to conquer the planet. The Vegavis's Story explores the evidence for a Cretaceous origin of modern birds and why they were able to survive the asteroid collision that saw the demise not only of dinosaurs but of up to three-quarters of all species. The Duck's Story switches to sex: why have so few species retained the ancestral copulatory organ? Or, put another way, why do most birds exhibit the paradoxical phenomenon of penis loss, despite all species requiring internal fertilisation? The Hoatzin's Story reveals unexpected oceanic rafting from Africa to South America: a stranger-than-fiction means of dispersal that is now thought to account for the presence of other South American vertebrates, including geckos and monkeys. The latest theories underpinning speciation are also explored. The Manakin’s Story, for example, reveals how South America’s extraordinarily rich avifauna has been shaped by past geological, oceanographic and climatic changes, while The Storm-Petrel’s Story examines how species can evolve from an ancestral population despite inhabiting the same geographical area. The thorny issue of what constitutes a species is discussed in The Albatross's Story, while The Penguin’s Story explores the effects of environment on phenotype ― in the case of the Emperor penguin, the harshest on the planet. Recent genomic advances have given scientists novel approaches to explore the distant past and have revealed many unexpected journeys, including the unique overland dispersal of an early suboscine from Asia to South America (The Sapayoa’s Story) and the blackbird's ancestral sweepstake dispersals across the Atlantic (The Thrush’s Story). Additional vignettes update more familiar concepts that encourage speciation: sexual selection (The Bird-of-Paradise's Story); extended phenotypes (The Bowerbird's Story); hybridisation (The Sparrow's Story); and 'great speciators' (The White-eye's Story). Finally, the book explores the raft of recent publications that help explain the evolution of cognitive skills (The Crow's Story); plumage colouration (The Starling's Story); and birdsong (The Finch's Story)Trade ReviewWe expect to find well‐read copies of this book in libraries near famous birding locations across the globe, from Pipeline Road to Kinabalu National Park. * Journal of Field Ornithology *The Ascent of Birds is a fascinating story of bird history, a collection of exciting and readable essays on the development of different bird types from ancient times to the present and the future. -- Pertti Koskimies * Linnut *While this book is a little daunting at first, covering as it does the entire evolutionary history of birds, the author does an excellent job of breaking the latest science down into understandable chunks, and I highly recommend it as an excellent synthesis of this amazing field of research. You won’t look at birds the same again. -- Cyndi M. Smith * Canadian Field Naturalist *Birds draw you in with flashy characteristics – dazzling colors, melodious songs, the power of flight. By the time you start to get inured to these you discover there is so much more. What’s the deal with all their diversity? Where did they come from? And just how in the world did we ever get such creatures as the birds-of-paradise? But such answers have not always been easy to come by, unless you happened to be an evolutionary biologist. That is, until John Reilly’s The Ascent of Birds: How Modern Science Is Revealing Their Story. You would be forgiven for prejudging a book dealing with “the evolution of modern birds from their origins in Gondwana, over 100 million years ago, to the present day” would be a slog to read. But nothing could be further from the truth. The key is the final word in this book’s subtitle: story. This isn’t a textbook, it’s the story of birds. -- Grant McCreary * The Birder's Library *....we finally have a good volume presenting the vast amount of modern work done on bird evolution to those interested. This is a notable achievement and has been well executed. -- Darren Naish * Tetrapod Zoology *A readable overview of avian evolution. -- Ian Paulsen * Birdbooker *I highly recommend it to more experienced birders and to all interested in birds and avian evolution as an entertaining and instructive resource. -- Clifford Frith * Australian Field Ornithology *...one of those publications that makes you realise how much you didn't know you didn't know. It is also tremendous fun to read, and would be a valuable addition to any keen birder's library. -- Martin Collinson * British Birds *I don’t normally start reading a book and post a review before I’ve finished (or in the case of a few abandoned) reading it. I’m making an exception for this as it's not just an important contribution to ornithology it really is a shining example of how a technical subject can be presented in an easily digestible way to the lay readership. This is very well written and makes the evolutionary process in birds easy to understand and compelling. The author’s own passions get shared and you quickly go along for the ride and lap up the facts presented to you. This one’s a keeper! -- FatbirderEvery once in a while you stumble on a new natural history book that seems destined to be a classic. Is that a bold enough opening to convey how much I enjoyed The Ascent of Birds by John Reilly, new this spring from Pelagic Publishing? -- Carrie Laben * http://www.10000birds.com *...this ranks among the best popular science books and provides a great guide to our current understanding of where, and how, birds evolved. -- Rob Robinson * BTO News *Table of ContentsAcknowledgements List of Illustrations Timeline - Geological Ages - Prologue: Evolution of an Idea PART ONE: NON-PASSERINES 1. The Tinamou's Story: Death of a Paradigm 2. The Vegavis's Story: The Cradle of Modern Birds 3. The Waterfowl's Story: Refugia, High Living, and Sex 4. The Hoatzin's Story: An Improbable Voyage 5. The Penguin's Story: Phenotype and Environment 6. The Storm Petrel's Story: Sympatry versus Allopatry 7. The Albatross's Story: The Species Problem 8. The Godwit's Story:Quantum Compasses 9. The Buzzard's Story: Accidental Speciation 10. The Owl's Story: Nightlife 11. The Oilbird's Story: Evolutionary Distinctiveness 12. The Hummingbird's Story: A Route of Evanescence 13. The Parrot's Story: Vicariance and Dispersal PART TWO: PASSERINES 14. The New Zealand Wren's Story: A Novel Foot 15. The Manakin's Story: Why so many Suboscines? 16. The Sapayoa's Story: Odd One Out 17. The Scrubbird's Story: Where Song Began 18. The Bowerbird's Story: Extended Phenotypes 19. The Crows' Story: Cognitive Skills 20. The Bird of Paradise's Story: Sexual Selection 21. The Starling's Story: Structural Colours 22. The Thrush's Story: Sweepstake Dispersals 23. The Sparrow's Story: Hybridisation and Speciation 24. The Zebra Finch's Story: Evolution of Birdsong 25. The Crossbill's Story: Adaptive Radiation and Coevolution 26. The White-eye's Story: Supertramps and Great Speciators 27. The Tanager's Story: A Final Flourish Postscript: The Sixth Extinction Appendix 1: Glossary Dramatis Personae Bibliography Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis spectacular field guide includes all resident, breeding and migrant species found in Greater Southern Africa.Comprising South Africa, Lesotho, eSwatini, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia, Greater Southern Africa is a vast region home to a truly extraordinary diversity of avifauna.The latest in the Helm Field Guide series, Birds of Greater Southern Africa describes all 1,170 regularly occurring species that are likely to be encountered in the region, from the Wandering Albatross to the Pennant-winged Nightjar. Featuring 272 colour plates by three of the world's leading bird illustrators, this practical guide also includes concise species accounts describing key identification features, status, range, habitat and voice; distribution maps for each species are also included.Fully illustrated throughout, this is an essential reference guide for anyone visiting or living in this wildlife-rich area.

Read more less

Book SynopsisMorocco’s proximity and the variety of its habitats and bird species make it a favoured destination for birders. It is home to rare and endangered species such as Bald Ibis, Dark Chanting Goshawk, Tawny Eagle, Eleonora’s Falcon and African Marsh Owl. 454 species have been recorded, of which 209 breed in the country. As this statistic implies, millions of West European migrants pass seasonally through Morocco. Several wetlands spread along the Atlantic coast are famous for their migrant and wintering waders and gulls. The Atlas ranges are notable for their avifauna and desert species, including larks, wheatears and sandgrouses are found in the Saharan rim. This authoritative book describes over 50 birdwatching sites across Morocco. This book is not a field guide to species, rather it is a guide to the sites of key ornithological importance in Morocco. It contains information and detailed maps to enable you to plan a visit and provide guidance when you are on your trip. In addition, the book provides an overview of travel in Morocco, information about climate and habitats, when to go, and a full checklist of species. This book is a reprint of The Prion Birdwatchers’ Guide to Morocco (2nd Edition, 2003, ISBN: 1871104092).

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis‘The crossbill is a bonny bird An she sings wi a guid Scots tongue Jip-jip-jip A’ll gie ye gip Gin ye meddle wi me nor ma young’ As a result of his travels across the North American continent in the eighteenth century Alexander Wilson pioneered the science of ornithological writing and illustration, becoming an inspiration for most of the ornithological works which followed. This new book celebrates the artwork of Alexander Wilson by reproducing his illustrations alongside new poems in Scots by Hamish MacDonald, looking at the habits, habitats, and characteristics of birds.

