Zoology: birds (ornithology) Books

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewTwitchers bound for Borneo... can enjoy Helm Field Guides' new additions ... Helm's exquisite eye for detail and intricate illustrations - hitting that sweet spot between art and practicality - make these welcome additions. A must-have for any globetrotting birders. * Wanderlust *Table of ContentsAcknowledgements Introduction The habitats of Borneo The avifauna of Borneo Conservation How to use this book Topography Glossary Useful addresses Species accounts References Index

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Book SynopsisOn the bicentennial of his death, this beautifully illustrated volume pays tribute to the Scot who became the father of American ornithology. Alexander Wilson made unique contributions to ecology and animal behavior. His drawings of birds in realistic poses in their natural habitat inspired Audubon, Spencer Fullerton Baird, and other naturalists.Trade Review[Burtt and Davis] are in no doubt that their man is the one to deserve the title of ‘Father’ [of American ornithology]… And it is a strong case, convincingly made… This will be a very valuable resource for scholars, and the drawings themselves are attractive and persuasive evidence for the authors’ claims about Wilson’s originality and importance. The authors and publishers have done full justice to these illustrations in this handsome volume and they are beautifully laid out and reproduced. -- Jeremy Mynott * Times Literary Supplement *Burtt and Davis argue convincingly for Wilson’s contribution to modern scientific ornithology and celebrate Wilson as the man who inspired John James Audubon… This book…give[s] us Wilson’s wonderful illustrations—and a sense of the spirit of an extraordinary man whose curiosity reached far beyond the man-made world. -- Karin Altenberg * Wall Street Journal *Burtt and Davis include brief essays on the ornithologists whom Wilson read or corresponded with, providing a valuable overview of the burgeoning natural sciences of the early nineteenth century… They establish Wilson’s stature as a bird illustrator, and their handsome volume reproduces them beautifully… Burtt and Davis successfully make clear Wilson’s importance in establishing American ornithology on two firm pillars: international Linnaean binomial nomenclature and close observation of living birds as well as specimens… Wilson’s position as the founder of American ornithology was won with intense struggle from inauspicious beginnings, and it seems secure. -- Robert O. Paxton * New York Review of Books *It is as the author of American Ornithology—a nine-volume work that aimed to list every species in the U.S.—that Wilson will be remembered. Wilson’s books were revolutionary. He wrote his descriptions of birds from observing them in the field, rather than looking at stuffed birds in collections. It was an approach that helped promote the adoption of the scientific method in the U.S. He also penned his narrative so that readers would be able to identify birds themselves, making it the first field guide… Wilson’s life and his struggle to publish American Ornithology are fascinating. -- Peter Ranscombe * The Scotsman *Wilson was first to describe 26 species of North American birds, he has more birds named after him than any other American ornithologist, and John James Audubon, Charles Lucien Bonaparte, Thomas Nuttall, Spencer Fullerton Baird, and Elliot Coues all were inspired by him, yet most people, when asked who the father of American ornithology is, say, wrongly, Audubon. This well-illustrated study, the first to reproduce many of Wilson’s drawings and draft plates from American Ornithology, his nine-volume masterwork, sets the record straight. -- Chuck Hagner and Matt Mendenhall * Bird Watching *Wilson has more birds named after him than any other American ornithologist, including Audubon, and now, thanks to Burtt and Davis, he has a superb modern-day biography and critical assessment, one every scholarly birder should buy and read. It’s entirely right that we regularly remember to give Alexander Wilson the credit for inventing the school and ethos of American bird-study. -- Steve Donoghue * Open Letters Monthly *One of the objectives of this book is to publish all of Wilson’s previously unpublished illustrations… Wilson’s artwork is superb… The case Burtt and Davis make for Wilson being the true father of American ornithology is overwhelming, and in that sense they have succeeded admirably. -- Tim Birkhead * Times Higher Education *Alexander Wilson, the Scotsman who came to the United States in 1794…more than Audubon, deserves credit for having founded American ornithology, as biographers Edward Burtt and William Davis rightly insist. -- Christoph Irmscher * Weekly Standard *The book includes many letters to and from U.S. naturalists and dozens of beautifully reproduced and previously unpublished line drawings and paintings of birds that contributed to Wilson’s greatest tangible achievement, the encyclopedic nine-volume American Ornithology. Unlike most of his contemporaries, such as Audubon, Wilson argued for the need for field observation to truly understand and illustrate the character of wild creatures, and he traveled thousands of miles across a wild continent to accomplish this. This book is full of delightful anecdotes and excellent detailed drawings; it will do much to elevate the reputation of Wilson among those with an interest in birds, illustration, and history. -- D. Flaspohler * Choice *A Scottish emigré, Alexander Wilson (1766–1813) became the preeminent ornithologist of early America. His systematic approach to the study of birds and his nine-volume American Ornithology (1808–14) greatly influenced John James Audubon, in whose shadow Wilson has since remained… Burtt and Davis describe Wilson’s mentoring by such prominent figures as Thomas Jefferson, Meriwether Lewis, William Bartram, and the Philadelphia family of artists, the Peales… The authors show that it is Wilson, rather than Audubon, who deserves the sobriquet of the father of American ornithology… This excellent work is highly recommended for birders and for readers who appreciate American art or natural history. -- Henry T. Armistead * Library Journal *Before Audubon and Birds of America, there was Alexander Wilson and American Ornithology, a nine-volume work published between 1808 and 1814 that singlehandedly transformed the study of birds in the wild and presaged the field guides of today. In addition to being the first to adopt the Linnaean system of binomial nomenclature to classify North American birds, Wilson was also one of the first to base his findings primarily on the ‘observation and description of live birds.’ By 1812, the Scottish poet had documented nearly 80% of bird species in the United States, and developed the discipline of ‘economic ornithology,’ whereby bird types are valued according to a kind of cost–benefit analysis (i.e. one that takes into account whether a bird is prone to destroy certain crops, whether they can be consumed, etc.)… What makes this book of such great value is the third chapter: ‘Illustrating American Ornithology.’ Composing over half of the book, this section features every illustration from Wilson’s landmark publication. Alongside excerpts from Wilson’s own commentary, the authors painstakingly detail how each sketch developed into its final iteration. A must-have for any serious bird-watcher. * Publishers Weekly *A definitive work on the history of bird art, ornithology, and nature writing. Volumes have been written on Audubon as though he were the dean of American ornithology, but Burtt and Davis reveal Alexander Wilson as providing the foundation. -- Bernd Heinrich, author of The Nesting SeasonOur knowledge of New World birds stems deeply from the adventurous spirit of a talented rebel poet, Alexander Wilson. This richly illustrated, very special book brings him back to life as an engaging and influential character whose passion for birds primed ours. I couldn’t put it down. -- Frank Gill, author of Ornithology: Third Edition