Read more less

Book SynopsisShortlisted for the 2023 Highland Book PrizeJoyful and mindful, a powerful argument for being still and listening' Sunday TimesA book about birds, birdsong and the countryside they inhabit, from the critically acclaimed author of Raptor.In Wild Air, James Macdonald Lockhart sets out to write about a series of birds as though he has his granny's role of listening to birds' songs and calls and relaying what she heard to her aged and by then quite deaf father the famous naturalist Seton Gordon. From a nightjar's strange churring song on a heath in the south of England, to a lapwing displaying over the machair in the Outer Hebrides, he writes about eight different birds who he has spent most time with, returned to most often and relays what he hears.The eight species are all representative of a different habitat. Nightjars on a lowland heath; shearwaters on a mountain overlooking the sea; dippers on a river; skylarks in farmland; ravens in woodland; divers on a loch; lapwings on the coastTrade Review'My oh my this is a beautiful book. My favourite kind of nature writing: quiet, subtle, watchful, immanent.' Helen Jukes, author of A Honeybee Heart Has Five Openings ‘Lockhart is committed to understanding each (bird) in its habitat, and to capturing that sense of place in the song… It is both joyful and mindful, a powerful argument for being still and listening.Lockhart doesn’t make the point explicitly, but I think he would say that these songs, and these creatures, are beautiful in themselves, and that beauty alone justifies protecting them and enjoying them — and writing about them. At the close of the book, he passes a fellow enthusiast in the dark out listening for nightingales. It’s “just extraordinary”, the man says. The book is pretty extraordinary too.’Sunday Times ‘As I see it, Lockhart is really attempting to enter into the realm of these creatures, and to convey a feeling of what their lives are like… He writes beautifully, using words to paint exquisite portraits of his subjects… Poetry, folklore and natural history are woven into the mix. But what I particularly liked about this book is that Lockhart treats the birds and their surroundings as inextricably linked. A dipper’s stream is painted as vividly as the animal itself, giving a sense of clear, cold, running water, small pools, mossy banks.’ Financial Times ‘(A) fascinating insight into the lives of the twittering, fluttering creatures that share our world.’ The Herald ‘Lockhart’s skills as a naturalist are second to none, his observations of skylarks especially fresh and sharp.’ Countryfile ‘Enchanting’ Nature

Read more less

Book SynopsisIdentify Alaska birds with this easy-to-use field guide, organized by color and featuring full-color photographs and helpful information. Make bird-watching in Alaska even more enjoyable. With Stan Tekiela’s famous bird guide, field identification is simple and informative. There’s no need to look through dozens of photos of birds that don’t live in your area. This handy book features 156 species of Alaska birds organized by color for ease of use. Full-page photographs present the species as you’ll see them in nature, and a “compare” feature helps you to decide between look-alikes. Inside you’ll find: 156 species: Only Alaska birds! Simple color guide: See a yellow bird? Go to the yellow section Stan’s Notes: Naturalist tidbits and facts Professional photos: Crisp, stunning images This second edition includes new species, updated photographs and range maps, expanded information, and even more of Stan’s expert insights. So grab the Birds of Alaska Field Guide for your next birding adventure—to help ensure that you positively identify the birds that you see.Table of ContentsIntroduction What’s New? Why Watch Birds in Alaska? Observe with a Strategy: Tips for Identifying Birds Bird Basics Bird Color Variables Bird Nests Who Builds the Nest? Fledging Why Birds Migrate How Do Birds Migrate? How to Use This Guide Range Maps Sample Pages The Birds Black Black and White Blue Brown Gray Green Orange Red White Yellow Birding on the Internet Checklist/Index by Species More for Alaska by Stan Tekiela About the Author

Read more less

Book SynopsisA portable yet authoritative guide to more than 300 of the most commonly seen birds of the Lesser Antilles.The Lesser Antilles incorporating the nations of Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, along with numerous dependencies are rich in birdlife. It is a magical region for a naturalist to explore, with endemic parrots, orioles, thrushes, warblers and more.The perfect companion for any wildlife-savvy visitor to the islands, Birds of the Lesser Antilles includes superb photography of more than 200 commonly encountered species across the islands, including all endemics and many subspecies.Concise text for each species includes information on identification, songs and calls, behaviour, distribution and habitat, with each photo having been carefully selected to guide identification.Portable yet authoritative, this is the ideal guide for birdwatchers visiting these spTrade ReviewIf you are planning a trip to any of these remarkable small islands, whether for a holiday or any other reason, you just have to pack this highly portable guide in your bag! * BirdsCaribbean *It covers a mix of residents and regular migrants, and the focus is rightly on commoner birds more likely to be encountered, but this is enhanced by an understandable celebration of a few regional stars .... For holidaymakers with an interest in birds, for birdwatching holidaymakers, and for more serious birders who might fancy a photographic complement to artwork-based field guides, this book represents a good buy. * Neotropical Birding *Table of ContentsAcknowledgements Introduction Birdlife on the Lesser Antilles Bird Conservation Maps of the Region Key Birdwatching Habitats Key Birdwatching Sites on Each Island Species Accounts Glossary of Terms Bibliography Photo Credits Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe avifauna of the region includes representatives from both the Palaearctic and Oriental regions, with a wide range of Arctic, Temperate and sub-Tropical species, and quite a number of endemics. All birds recorded in the region are included making this the first single volume guide ever devoted to the eastern Asian avifauna.Trade Review"So, what of the illustrations? I think this is the finest collection of plates I have ever seen for Asian birds." Bird Guides (17th April 2009) "It is a magnificent achievement, one that should stand the test of time, and well worth buying by every keen birder." Bird Guides (17th April 2009) "Highly recommended!" Birdwatch (May 2009) "...an excellent, in some respects ground-breaking guide to this region" BirdWarching.co.uk (May 2009) 'It is a magnificent achievement, one that should stand the test of time, and well worth buying by every keen birder.' www.birdguides.com (August 2009)Table of ContentsAcknowledgements Preface Introduction How to Use this Book Avian Topography and Terminology Key to Families References Plates and Species Accounts Appendix 1: Status Appendix 2: Potential Vagrants

Read more less

Book SynopsisA field guide to seawatching specifically designed to address the particular problems and limitations with this kind of birding. Photographs are included of all European seabirds in flight.Seawatching can present identification difficulties to even the most experienced birdwatcher, and demands a specialised set of skills and strategies to deal with the challenges of bad weather and poor visibility. The rewards can be great; many species of seabird live exclusively at sea outside their breeding seasons, while many others undertake regular coastal migrations.At established watchpoints'' around European coastlines, patient observation may reveal spectacular numbers of passing seabirds, while today the growing popularity of whale-watching and pelagic'' boat excursions makes it possible to get closer to many offshore species.This unique field guide is indispensable to all birdwatchers who seawatch, whether from land or at sea, and will greatly enhance their experience.Trade Review'Brilliant! I have been waiting half my birding life for this book - and here it is, as good as I could hope to expect.' fatbirder.com 'This book is an excellent help... a must for anyone wanting to get to grips with identifying birds at sea.' BTO News (July/August 2007) 'The book acts as a primer for beginners and a tester for the experienced... a real bargain - don't go seawatching without it.' Bird Watching (September 2007) 'Ultimately it is this distilled expert knowledge and the great experience of the very enthusiastic authors which provides the real value of the book and makes it a truly excellent resource.' Scottish Bird News (December 2007)

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrade Review"Detailed and covers so much. . . . All in all, a very nice book."---Geoff Carpentier, North Durham Nature Newsletter"An excellent guide for the bird-interested ecotourist."---James Lowen, Neotropical Birding

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis visual guide to the structure and anatomy of birds contains more than 200 specially prepared accurate drawings. The text is written for undergraduate students and to bird lovers in general, and discusses why birds look and act the way they do.Trade Review"As this book demonstrates in excellently clear drawings and text, a bird is a superbly evolved match of structure with function."—Brian Bertram, Times Literary Supplement"The book provides an accurate, up-to-date, self-contained course in ornithology for the advanced lay reader."—Library Journal"For anyone who wants to learn more about what lies under the feathers, The Manual of Ornithology has the answers. . . . As a reference work, the manual has few modern rivals."—David Tomlinson, New Scientist "Excellent. . . . a mine of information to anyone interested in birds at any level."—Jonathan Coatley, Journal of Biological EducationReceived an honorable mention in the Biological Science category, Association of American Publishers’ 1993 Professional/Scholarly Publishing Division Award (AAP/PSP)"A superb contribution to ornithology. It clearly represents the most attractive and accessible contribution to form and function in birds. This book will be of tremendous appeal to academic and lay ornithologists alike."—Steve Zack, Yale University"Students, their instructors, and other interested readers will welcome availability of the well illustrated Manual of Ornithology now in a paperback edition."—George A. Clark, University of Connecticut"This is a tremendous book; to say that it has no rival among laboratory manuals for ornithology is a dramatic understatement. It is clear, comprehensive, and has the most beautiful as well as useful illustrations possibly ever seen in an ornithology textbook."—Margaret Rubega, University of Connecticut"A gold mine of facts. . . . Every library and biology department, as well as every birder, should have a copy close at hand."—Roger Tory Peterson, from the foreword

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis volume is dedicated to the field identification of pigeons and doves, and it incorporates much recent information on the family. Pigeons and doves are a large family of birds occurring throughout the world. Many species are specialist frugivores, while others feed on seeds. Most are arboral and the tropical species in particular are often brightly coloured. The family includes gregarious migratory species, as well as shy, ground-dwelling forms such as the exotic crowned pigeons of New Guinea.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisNo Island Too Far takes the reader across all the world's oceans to a matchless array of islands, often crowded with wildlife, sometimes uninhabited and always scenically breathtaking. It represents a personal account of the ups and downs of undertaking seabird research in remote locations.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe definitive photographic guide to the fantastic birds of Florida. Stretching from temperate North America through the central highlands and vast Everglades wetlands of the peninsula and beyond to its Caribbean Keys, Florida is a great place to go birding at any time of the year. Roseate Spoonbills and Mangrove Cuckoo add a tropical flavour to its rich avifauna; woodland and scrub specialities include Red-cockaded Woodpecker and Florida Scrub-jay, while birds such as Snail Kites soaring over marshes and Snowy Plovers on the mudflats are high on any birder''s wish-list. Vast numbers of migrants such as warblers, vireos, and flycatchers passing through each fall and spring add to the spectacle. This book by biologist and wildlife photographer Kirsten Hines will help you identify more than 300 of Florida''s regularly occurring species, including breeding birds, those on passage, and those wintering. Concise text for each species includes informat

Read more less

Book SynopsisEastern Africa is becoming an increasingly popular destination for people who want to see first-hand the abundant widlife of this vast continent.Birds of Eastern Africa' is the only field guide to feature over 450 species found in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia and Somalia (including Socotra Island).Including full colour illustrations of each bird, key features on habitat, songs and calls, and distribution maps for each species, this guide contains all the information needed to quickly identify the birds found in this vast region.Comprehensive and easy-to-use, this book is a must for all those visiting the region.