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Book SynopsisWith nearly six hundred identified species of birds—and an average of five 'new' species discovered annually—Belize is becoming a birding hotspot for amateur and professional birders from around the globe. Thousands of birders visit the country each year to enjoy Belize''s amazing abundance and variety of both temperate and tropical birds in natural habitats that remain largely unspoiled. But until now, despite the growing need for an authoritative identification guide, birders have had to rely on regional field guides that offer only limited information on Belizean birds.Birds of Belize provides the first complete guide to the identification of all currently known species—574 in all. The birds are grouped by families, with an introduction to each family that highlights its uniquely identifying characteristics and behaviors. The species accounts include all the details necessary for field identification: scientific and common names, size, plumage featTable of Contents Acknowledgments Abbreviations Used in the Text Introduction Geography and Climate Vegetation Habitat Types Avifauna Using This Book Taxonomy Nomenclature Plumage and Molt Organization of the Species Accounts Bird Topography Range Maps Family And Species Accounts Tinamidae (Tinamous) Podicipedidae (Grebes) Procellariidae (Shearwaters) Phaethontidae (Tropicbirds) Sulidae (Boobies and Gannets) Pelecanidae (Pelicans) Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants) Anhingidae (Darters) Fregatidae (Frigatebirds) Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns) Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills) Ciconiidae (Storks) Cathartidae (New World Vultures) Phoenicopteridae (Flamingos) Anatidae (Ducks and Geese) Accipitridae (Hawks, Kites, and Eagles) Falconidae (Caracaras and Falcons) Cracidae (Curassows and Guans) Phasianidae (Turkeys, Grouse, Pheasants, and Others) Odontophoridae (New World Quail) Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots) Heliornithidae (Sungrebes) Aramidae (Limpkin) Charadriidae (Plovers) Haematopodidae (Oystercatchers) Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets) Jacanidae (Jacanas) Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Phalaropes) Laridae (Skuas, Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers) Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves) Psittacidae (Parrots) Cuculidae (Cuckoos and Anis) Tytonidae (Barn Owls) Strigidae (Typical Owls) Caprimulgidae (Nighthawks and Nightjars) Nyctibiidae (Potoos) Apodidae (Swifts) Trochilidae (Hummingbirds) Trogonidae (Trogons) Momotidae (Motmots) Alcedinidae (Kingfishers) Bucconidae (Puftbirds) Galbulidae (Jacamars) Ramphastidae (Toucans) Picidae (Woodpeckers) Furnariidae (Ovenbirds) Dendrocolaptidae (Woodcreepers) Thamnophilidae (Antbirds) Formicariidae (Antthrushes) Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers) Cotingidae (Cotingas) Pipridae (Manakins) Vireonidae (Vireos) Corvidae (Jays, Crows, and Magpies) Hirundinidae (Swallows) Troglodytidae (Wrens) Sylviidae (Old World Warblers, Gnatcatchers, and Gnatwrens) Turdidae (Thrushes) Mimidae (Thrashers) Motacillidae (Pipits and Wagtails) Bombycillidae (Waxwings) Parulidae (Wood-Warblers) Coerebidae (Bananaquit) Thraupidae (Tanagers) Emberizidae (Seedeaters and Sparrows) Cardinalidae (Saltators, Grosbeaks, and Buntings) Icteridae (Blackbirds) Fringillidae (Finches) Passeridae (Old World Sparrows) References Range Maps Index

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"One of American Birding Podcast's Best Bird Books of 2018 (Donna Schulman & Nate Swick)""It is the first bird field guide to every country of Central America. . . . And, its beautiful illustrations are by a single artist, Dale Dyer. . . . Covering 1,261 species with data and taxonomy current up to August 2017, the field guide is an exciting achievement."---Donna Schulman, 10,000 Birds"Princeton has built a record as an outstanding source of field guides for countries around the world. This first comprehensive guide to a much-visited birding area is a valuable addition to that set."---Jim Williams, StarTribune Wingnut blog"Whether or not you live Central America or will be traveling there, perusing Vallely and Dyer is like taking a trip there yourself. Look a little harder and you can almost taste the mossy cloud forest air."---Jacob Drucker, The Linnaean Society of New York"Princeton University press is renowned for its many excellent volumes on birds around the world—such as those of New Guinea, Peru, New Jersey, and the West Indies. Any library with ornithologists, bird lovers, or bird watchers among their patrons should consider this book, so packed full of information on over 1,000 kinds of beautiful birds."---Mark Schumacher, ARBA Reviews"If you appreciate scientific accuracy, pick Vallely and Dyer. Besides being useful for identification, it also compiles current knowledge about distribution, with full references. Its format also makes it a fine choice for enjoying Dale Dyer's art while planning future trips."---Knut Eisermann, Birding Book Reviews"A very exciting field guide . . . . [Birds of Central America] will easily become the new standard reference in the region."---Joren van Schie, Dutch Birding"[An] excellent and innovative field guide covering the avifauna of the land bridge between North and South America with long coastlines on both the Caribbean and the Pacific."---Allen Hale, The Wilson Journal of Ornithology