Read more less

Book SynopsisVertebrate Life distills the necessary information from vertebrate anatomy, physiology, ecology, and behavioral studies and then helps students see important connections across levels of biological scale. The result is students come to understand how organisms function effectively in their environments and how lineages of organisms change through evolutionary time. Processing complex detailed information about expansive phylogenies and diverse anatomies can be difficult for even the most motivated students, and Vertebrate Life addresses this challenge by combining appropriately-detailed, clearly-written text with outstanding phylogenies and figures, making it a thorough and engaging reference for students and instructors alike. The text''s impressive illustration program helps students visualize complex concepts, allowing them to parse difficult anatomical information. The 11th edition will have an upgraded illustration program with several new and revised figures, including layered figures presented in the new enhanced eBook.Trade Review<"I really like the summary component of Pough et al. This will be extremely helpful for students to focus on the big picture points moving forward.>" -Carly Anne York, Lenoir-Rhyne University<"I think Vertebrate Life has over many iterations of deeply scholarly editions has achieved an excellent treatment of the comparative evolution of adaptive form and function across the tree of vertebrate life. It excels at placing the comparative morphology and physiology of major vertebrate lineages into a clear phylogenetic context with outstanding integration of both extinct and extant forms through the history of space and time on Earth since the early Paleozoic. [In the upcoming edition,] I like the continued expansion to more mixed media illustrations. The increased use of multiple colors in displays and use of more photographs to complement drawn scientific illustrations continues to move in a productive direction for this chapter, and this new edition in general.>" -Andrew M. Shedlock, University of Charleston<"Vertebrate Life really has been the top undergraduate textbook for a survey course on the evolution and form and function of vertebrate animals, for the better part of two decades. The new edition [has] upped the ante a bit in terms of clarity and coverage.>" -Jonathan Weinbaum, Southern Connecticut State University<"[The new edition of Vertebrate Life] updates a previous edition of an excellent text with better organization and new information. [It has a] balance between presenting interesting information without overloading detail.>" -Udo Savalli, Arizona State University<"Pough et al. has a wonderful variety of species that the students will find compelling. It is written in a very accessible writing style, [with a variety of] engaging species examples. The figures will greatly enhance student understanding with well-chosen and interesting examples.>" -Claire Kendal-Wright, Chaminade UniversityTable of ContentsPreface xv Chapter 1 Diversity, Classification, and Evolution of Vertebrates 1.1 The Vertebrate Story --Binominal nomenclature --Extant vertebrate groups 1.2 Phylogenetic Systematics 1.3 Applying Phylogenetic Criteria --Evaluating possible phylogenies --Molecules and morphology --The problem of dating --Dagger (DR) convention adopted in this book 1.4 Using Phylogenetic Trees --Extant phylogenetic brackets --Paraphyly --Crown and stem groups 1.5 Genetic Mechanisms of Evolutionary Change --Phenotypes and fitness --Developmental regulatory genes 1.6 Epigenetic Effects 1.7 Earth History and Vertebrate Evolution Chapter 2 What Is a Vertebrate?? 2.1 Vertebrates in Relation to Other Animals? 2.2 Characteristics of Chordates? --Chordate origins and evolution? --Extant nonvertebrate chordates? 2.3 What Distinguishes a Vertebrate?? 2.4 Vertebrate Embryonic Development? --Development of the body? --Development of the pharyngeal region? --Development of the brain? --Other neurogenic tissues of vertebrates? 2.5 Vertebrate Tissues? --Adult tissue types --Mineralized tissues 2.6 Vertebrate Organ Systems --Integumentary system --Skeletal system --Muscular system --Nervous system and sense organs --Endocrine system --Respiratory system --Circulatory system --Digestive system --Excretory and reproductive systems Chapter 3 Jawless Vertebrates and the Origin of Gnathostomes 3.1 Earliest Evidence of Vertebrates --Enigmas: DRConodonts and DRTullimonstrum ---Early mineralized tissues --Environment of early vertebrate evolution 3.2 Cyclostomes: Extant Jawless Vertebrate --Characters of cyclostomes --Hagfishes: Myxiniformes --Lampreys: Petromyzontiformes 3.3 Jawless Osteognathostomes 3.4 Gnathostome Body Plan --Gnathostome skeletons --What about soft anatomical features? 3.5 Origin of Jaws --Hypotheses of jaw origins --Importance of the nose --Selective value of jaws 3.6 Origin of Paired Appendages --Fin development and the lateral somitic frontier --Advantages of fins 3.7 Extinct Paleozoic Jawed Fishes Chapter 4 Living in Water 4.1 Aquatic Environment --Obtaining oxygen from water using gill --Obtaining oxygen from air using lungs and other respiratory structure --Adjusting buoyancy 4.2 Sensory World of Aquatic Vertebrates --Vision --Chemosensation: Olfaction and taste --Detecting water displacement --Hearing and equilibrium --Electroreception and electrogenesis 4.3 Maintaining an Internal Environment --Nitrogenous wastes and kidney --Osmoregulation --Regulation of ions and body fluids 4.4 Osmoregulation in Different Environments --Marine cartilaginous fishes and coelacanths --Marine teleosts --Freshwater teleosts and lissamphibians --Euryhaline vertebrates Chapter 5 Geography and Ecology of the Paleozoic 5.1 Deep Time --The Precambrian world --The Paleozoic 5.2 Continental Geography --Continental drift and plate tectonics --Shifting continents of the Paleozoic --Shifting continents and changing climates 5.3 Paleozoic Climates 5.4 Paleozoic Ecosystems --Aquatic life --Terrestrial flora --Terrestrial fauna 5.5 Extinctions Chapter 6 Origin and Radiation of Chondrichthyans 6.1 Acanthodii 6.2 Chondrichthyes --Habitats and diversity --Placoid scales --Cartilaginous skeleton --Teeth and tooth plates --Jaws and jaw suspension --Internal fertilization and claspers --Distinctive soft tissue and physiological features 6.3 Euchondrocephali and Chimaeriformes --Biology of extant Chimaeriformes 6.4 Elasmobranchii, Euselachii, and Neoselachii --Selachii: Sharks --Batomorphi: Skates and rays 6.5 Biology of Neoselachii --Feeding --Bioluminescence and biofluorescence ---Hypoxia and the epaulette shark --Endothermal heterothermy --Swimming --Reproduction --Elasmobranch brains --Social networks and migration in sand tiger sharks 6.6 Declining Elasmobranch Populations --Conservation and sawfishes --Threats to chondrichthyans --Vulnerabilities of chondrichthyans --Ecological impacts of shark population declines --Policies to protect sharks Chapter 7 Origin of Osteichthyes and Radiation of Actinopterygian 7.1 Osteichthyes, Actinopterygii, and Sarcopterygi --Osteichthyan character --Fin adaptations --Other differences between actinopterygians and sarcopterygians 7.2 Actinopterygii: Basal Group --Polypteriformes --Acipenseriformes --Neopterygii: Holostei --Neopterygii: Teleoste 7.3 Characters of Teleostei 7.4 Teleostei: Basal Groups --Elopomorpha --Osteoglossomorpha --Otocephala --Basal euteleosts 7.5 Teleostei: Acanthopterygii --Basal acanthopterygians --Percomorph 7.6 Swimming and Hydrodynamics --Generating forward thrust --Modes of locomotion --Speed and drag --Steering, stopping, and staying in place 7.7 Reproduction and Development --Oviparity --Viviparity --Sex change in teleosts 7.8 Ecology of Marine Teleosts --Black-water diving and larval teleosts --The photic zone and its subdivisions --Coral reef fishes --Pelagic and deep-sea fishes Chapter 8 Sarcopterygians and the Origin of Tetrapods 8.1 Phylogenetic Concepts of Tetrapoda and Characters for Sarcopterygii 8.2 The Miguasha Lagerstätte and the