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Book SynopsisFrom those famous ducklings to Homer Price''s delicious donuts, generations of children have grown up delighting in the timeless stories of Robert McCloskey. Here, for the first time, all of his published works--Make Way for Ducklings, Blueberries for Sal, Lentil, Time of Wonder, One Morning in Maine, Burt Dow, Deep-Water Man, Homer Price and Centerburg Tales--are brought together. With biographical information and photographs, and an introduction by renowned critic Leonard Marcus that outlines McCloskey''s career and his unforgettable contribution to children''s literature, this collection is an in-depth look at the life and work of an extraordinary children''s book legend.

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Book SynopsisJoseph M. Forshaw, one of the world’s leading authorities on parrots, calls attention to the threats they face: They are one of the most endangered groups of birds, with a growing number of species nearing extinction. The main threats arise from habitat loss through deforestation and agricultural development and from the taking of birds for the...Trade ReviewThis encyclopedic work has beautiful color plates, references, and index. Bird lovers and ornithology researchers will find this title a valuable reference. * American Reference Books Annual *Forshaw and Knight have provided a thorough, well-organized, and aesthetic work that not only inspires us to look back at what we have lost but also forward to prevent further extinctions; we can learn from past mistakes. * The Quarterly Review of Biology *In sum, this is a valuable book with a great many strengths. Forshaw is a master of collecting pertinent information from a broad array of sources; the result is a rich collection of species accounts that surpasses in detail those in any of his preceding books. The artwork by Knight complements these accounts and brings them to vibrant life. * The Condor *Table of ContentsForeword Preface Introduction Fossil History of Parrots Australasian Distribution Afro-Asian Distribution Neotropical Distribution References Cited Index

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Book SynopsisAn essential compendium on the biology, identification, distribution and conservation of Europe''s 13 species of owls.Owls are fascinating birds, with remarkable adaptations for their lives as nocturnal hunters. Covering the 13 species of owls that occur across the continent, Owls of Europe features detailed drawings of typical positions, behaviours and facial expressions, alongside more than 300 photos selected to demonstrate age and subspecific variation, colour phases and the birds in flight. This book includes up-to-date distribution maps and the latest European population estimates, along with detailed text on behaviour, voice, brood biology and juvenile development, life strategies, hunting techniques, choice of prey and habitat requirements for each species. It also explores human interactions with owls, from the threats posed to determined conservation efforts.Owls of Europe is an essential book for birdwatchers, professional orni

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Book SynopsisA colourful and comprehensive handbook packed with all the basic skills and knowledge you need to become a better birder.Targeted to beginners and beyond, National Geographic’s fun, inspiring guide to the art, craft, and science of bird-watching combines practical know-how and expert knowledge. Bursting with helpful illustrations and photographs, Birding Basics offers new ideas for when, where, and how to get to know the birds in your world.Not a field guide but a primer in best practices, authored by birding expert Noah Strycker, this breezy book features easy-to-follow advice on what to look and listen for, how to use field guides and birding apps, the best equipment to start with, and ways to engage with other birders around the world. Filled with fun facts and seasoned advice, this useful book will help you attract birds to your backyard, master bird identification, name a bird by its song, and witness the magic of migration. Sidebars