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrade Review"A Birdwatcher's Yearbook Best Bird Book of the Year""Honorable Mention for the Dartmouth Medal, American Library Association""You'll be torn between lingering on one amazing image and flipping ahead to see what's next. . . . A riveting read that does more than adequate justice to its subjects."---David Callahan, BirdLife Magazine"A wonderfully detailed book, packed with well­researched information that will both fascinate and educate the reader, as well as draw attention to the conservation challenges that many species now face. . . . Engaging and informative subject matter and the glorious photography throughout."---Josh Jones, Birdwatch Magazine"Turn the pages of Hummingbirds . . . and you will soon discover how a truly great book can transport you to a place of wonderment. . . . Groundbreaking."---Stuart Winter, Sunday Express"This book provides a pictorial feast and detailed information."---Mark Jones, Library Journal, starred review"This beautiful, richly illustrated book presents a detailed but easy­to-read introduction to the family [of hummingbirds] . . . . [The photographs] really are on a higher level in their quality: exquisite, well-lit and perfectly composed portraits to enjoy, many printed full­page, and flight shots of hovering or feeding birds."---Stephen Menzie, British Birds"A superb new book."---Kevin Rushby, Backstory"Were this just a celebration of hummingbirds it would grace any coffee table as it is packed full of photos of these avian jewels. Iconic species get showcased as its not just birders who are in awe. . . . But this is more than a celebration… it’s a compendium of facts of the what, where and how’s of the hummingbird world."---Bo Beolens, Fat Birder"This superbly illustrated and informative book will appeal not only to birding enthusiasts, but also to anyone with a passing interest in nature."---Frank Lambert, Frank Lambert Birding"I think this is a wonderful book. None has pleased me quite so much of late, nor filled me with more foreboding for the future. If you love nature even a little, you need a copy of this book on your shelf."---David Gascoigne, Travels with Birds"An awesome . . . book with truly spectacular photos of a wide variety of the world’s hummingbirds. . . . All 101 genera are pictured in this book, thus showcasing beautiful photos of a representative cross-section of the world’s hummers. Superb images of hummingbirds aside, the text is also fascinatingly informative, covering a wide range of topics about these special, unique birds."---Chris Lotz, Birding Ecotours"A must have for hummingbird fans!"---Ian Paulsen, The Birdbooker Report"This book covers every aspect of hummingbird biology and ecology, with a generous complement of ground-breaking, easy-to-read science. The book is lavishly illustrated, with dozens of explanatory diagrams and tables, plus hundreds of exquisite photographs, it is photographed and designed with great skill and a shared passion for the subject by the authors; truly a fascinating read."---Sue Bradshaw, British Naturalists Association"The images in this book leave you stunned, and to think that flowers have adapted to these birds for pollination, and without them some would go extinct! . . . . This is certainly a celebration of nature's jewels."---John Miles, Birdwatching Magazine"An absolutely fabulous book that glitters with quality every bit as much as its avian subjects do in real life. A must-buy."---James Lowen, Neotropical Birding"Packed with vivid, spectacular photographs. . . . [Hummingbirds] provides a pictorial feast and detailed information on these species." * Library Journal *"This is a book you can go back to many times either to learn more or just wallow in the beauty. Buy this book (or request it as a present) to relax with and marvel, either at the hummingbirds or the effort the authors have put into producing it."---R. Allan Reese, IBIS Book Reviews.

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrade Review"One of American Institute of Graphic Arts’ Top 50 Books / 50 Covers of 2021""This dinky compendium ticks all the boxes. Compact and well-presented, it will appeal to anyone intrigued by bird life, as well as those with a penchant for attractive miniature books . . . . A finely-tuned at birding culture and etiquette."---Elizabeth Fitzherbert, The Lady"There’s something for everyone in this approachable, compact guide. Whether you’re a new birder or a hardcore enthusiast, be prepared to plunge into a plethora of knowledge about bird species, avian research, and birding culture."---Jennifer Walter, Inverse"[This] enticing collection is brimming with wisdom and wit about all things avian." * BirdWatching *"A fun book to dip into to impress your friends with your grasp of little-known bird facts."---Rebecca Armstrong, Birdwatch Magazine"[A] delightful little volume. … Every page contains something illuminating."---Elizabeth Palmer, Christian Century"Birdpedia is an enlightening, entertaining, often witty compendium of facts and notions that includes art, literature, folklore, religion and others."---Phil Slade, Another Bird Blog"A compendium of bird lore fun guaranteed to entertain. . . . If you relish humorous bird trivia it will tickle your sense of humour."---Eric Brown, News Shopper"[A] sweet little book about all things bird. ... Any bird lover will want this in their library for quick reference or a delighted deep dive."---Elayna Trucker, Napa Valley Register"There are lovely pieces on dusting or dust -bathing, preening and poop, and fascinating sections on bird intelligence." * Lapwing Magazine *"[A] marvelous little book, inside and out."---Jim Williams, Star Tribune"A pocket-sized book full of interesting facts that would delight any ornithologist.”"---P. MacDuff, British Naturalist’s Association"Fascinating from start to finish, and just when I thought I knew pretty much everything about the life of birds . . . this 260-page book opened my eyes to learning so much more."---Neville Davies, Gwent Wildlife Trust"Entertaining and informative new book."---Lincolnshire Bird Club newsletter, Jim Wright

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis definitive new handbook is set to become the standard photographic reference for this region. No birders' shelf will be complete without it.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis eagerly awaited guide offers the most comprehensive treatment ever published on the gulls of Europe, Asia and North America. A total of 43 species is treated, and every species is described in considerable detail, with a full description of each plumage and racial variation. Gulls are intelligent, versatile, opportunistic, and ecological generalists. As such, they exploit a variety of habitats, both coastal and inland, take a wide range of food, and are often extremely abundant. They are also great wanderers, with several American species regularly appearing in Western Europe and vice versa. As well as identification criteria, this book includes an up-to-date assessment of the range and status of every species, together with information on patterns of vagrancy. This important guide is published at a critical time in the development of dull taxonomy. The large, white-headed forms occurring in the region comprise a superspecies complex, with the precise relationships between tTrade Review"A monumental effort by the authors and takes a worthy 'podium finish' in this year's award (the BB/BTO Best Bird Book of the Year 2005)." British Birds (Feb 2006) "(This book) has taken gull identification to a very advanced level and argues for some controversial species splits." Wildlife and Countryside (Dec 2005)Table of ContentsPreface Acknowledgements Introduction Species Accounts (33-582) Appendix of Additional Species References Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisBirds are intelligent, sociable creatures that exhibit a wide array of behaviours from mobbing and mimicking to mating and joint nesting. Why do they behave as they do? Bringing to light the remarkable actions of birds through examples from species around the world, How To Read a Bird presents engaging vignettes about the private lives of birds, all explained in an evolutionary context. Richly illustrated, this book explores the increasing focus on how individual birds differ in personality and how big data and citizen scientists are helping to add to what we know about them.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe only bird species that lives exclusively in Florida, the Florida Scrub-Jay was once common across the peninsula. But as development has reduced its habitat, the species has become endangered. With an explorer's spirit, Mark Walters travels the state to report on the natural history and current predicament of Florida's flagship bird.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisExtensively updated and illustrated second edition that features drawings of all Little Owl subspecies, embryonic development, nestling development, feather growth and moult, including concrete management suggestions. Whilst being an invaluable resource for academic researchers, its open style holds undoubted appeal for amateurs and enthusiasts.Table of Contents1. Introduction – Framework; 2. History and traditions; 3. Fossil evidence, taxonomy and genetics; 4. Morphology and body characteristics; 5. Distribution, population estimates and trends; 6. Habitat; 7. Diet; 8. Breeding season; 9. Behavior; 10. Population regulation; 11. Management and conservation; 12. Research priorities; Appendix A – List of prey; Glossary; References; Index.

Read more less

Book SynopsisRSPB Spotlight: Eagles is packed with eye-catching, informative colour photos and features succinct, detailed text written by a knowledgeable naturalist. Eagles are among the most impressive hunters of the animal world. Their predatory prowess and flying skills have imbued them with a romance and mystique that runs deep in our culture and has elevated them to emblems of freedom and power across the globe. At the same time, however, people have long seen eagles as competitors. Reviled by farmers and gamekeepers as snatchers of livestock, many species have been driven into decline by persecution and disturbance. Two species of eagle occur in Britain - among 60 worldwide - and are the focus of this book. The regal Golden Eagle is the definitive true' eagle and occurs in wilderness areas across the northern hemisphere; the even larger White-tailed Eagle, reintroduced to the UK after historic extinction, belongs to the separate sea eagles' genus. These two spectacular birds are both verTable of ContentsMeet the Eagles Ancestors and Relatives A View to a Kill The Next Generation Threats and Enemies Eagles in Culture Understanding, Protecting and Enjoying Eagles Glossary Further Reading and Resources Acknowledgements Image Credits Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisWhether you're out hiking and spot a kestrel soaring over the mountains or chance upon a ground-nesting warbler, a rich variety of birds inhabit the UK's heaths, moors and mountains. But do you know a Stonechat from a Wheatear? And can you distinguish between a Woodcock and a Common Snipe when they're scrambling across the heathland? RSPB ID Spotlight Birds of Heath, Moor and Mountain is a laminated fold-out chart that presents beautiful illustrations of 46 of our most widespread and familiar birds by renowned artist Stephen Message. - Species are grouped by family and helpfully labelled to assist with identification- Artworks are shown side by side for quick comparison and easy reference at home or in the field- The reverse of the chart provides information on the habitats, behaviour, life cycles and diets of our birds, as well as the conservation issues they are facing and how the RSPB is working to support them- Information on research and conse

Read more less

Book SynopsisHave you ever wondered what ''our'' birds get up to when they''re not pinching our peanuts, pilfering our pyracantha berries or nesting under the eaves of our homes? The One Show''s natural history star Mike Dilger tells us the answers in Nightingales in November. This brilliant almanac tells the very different personal and annual stories of twelve well-known birds we deign to call ''British''. Through a lyrical narrative, Nightingales in November showcases amazing avian facts gleaned over decades by birdwatchers, ringers, nest recorders and migration recorders. The perfect ''dip-into'' book, any enquiring naturalist will be able to find out such facts as where British-breeding swallows spend Christmas Day, when to look out for juvenile tawny owls, or when is the best date in the calendar to listen out for nightingales. By using a combination of cutting-edge satellite technology and millions of ringing records, NightingalTrade ReviewFascinating ... One of the many pleasures of Nightingales In November is that it constantly reminds you just how extraordinary birds are. * Daily Mail *Seldom less than fascinating. * Times Literary Supplement *Lively and engaging…a fascinating insight into the lives of birds. * Rare Bird Alert *One of the many pleasures of Nightingales in November is that it constantly reminds you just how extraordinary birds are – even the ones we take for granted. Ever since I finished reading it I've been walking around with my head tilted back and my mouth hanging open. Hardly a flattering look, I know, but in my body language as least it's meant as the highest form of praise. * Daily Mail *...an exhaustively informative work. * Times Literary Supplement *Table of ContentsIntroduction The Species January February March April May June July August September October November December Further Reading Acknowledgements Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisFrom Ravens to Jackdaws and Choughs to Jays, crows are among some of Britain''s most familiar, abundant and opinion-dividing birds. The UK''s eight crow species all belong to the Corvidae family, and they have been deeply intertwined in our lives and culture since prehistoric times. Crows have long attracted a bad press. Reviled as scavengers, crop raiders and jewellery thieves, these birds known to scientists as corvids have often found themselves on the wrong end of a shotgun. Yet behind crows'' supposed misdemeanours lies exceptional intelligence and resourcefulness, which both explain their success and have taught us much about animal behaviour. In Spotlight Crows, Mike Unwin introduces the UK''s eight corvid species, outlining their fascinating natural history and offering essential identification tips. He also explores the mythology and folklore that have embedded these remarkable birds so deeply in our culture, from nursery rhymes to horror movies. The SpoTable of ContentsMeet the Crows Ancestors and Relatives Am All-purpose Anatomy Ultimate Omnivores Crows at Home The Cycle of Life Intelligence and Communication Crows and People Glossary Further Reading and Resources Acknowledgements Image Credits Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe first comprehensive review of all aspects of the biology of moult, drawing information from across the literature and in all birds, from penguins to passerines.Feathers are amazing structures. All birds need to renew their feathers periodically, in a process called moult. Because feathers can only be renewed as a whole, all functions of the plumage are impaired during moult, and so this process has a crucial impact on most aspects of a bird''s life. Therefore the period of moult is one of the most important recurring annual events in the life of a bird, together with reproduction and, for many, migration. Given the major impacts of this process on birds, moult remains a sorely neglected field of ornithological research. This book, written by the internationally renowned ornithologists Lukas Jenni and Raffael Winkler, seeks to redress this.Early chapters provide an overview of the functions of plumage. Later, it moves on to subjects such as plumage maintenaTrade ReviewA tour de force, covering aspects of moult which most of us had never considered. -- Chris Perrins * Ibis *It's easy to recommend this book; extremely well written, clear and avoids overly technical language ... the authors are true masters of moult. * British Birds *An outstanding book that fills a necessary gap in our current understanding of this essential and far-reaching process … we found the book novel, necessary, and inspiring, and we are excited to see the developments it will trigger. * ISBE Newsletter *Lukas Jenni and Raffael Winkler present the most comprehensive review of all aspects of molt … Fascinating and inspiring, equally for learning about existing knowledge and for perceiving areas that need major attention within ornithology … it distills an incredible amount of information relevant to both newcomers and old-timers working on molt. It not only creates a hunger for the subject, but it … tasks us to give molt its proper place: a central theme in ornithology. * Ornithology *Table of ContentsPreface Chapter 1: Functions of the plumage Chapter 2: Plumage maintenance and the need for plumage renewal Chapter 3: The process of moult: feather growth, physiology, energetics and control of moult Chapter 4: The effects of environmental conditions during moult on plumage quality and their consequences Chapter 5: Fitting moult into the annual cycle: moult strategies References Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisImagine a jazz musician, improvising on a theme. Then imagine that he is able to play half a dozen instruments - not one after another, but almost simultaneously, switching effortlessly between instruments and musical styles with hardly a pause for breath. If you can countenance that, you are halfway towards appreciating the extraordinary song of the nightingale . . .Wherever we are, there are birds. And wherever there are birds, there is birdsong. It''s always a pleasure (and a relief) to hear sounds which prove the world''s still spinning: whether it''s the sighing of migrating redwings on a damp October night, the twitter of swallows fresh in from South Africa in April or the call of the cuckoo in May. Based on the scripts of BBC Radio 4''s beloved year-long series, and distilling two lifetimes'' knowledge, insight and enthusiasm into these pages, Brett Westwood and Stephen Moss take you month by month through the year, and the changing lives of our favouriTrade ReviewThis lovely book is a perfect introduction to British birdsong, informative and hugely enjoyable, so stop tweeting and learn how to listen to the experts -- Chris PackhamI love these quirky, informative and lyrical descriptions. Reading this book makes me want to head out to see and hear the birds for myself -- Miranda Krestovnikoff, Presenter of Coast and President of the RSPBThis handsome book [is] perfect for dipping into . . . The beautiful prose and inspired illustrations by Carry Ackroyd make it a volume to treasure * BBC Countryfile *Tweet of the Day: great idea, great title. Why didn't I think of it? -- Bill Oddie[Tweet of the Day] . . . is a pleasure to read. The different, short, accounts of over 200 species are varied in tone and approach but combine to make a lovely book . . . you can dip at any time for a quick moment of bringing birds and their songs into your life. But when you dip you will find yourself reading the next account, and then the next. You may find that opening this book is like opening a packet of chocolate digestive biscuits - you'll be surprised how far through the packet you'll get on one sitting (but it's not fattening - unless you really do eat a biscuit with each species and then it will be!) -- Mark AveryThe perfect bird guide for the armchair naturalist * Woman & Home *If you want to improve your ornithological knowledge without the 5:58am wake-up required to catch Tweet of the Day on Radio 4 reach for the show's companion book * Radio Times *Entertaining and often beguiling . . . The lively writing, enlightening anecdotes and frequent bursts of humour make this the ideal source of conversation topics if you run out of things to say while visiting the relatives * BBC Focus Magazine, Books of the Year *

Read more less

Book Synopsis'What an incredible story! Dorian’s adventure is an inspiration for birders and non-birders alike.' David Lindo, author of The Urban Birder At a personal and professional crossroad, a man resets his life and finds sobriety, love and 618 bird species, cycling his way to a very Big Year. In Birding Under the Influence, Dorian Anderson, a neuroscience researcher on a pressure-filled life trajectory, walks away from the world of elite institutions, research labs and academic publishing. In doing so, he falls in love and realises he has freed himself to embrace his lifelong passion for birding. A North American Big Year – a continent-spanning adventure in which a birder attempts to see as many species as possible in twelve months – is a massive undertaking under any circumstances. Breaking the record on a bicycle takes another degree of obsession. And doing all that while sustaining sobriety? That’s next level altogether. As Dorian pedals across the country, describing the birds he sees, he confronts the challenges of long-distance cycling: treacherous weather, punctured tires, speeding cars and injury. He encounters eccentric characters, blistering blacktop, dreary hotel rooms, snarling dogs and an endless sea of smoking tailpipes. He also confronts his past struggles with alcohol, drugs, and risky behaviours that began in secondary school and followed him into adulthood. Birding Under the Influence is a candid, honest look at Dorian’s double life of academic accomplishment and addiction. While his story of recovery is simultaneously poignant and inspiring, it is ultimately his love of birds and nature that provides the scaffolding to build a new, radically different life.Trade Review"One hell of a ride."—Nick Offerman, actor, woodworker, New York Times bestselling author“Birding Under the Influence is an adrenaline hit for birders and adventure junkies. It’s also a surprisingly tender story of redemption, as Dorian Anderson faces down his addictions and reinvents his career. Having eagerly awaited this book after Anderson’s 2014 Big Year, I read it in a blissful, all-out binge—as will anyone with a taste for birds and inspiring journeys.”—Noah Stryker, Associate Editor of Birding magazine and author of Birding Without Borders"Candid and often moving reflections . . . make for absorbing reading. . . . [This is] a memoir of a journey that was more than just a chase after numbers."—Booklist (starred)“A story led by the bike and fueled by his tenacity, Dorian colorfully articulates the depth to which putting in the work—both physically on the bike, and emotionally on oneself—reaps infinite rewards.”—Tiffany Kirsten, birding guide and past Lower 48 U.S. Continental Big Year record holder“What an incredible story! Dorian’s adventure is an inspiration for birders and non-birders alike.”—David Lindo, author of The Urban Birder“Birding Under the Influence is an incredible story. This has to be the best Big Year book since Kingbird Highway. Of course, being a Dutchman, a bicycle Big Year really appealed to me, so I was already looking forward to this book. But this story proved to be so much more. It is not just a cycling journey of 17,800 miles across the US(!), a country that has, unlike the Netherlands, hardly any cycling paths and a lot more relief, but it is a journey through the mind and the soul. It is a coming-of-age story unlike anything I’ve read before. I know what it takes to do a Big Year—the sacrifices, the willpower needed, the risks involved, and the stress on yourself and your relationships. To do this on a bike and put your academic career behind you while recovering from alcohol and drug addiction is something else. I read this incredible story in one go, and I think you will too.”—Arjan Dwarshuis, author of The (Big) Year That Flew By“Dorian is a big personality with an even bigger story. His epic tale of recovery and perseverance will inspire any birder, whether or not their Big Year dreams involve cycling across the continent.”—Nate Swick, American Birding Association podcast host and author of The Beginner’s Guide to Birding“Dorian tells it like it is: don’t let life happen to you, no matter what your tendencies and what well-worn grooves you slide into. Life is what you create, accepting your faults and challenges, and realizing that the path forward is not how you plan it—instead, it happens how you least imagined it. And as in any wonderful, gripping story, great birding was involved!”—Alvaro Jaramillo, owner and guide, Alvaro’s Adventures“Recounting a starkly different kind of ‘Big Year’ Dorian details an unlikely saga that takes a toll on him, physically and mentally. So often birding is a quest, and in this memoir Dorian Anderson seeks birds but also some sense of self. At times throwing himself on the mercy of his fellow Americans, he finds his way through and across the country, enlisting a colorful cast of characters as he goes. For this one year his only commitment is to his bicycle. His bike both frees and imprisons him simultaneously, but eventually it delivers him, along with a unique story. America’s sweetest wildlife spectacles light a path that would otherwise be strewn with 40-ounce bottles of malt liquor and rails of cocaine. From Snowy Owls in Boston to Yellow-footed Gulls in California’s Salton Sea, saddle up for a modern journey that harkens back to classic birding adventures, like those of Pete Dunne in The Feather Quest or to Wild America by Roger Tory Peterson and James Fisher.”—George Armistead, founder and guide, Hillstar Nature“This is no ordinary Big Year birding book, as Dorian’s story supersedes birds and reveals how a year of contemplation, biking, and birding helped him to overcome his inner struggles of addiction and broken relationships that are all too relatable for many of us. Many of us are reluctant to hit the ‘pause’ button on life, afraid of what that might lead to, but Dorian’s example of setting aside a year to process his thoughts, relationships, and future is an example for us, and birding might just be the adventure we need, even for a day or two.”—Luke Safford, Director of Engagement and Education, Tucson Audubon"Birding Under the Influence is a fresh memoir filled with insights into addiction, recovery, and birding—a story about how taking a closer look at the earth helped to recalibrate a man’s struggling soul."—Foreword Reviews"There are many big year novels, as birders tell how they tried to see as many species of birds in a year as they can, but Anderson’s self-powered attempt covers novel challenges and encounters. Among the physical and mental challenges of birding and biking across the country, Anderson also recounts his experience finding sobriety – another tale of nature’s many cures."—Portland Press Herald

Read more less

Book SynopsisIdentify Massachusetts birds with this easy-to-use field guide, organized by color and featuring full-color photographs and helpful information. Make bird-watching in Massachusetts even more enjoyable. With Stan Tekiela’s famous bird guide, field identification is simple and informative. There’s no need to look through dozens of photos of birds that don’t live in your area. This handy book features 132 species of Massachusetts birds organized by color for ease of use. Full-page photographs present the species as you’ll see them in nature, and a “compare” feature helps you to decide between look-alikes. Inside you’ll find: 132 species: Only Massachusetts birds! Simple color guide: See a yellow bird? Go to the yellow section Stan’s Notes: Naturalist tidbits and facts Professional photos: Crisp, stunning images This second edition includes 11 new species, updated photographs and range maps, expanded information, and even more of Stan’s expert insights. So grab Birds of Massachusetts Field Guide for your next birding adventure—to help ensure that you positively identify the birds that you see.Table of ContentsIntroduction What’s New? Why Watch Birds in Massachusetts? Observation Strategies: Tips for Identifying Birds Bird Basics Bird Color Variables Bird Nests Who Builds the Nest? Fledging Why Birds Migrate How Birds Migrate How to Use This Guide Range Maps Sample Pages The Birds Black Black and White Blue Brown Gray Green Orange Red White Yellow Birding on the Internet Checklist/Index by Species About the Author

Read more less

Book SynopsisIdentify Arkansas birds with this easy-to-use field guide, organized by color and featuring full-color photographs and helpful information. Make birdwatching in Arkansas even more enjoyable. With Stan Tekiela’s famous bird guides, field identification is simple and informative. There’s no need to look through dozens of photos of birds that don’t live in your area. The Birds of Arkansas Field Guide features 132 species of Arkansas birds organized by color for ease of use. Full-page photographs present the species as you’ll see them in nature, and a “compare” feature helps you to decide between look-alikes. Inside you’ll find: 132 species: Only Arkansas birds! Simple color guide: See a yellow bird? Go to the yellow section Stan’s Notes: Naturalist tidbits and facts Professional photos: Crisp, stunning images This second edition inc

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe lives and habitats of two majestic bird species are shared through striking space, aerial, and surface photographs to artfully convey the fragile elegance of life on Earth.New perspectives can inspire us to think differently about our place in the universe. The first photos of Earth from space showed the home of all known life as a small “blue marble” in a vast darkness and are thought by many to have inspired the environmental movement. For Dr. Roberta L. Bondar, the first female Canadian astronaut and the world’s first neurologist in space, the rare perspective she enjoyed aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery enhanced her reverence for the world we share with non-human life— especially birds, the only animals also able to fly vast distances across the globe. In Space for Birds: Patterns and Parallels of Beauty and Flight, Bondar, also an accomplished professional nature and landscape photographer, focuses her lens on

Read more less

Book Synopsis'A revelation for anyone with the slightest interest in the feathered friends visiting their gardens' - Garden NewsYou don't have to be a dedicated birdwatcher to be a bird lover. Millions of us love the sight and sound of them. And yet most of us know very little about their remarkable behaviour, incredible diversity and the story of their evolution. This handbook sets about answering every interesting question there is to ask about birds.How do migrating birds know where to go?Are birds really descended from dinosaurs?How do birds have sex?There are over 10,000 species in the world, including over 500 in Britain, some rare and endangered, some bizarre and beautiful, others common and familiar. As this captivating and often humorous handbook reveals, all of them are fascinating.Filled with beautiful illustrations, The Curious Bird Lover's Handbook is perfect for experienced twitchers and those who are simply captivated by the beauty of birds and would like to learn more about them.-The hardback edition titled "Bald Coot and Screaming Loon" was published in 2009. This paperback edition has been updated and includes a new foreword from the author.Trade ReviewFascinating for anyone with an inquisitive mind and a love of wildlife in general * Friends of the Earth Magazine *An irresistible package * The Eden Magazine *A revelation for anyone with the slightest interest in the feathered friends visiting their gardens... With more than 1,000 facts, figures and fables, it's an ideal stocking filler for bird lovers. * Garden News *

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book considers the natural history and cultural symbolism of a most unusual woodpecker – a species that neither excavates nest holes in trees, nor bores into wood to find insect prey. The Wryneck is best renowned for performing a twisting, writhing head and neck display when threatened, but this ground-breaking work reveals many more secrets of its behaviour and evolution. Detailed information is presented on the species' origins, taxonomy, anatomy, appearance, moult, calls, distribution, conservation status, habitats, movements, breeding, diet and relationships, along with a chapter on its closest relative, the Red-throated Wryneck. The text is richly illustrated throughout with high quality photographs as well as sound spectrograms. The author augments his many hours watching Wrynecks with comprehensive literature research, creating what is surely the definitive volume on the species. This all-encompassing and engaging account has been written for a wide audience, whether professional ornithologist, citizen scientist, amateur birder, woodpecker aficionado or simply someone who wishes to learn more about this curious and remarkable bird.Trade ReviewThoroughly researched and illustrated with many superb photographs, paintings and figures...Undoubtedly this comprehensive book will be the standard reference for birders, scientists, citizen scientists and naturalists who want to learn about the wryneck. -- Daniel Alder * Independent Ecologist and Researcher *The Wryneck is a thoroughly researched, comprehensive, well-written and beautifully illustrated portrait of these enigmatic birds. -- Linda Smith * British Trust for Ornithology *Entertaining and authoritative…The species' behaviour, its diet, its worldwide distribution, its favoured habitats and its place in folklore and mythology are all covered in absorbing detail. -- Jim Wright * The Heron – Lincolnshire Bird Club *This is a book that tells the story of an amazing species that used to be a common British breeding bird - the poet John Clare wrote a poem about them having watched them breeding in Cambridgeshire in 1835, for example. The Wryneck is now a passage migrant in Britain, especially in the autumn. Gerard Gorman (Mr Woodpecker!) has a wide experience of this species (even putting up nestboxes for them in his area of Hungary), and here he gives them the same close attention he did the woodpeckers of the world in a previous book. I found it very useful, as I have actually found the bird in spring below my house, and hope for its return as a British breeding species in future years. -- John Miles * Chick Books *...thoroughly recommended as an enjoyable way to increase your understanding of what is an iconic bird. -- Ed Stubbs * Birdguides.com *For woodpecker enthusiasts and anyone interested in how birds exploit distinctive ecological niches, as well as for birders who have or hope to see wrynecks when in the Old World, this finely illustrated book is a valuable resource. -- Roger F. Pasquier, The Wilson Journal of OrnithologyThe text tries to answer not only the questions introduced by the words when, where and how, but also tries to get to the bottom of the most interesting and fundamental moments that we usually prefix with why. So, if you have any questions about the wryneck... browse through this publication. I believe that you will be interested and that you will learn something new. -- Petr Procházka, Sylvia: Czech Journal of OrnithologyGorman skilfully writes a book based on an extensive scientific bibliography and enriches it with personal observations coming from his experience and long time spent observing the species in the field. As a result of this combination, the book is enjoyable to read and understandable by a very wide audience. -- Letizia Campioni, Avocetta Journal of OrnithologyTable of ContentsAbout the author Acknowledgements Preface 1. Origins and Taxonomy 2. Anatomy and Morphology 3. Description and Identification 4. Moult, Ageing and Sexing 5. The Red-throated Wryneck 6. Communication 7. Distribution, Trends and Status 8. Habitats 9. Challenges and Conservation 10. Behaviour 11. Flight, Movements and Migration 12. Breeding 13. Cavities 14. Foraging and Food 15. Relationships 16. Folklore, Mythology and Symbolism References Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisIs there any bird as dishonest as the Fork-tailed Drongo? Did you know that the Tawny Eagle is an 'obligate Cainist'? And what of the irresistible-to-predators and highly cryptic Spotted Thick-knee? East Africa’s birds are extraordinary in their evolution, diversity and behaviour, often proving to be the unexpected highlight of a safari. Lavishly illustrated with beautiful photographs of each species, this book tells the fascinating, surprising, amusing stories of 101 regularly encountered birds – whether iconic or unjustly overlooked. In the process, the reader is introduced to ornithology in East Africa through the eyes of a passionate birder and professional ornithologist. Filling a niche between field guide and textbook, 101 Curious Tales of East African Birds offers a wealth of information, including insights on the evolution of birds, the distributions and migrations of species, bird adaptations and senses, their lifecycle, ecology and conservation, as well as cultural and historical associates – each collated and referenced with the latest scientific papers. The author's deep understanding of this region's avifauna ensures that there will be new and engaging material for all, whether you have a general interest in wildlife or are a dedicated birder.Trade Review...finely honed essays about the interesting biology of species that you might well see if you were birding in East Africa... what an excellent book this is. -- Mark Avery, author and environmental campaignerThere is a good mix of birds featured for you to find out a wealth of curious facts about, along with two colour photos of each species. Very enjoyable. -- John Miles, birdwatching.co.ukFascinating... The text is written in such a way that sometimes-complicated science is presented in a clear, concise and consumable way, while the inclusion of the beautiful photographs and sheer variety of topics covered means this title will appeal to many. -- Stephen Menzie * British Birds *

Read more less

Book Synopsis‘I remember well my first Bewick’s swans, which I bumped into one November day not far from home. They looked at me, unsure whether or not to fly into the fog, as I tried to get as close as I dared. … What is it, exactly, that can, many years later, recall such emotionally charged birding moments so vividly to mind? I can’t really remember my birthdays at all, but my first green woodpecker and my first jay are firmly embedded. And with some of these things, the place it happened is equally important.’ With its mix of memoir, gentle advice and enthusiastic advocacy, this book sets out a case for purposeful birdwatching. Along the way, it explains how to make your birding more enjoyable, fulfilling and worthwhile. Using ideas and techniques from his five decades of experience, Rob Hume reveals how an ever-enquiring approach to observation of the natural world can yield unexpected treasures – whether this be something rare or simply new details concealed in the apparently everyday. From the basics of equipment and methods, through the mysteries of seawatching, to special insights on the likes of honey-buzzards and goshawks, and a focus on some iconic sites, his breadth of knowledge ensures there is something for every curious birder. Illuminatingly illustrated throughout with the author’s sketches and fieldnotes, at its heart this is a call to appreciate birds for themselves, as individuals and as species, and not merely as numbers on a list. It will help lead beginners towards a practical and more satisfying hobby, while also being of great interest to experienced birders who will relate to the content through their own experiences.Trade ReviewThis is a lovely book... If all those who look through binoculars were as thoughtful as this author, and wrote as well, the world, and the world of birding, would be a better place. A very good read. -- Mark Avery, author and environmental campaignerTable of ContentsPreface What is birdwatching, anyway? What to do with your interest in birds Buy a good book Get a notebook and pen Distribution, habitats and time of year Colour and light Early days More good days, bad days, ordinary days Waxwings Some dusk encounters Soaring birds and birds of prey Local patches Wonderful Wales – Croeso i Gymru Superlative Scotland Great shrikes If at first…

Read more less

Book SynopsisShorebirds, or waders, are a large group of small to medium-sized birds that occur worldwide, in a wide range of predominantly coastal or wetland habitats. Some species are largely sedentary whilst others are amongst the world's most migratory bird species, travelling thousands of kilometres in a few days. In addition to describing physical behavioural traits such as feeding, breeding, migration, and particular physiological adaptations, Shorebirds in Action also covers territorial behaviour both when feeding and breeding. There is detailed discussion of the range of species and their different lifestyles together with feeding strategies, flocking, roosting and the avoidance of predators. The seasonal features of shorebirds' lives are included, such as the various plumages that they have when breeding, or not breeding, together with the intervening periods of moult, during which the birds change from one plumage to the next.Shorebirds in Action is in two parts - firstly basic behavioural information and then a photographic section that explains the specific behaviour being illustrated for that particular shorebird at the time the photo was taken.Consequently, the book can be read as a general text, split into chapters that provide the basic behavioural information and also by reference to the extended photograph captions which explain the details of the particular behaviour shown. The book contains excellent photographs of about 180 shorebird species - over three-quarters of the world's total - and therefore provides a general reference for the identification of shorebird species and the recognition of their various plumages. It will be relevant to readers worldwide, including Europe, North America and Australasia. This comprehensive work can be read as a general text and also the photographs can be enjoyed separately in their own right. Detailed references to source material are provided.Trade Review`…the images, the core of the book, promise to give pleasure to all readers for years to come. …a valuable reference for anyone interested in bird behavior… …I was eager for examples of behaviors that allowed me and my team to catalog video footage in a systematic way, and this book helped tremendously’. Marine Ornithology -------------------- `…the author uses his striking photographs to illustrate behavior and demonstrates group connections among species. …the pictures work as hard as the text in making this a most enjoyable book’. Country-Side -------------------- `...combines visual storytelling and short text snippets to reveal to us the busy and diverse life of shorebirds. ...the images - the core of the book - promise to give pleasure to all readers for years to come. The book is a valuable reference for anyone interested in bird behavior... I study shorebird antipredator behavior...and this book helped tremendously. There is not a definitive encyclopedia of shorebird behavior, but this book by Richard Chandler serves as proof of concept of one'. Marine Ornithology -------------------- `...a myriad of fascinating insights... ...the most eye-catching feature of the book is the wonderful array of photographs... ...an outstanding introduction to one of our most-loved groups of birds. ...a richly informative book. Whether you are new to waders or an experienced wader-watcher, you will find much of value here'. Birdwatch -------------------- `...a magnificent introduction to the world of waders ... a book to enjoy and to learn'. Blog of Gorka Gorospe, Birder -------------------- `Those looking for a beautiful and informative book on winged waders will do well to pick up Shorebirds in Action, An Introduction to waders and their behaviour. ...offers a balanced blend of spectacular photographs and engaging text representing a lifetime of work. Highly recommended for anyone interested in the fascinating lives of wading shorebirds'. Eco Magazine -------------------- `...an excellent introduction to the lifestyle of the waders...also a beautiful collection of images of 180 species of waders'. Linnut -------------------- `A well illustrated introduction to the biology of shorebirds'. The Birdbooker Report -------------------- `...excellent photos, many in double-page spreads, are a stand-out feature of the book. The book is attractively produced... A pleasure to browse through, it can be enjoyed for its photos alone, but the text is very readable, providing insight into the biology of shorebirds. It is highly recommended for anyone who wants to know more about this fascinating group of birds...it is sure to inspire readers to take a closer look at the next shorebird they see'. British Birds -------------------- `...a lavishly illustrated survey of shorebirds globally, with photographs of more than three-quarters of the world's 243 shorebird species. This visual feast of shorebirds is bound to be appreciated by anyone with an interest in these fascinating birds'. African Birdlife -------------------- `...excellent photographs to illustrate aspects of shorebirds' lives, such as moult, migration, territorial behaviour and physiology'. Wadertales ------------------- `I'm a big fan of books that blend photography and the written word...Shorebirds in Action provides a great example of how it can be done well. The book focuses on the behaviour of waders and uses carefully-chosen images that illustrate the themes covered in the text. The text is readable throughout... This is a book that could certainly be read from cover to cover as a lively and engaging introduction to waders. But it is also well-suited to dipping in and out of... ...it's a book that is virtually impossible to pick up without starting to flick greedily through the pages. The book is a real labour of love and one that I would highly recommend to anyone interested in these birds or willing to become so'. Mark Avery -------------------- `Bird watchers will love this book. ...fabulous photographs and fascinating information, it really is a great read. ...a real gem as well as a great source of information'. Burnley Express, Rebecca Hay -------------------- `...the photography will initially grab your attention, the text is genuinely interesting and often entertaining. ...will certainly expand your enjoyment of Charadriiformes. ...is a unique book ...You will find a lot to enjoy in Shorebirds in Action'. Bird Observer -------------------- `...you could benefit from this book ...combines the information interestingly with appropriate photos.' Gil Porter -------------------- `...The text is lively and well-informed. ... The photos are excellent ...have been chosen carefully to illustrate points about behaviour and plumage. ...a nice book as a present for any serious birder.' Scottish Birds -------------------- `...Photographs and text take up roughly equal space and great care has been taken to amalgamate the two into a coherent and well-organised volume.' Austrailian Wildlife -------------------- `...a magnificent introduction to the world of waders ... a book to enjoy and learn'. Gorka Gorospe

Read more less

Book SynopsisFor many, birds represent freedom and spirituality since they are created to be free. Although this may be true for people as well, we are of course not able to be as truly free as our winged friends. Looking out of his office window and seeing the birds flying, emphasising his confinement indoors and the unnecessary complexities of life in general, the author regrets his lost freedom. Life tends to be over-complicated and many would advocate following a simpler life. Birds, on the other hand, live the life they are destined for and this book shows how a common love of birds bridges cultures and distance. The Birds are our Friends is a wonderful and enlightening collection of essential information, curiosities, myths and folklore of birds and people. The author has discovered the role that birds play in people’s imagination, and their significance for various cultures. People’s accounts of birds give an insight to themselves – what they strive for, what they are afraid of and what they find important. Some birds predict the weather and construct unbelievably sophisticated nests or engage in elegant mating rituals. The author provides new insights on these facts and myths which confound some widely-held assumptions of their activities. Yessengali has a deeply personal connection and relationship with some birds. His fondest memories from childhood or young adulthood are associated with cuckoos, storks, and other birds that remind him of love and friendship. He hopes that these stories will interest readers, remind them of their spirituality and also evoke fine memories. In any event, it is a book that illuminates the world of birds from a slightly different viewpoint.

Read more less

Book SynopsisUsing vivid extracts from field notebooks and profusely illustrated with photographs as well as paintings and sketches by wildlife artist Jonathan Pomroy, the reader is transported to the beautiful North York Moors National Park. We can share in the excitement as the first Ring Ouzels of the year return from their winter quarters in North Africa, witness their courtship displays, the establishment of territories and the female ouzel painstakingly building her nest and laying eggs. This is followed by the monitoring of the hatching and fledging of chicks and the levels of predation - noted in order better to understand the productivity and sustainability of this vulnerable and isolated population. To hear the song of the Ring Ouzel carrying for a surprising distance across the high moorland in the early morning is one of the many delights of upland Britain. The authors have recorded and analysed both simple and complex songs in their study area and, following comparison with recordings from Scotland, Derbyshire and the Yorkshire Dales, have confirmed the suspected presence of local dialects. Crucially this book is much more than a remarkable record of twenty years' fieldwork as it builds on earlier research elsewhere and relates local findings to the results of other current studies in England, Wales and Scotland. The contraction in distribution and number of Ring Ouzels breeding in Britain, the work of the Ring Ouzel Study Group, the introduction of conservation measures and the potential impact of climate change are all described. Attention is drawn to the first indications of Ring Ouzel decline in Switzerland. As a migrant, the Ring Ouzel faces additional pressures and problems on passage and conditions in their wintering areas in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco are described. The importance of Britain as a stop-over and refuelling area for Fennoscandian birds on passage in Spring and Autumn is stressed. There is still much to learn and the early attempts to track Ring Ouzels on migration from Scotland to North Africa and back are described. This milestone publication brings the Ring Ouzel into sharp focus for the first time.Trade Review...covers every aspect of the life of a ring ouzel in fine detail... is extremely well illustrated with photos and sketches of the bird itself, nests and nest sites, plus helpful graphs and diagrams. The Ring Ouzel is a high-quality ornithologist's book, as well as being a fascinating book for a reader with a generalist interest in birds. Alan Stewart, Wildlife Detective blog-------------------...a fascinating read... is not only a great read but plays an important role in keeping records of the bird and the potential impact climate change can have on them.... A brilliant book for not only bird watchers, but for wildlife and nature lovers too. Rebecca Hay, UK Travel and Features Writer -------'...this is a beautifully illustrated book ... and peppered with superb watercolours. ... The well written prose is often full of observation so succinctly and poetically put across... Any birder will enjoy this book, and anyone with a serious interest in Ring Ouzels will need to refer to it often'. FatBirder -------'...It is superbly produced and illustrated, and is a great showcase for Ken and Vic’s dedicated fieldwork... a real benchmark publication and key reference... The watercolours are a masterstroke and really round the book off beautifully. ... I cannot recommend the book highly enough... Chris Rollie, RSPB Ring Ouzel Plan Manager --------- ‘…is a thorough compendium of two decades worth of careful field study… it is also a love letter to the landscapes and wildlife of Yorkshire… this is a beautifully presented book, a treasure trove of knowledge and a great examination of Ring Ouzel ecology…will be a useful touchstone for the future monitoring and conservation of one of our most vulnerable thrushes’. BTO News ---------'This new and comprehensive study provides a rare and fascinating insight into the lives of one of our most vulnerable upland birds... The book is beautifully complemented by the paintings and sketches of wildlife artist Jonathan Pomroy’. The Dalesman ---------- ‘…is the first monograph on this species since Ian Appleyard’s book… in 1994… A vast amount of information is set out… Many colour photos add to the book’s appeal, and it is a great addition to the bookcase’. Bird Watching Magazine ---------'This book, based on a 20-year local study by two amateur ornithologists, really packs a punch. With masses of original information and observations, it impressed the judges by its professional presentation and readability... This informative and attractive book sets the benchmark for future species studies of this nature. ...this account of the 'moorland Blackbird' in one part of its British breeding range is a really good read... and a great credit to the two authors'. British Birds --------- 'These two took this dedication to citizen science even farther. Their book details a lot of natural history, including some never-before-recorded courtship behaviours. But even more important, this information can help conservationists understand the birds' decline... conveys the joys of observation, of hiking and hiding in wild places, of making discovery'. Cool Green Science

Read more less

Book SynopsisAS SEEN ON BBC ONE'S THE ONE SHOWBrought together by a shared love of birding, Ollie Olanipekun and Nadeem Perera set up Flock Together to challenge the underrepresentation of people of colour in nature. What started as a walk in their local park instantly sparked a global outdoors movement centred on community and activism through nature. With a vision to change the world from the outside in, Outsiders is a memoir and manifesto about the power of nature to heal, inspire and unite us in the face of prejudice and inequity. Praise for Flock Together'A birdwatching collective is not only encouraging people of colour to explore green spaces, but also reconcile it with their sense of identity' - Telegraph'...inspiring young people to discover the wildlife on their doorsteps' - The Times'During challenging times, what could be more rewarding?' - VogueTrade ReviewA powerful meditation on the relationship between race and the natural world in modern Britain * iNews *[Outsiders] is a bold step in confronting the under-representation of people of colour in the natural world, and helping those marginalised communities to step forward to enjoy and protect it. * BBC Wildlife *

Read more less

Book SynopsisBirds’ eggs are true wonders of the natural world: they are strong enough to protect the embryo as it grows and to withstand incubation by the parent, yet sufficiently fragile to allow the chick to hatch. Little wonder that the enormous diversity of avian eggs – the amazing range of shapes, sizes, colours, textures and patterns – has long fascinated us. Since boyhood, the renowned landscape photographer Colin Prior has had a passion for wild birds. For him, birds are the embodiment of nature, and fundamentally enrich the experience of being outdoors. This stunning new book presents Prior’s remarkable images of birds’ eggs side by side with his dramatic photographs of the birds’ natural habitats. At a time when many human influences are having an adverse impact on the environment, these habitats are equally fragile and vulnerable to change. Loss of habitat is, in turn, a major factor in the decline of wild bird populations. It has been illegal to take any birds’ eggs from the wild in Great Britain since 1954, and since 1982 it has been against the law to possess the egg of any wild bird. The eggs featured in this book belong to the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh, which holds one of the world’s largest collections of birds’ eggs. The eggs were collected legally during the late 19th and early 20th centuries and bequeathed to the museum by private collectors. Prior set up a studio at the museum and spent five weeks photographing more than 300 eggs using the latest digital technology. Each photograph is a compilation of between 40 and 80 separate exposures that were then blended into a single image using specialist software. The final image is an exquisite, almost three-dimensional rendition of the egg, pin-sharp from the front to the back. The eggs vary in size from that of the tiny goldcrest, the UK’s smallest bird, to that of the mute swan. In his introduction, Prior describes how his love of the natural world was nurtured by the endless hours he spent in the countryside around the Glasgow suburb where he grew up; how he overcame the technical challenges of photographing the eggs; how the featured eggs were selected from the museum’s collection; and how the photography of each bird’s habitat was completed. In his essay, the Scottish environmentalist Professor Des Thompson reflects on the state of nature and the relationship between nesting and habitats. In the main part of the book, the birds’ eggs are arranged into chapters according to the species found in a particular habitat, such as ‘Mountain and Moorland’ and ‘Seashore and Estuary’. The caption beneath each egg details the common and scientific name of the bird, the date the egg was collected, the size of the clutch, and the egg’s dimensions. Each egg is presented in a diptych with a photograph of the bird’s habitat, painstakingly captured at a time of year when the dominant colours of the landscape most closely resemble those of the egg. Fragile – the culmination of ten years’ work – not only showcases the inherent beauty of birds’ eggs, but also serves as a powerful reminder to protect the birds’ natural habitats and thereby the birds themselves.Table of ContentsIntroduction Essay by Prof. Des Thompson Moutain and Moorland Broadleaved Woodland Coniferous Forest Heathland Farmland Lochs, Rivers and Marshes Seashore and Estuary Sea Cliffs and Rocky Islands Photographic notes Comparative Egg Sizes Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Peregrine, the fastest bird in the world, has made a remarkable recovery over the past 30 years. As the species re-establishes itself around the world it is becoming a familiar sight in towns and cities. This beautifully illustrated book is the first in-depth focus on the lives of Peregrines in towns and cities. In words and stunning photographs, Ed Drewitt reveals the latest information on Peregrine behavior including how they are adapting to, and taking advantage of, the urban environment. The book is also a how-to-guide, with information on finding peregrines, studying their diet, ringing individuals for research, putting up nest boxes and enabling people to learn more about them through public viewing points or web cameras. Ed also discusses what makes a Peregrine urban, their contemporary relationship with people, and helps dispel some myths and reveal some truths about this agile predator.Trade ReviewA fascinating insight into the life of our top urban predator. -- Stephen MossPeregrines! The biggest urban conservation story to hit our cities is gloriously revealed in this wonderful book. -- Mike DilgerTable of ContentsPreface 1. The Peregrine 2. What is an Urban Peregrine? 3. How to Spot a Peregrine 4. A Year in the Life of an Urban Peregrine 5. Food and Feeding 6. How to Study Peregrines 7. Ringing Urban Peregrines 8. Myths about Peregrines 9. Changing Threats and the Future of the Urban Peregrine 10. People and Peregrines 11. Where Next? Further reading Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisRobin Prytherch's passion as an ornithologist was for buzzards and he devoted much of his life to studying them and delighted in finding new and interesting things about them. This book brings together a collection of Robin's buzzard-themed Christmas cards which offer a personalised account of his endeavours to understand the lives of buzzards.

Read more less