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Book SynopsisMore than 600 lush, stunning photos grace this comprehensive handbook to the birdlife of the Mid-Atlantic region. A Great Blue Heron wades in the shallows of the Potomac River, scanning for unsuspecting prey. Sunlight turns the water translucent as a small school of fish rises to the water's surface. The heron strikes and moments later is swallowing its quarrypredation in action! This handsome Great Blue Heron is but one of the more than 400 bird species found in Delaware, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. It shares the mid-Atlantic with kingfishers, eagles, mergansers, wood warblers, and many more. Exploring backyard birds, birds of prey, and birds of the open ocean, Smithsonian ornithologist Bruce Beehler and premier nature photographer Middleton Evans have crafted a comprehensive volume unparalleled in its beauty and captivating storytelling. Birds of Maryland, Delaware, and the District of Columbia invites readers to experience the birds' lives as they live them: where they nest, how they forage, their various behaviors, and the natural environments they need to survive. Beehler offers practical advice on bird-watching, including how to find, attract, and even garden for birds, as well as the best places to see them in season. He also discusses the best birding apps, websites, and gear; provides advice on planning a birding field trip; and recommends ornithological institutions that will help you cultivate a lifelong birding hobby. Finally, Beehler challenges the reader to think about conservation efforts to preserve local bird populations. With striking color photographs of more than 400 species, this book is a bonanza for nature lovers. A wealth of images immerse the reader in the world of these wonderful creatures. Marvel at the majesty of Ospreys, navigate the ocean with storm-petrels, and nest with Mourning Doves, all while learning about the richness of the birds' lives, the complexities of their habits, and how we can help keep their populations vibrant and aloft for generations to come.Trade ReviewIf you've never been able to fully appreciate the red poll, phoebe, towhee or great crested flycatcher, you might derive hours of pleasure from a new book from Johns Hopkins University Press, Birds of Maryland, Delaware and the District of Columbia. It's the size of a coffee table book and looks at first like one, heavily dependent on photographs. But it's far more than that. Part field guide, part birding atlas, part conservationist pleading, it is nearly 500 pages of photos by Middleton Evans and prose by ornithologist Bruce Beehler. It comes with charts, checklists and maps of birding hot spots . . . I can't imagine a more complete record of the birds of our region. It's an inspiration for anyone who has thought about — but never got around to — becoming a birder . . . The Beehler-Evans book is timely and important. It's an impressive accounting of what we have and what we could lose if we don't do more — and fast — to counter the effects of human behavior.—Dan Rodricks, Baltimore SunThis magnificent large-format guide to the local birds of Maryland, D.C. and Delaware is a treasure trove of practical information. More than 70 of the 684 color photographs are full-page . . . Give Birds of Maryland, Delaware, and the District of Columbia as a gift and encourage a hobby that will be transformative. Experience the beauty that awaits those who venture outdoors with discerning eyes and sensitive ears.—Dinah Rokach, The BeaconTable of ContentsForeword, by Chandler S. Robbins Acknowledgments Terms, Abbreviations, and AcronymsPart I. Introduction 1. Appreciating Our Birdlife and the Gentle Art of Birding 2. Natural Geography and Local Bird Provinces 3. The Birding Seasons4. Birding in Urban, Suburban, and Agricultural Landscapes5. The Gift of Wild Places6. Landscaping for Birds and the Environment7. Feeding the Birds8. Conserving Birds and Their HabitatsPart II. Bird Group Accounts The Waterbirds 9. The Waterfowl 10. Marsh and Wading Birds11. Coastal Waterbirds12. Shorebirds13. Birds of the Open Ocean The Landbirds 14. Birds of Prey 15. Birds of Countryside, Farm, and Field16. Aerial Feeders17. Neighborhood, Backyard, and Feeder Birds18. Sparrows and Their Terrestrial Allies19. Warblers and Look-alikes20. Orioles, Blackbirds, and Colorful Fruit- and Seed-eatersPart III. Birding Tools 21. Best Birding Apps and Websites22. Necessary Birding Gear23. Planning Your Birding Field Trip24. Important Institutions for Birds and Birding25. Key Birding and Ornithological ReferencesPart IV. Bird-Finding Guide 26. Photographic Atlas and Finding Guide27. Birds Rarely Recorded in the Region28. Coded Regional Checklist and Seasonal Occurrence Chart29. Best Birding LocalitiesContributors Photography Notes Addendum Index

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Book SynopsisBirdwatching in Britain has grown increasingly dependent on burning fossil fuels. Regularly driving long distances to birding hotspots and frequent flying to see exotic species are seen as perfectly normal. In the face of the climate crisis, however, a growing number of birders are reassessing the way they enjoy and study birds. In this timely book, 30 contributors—from young birdwatchers to professional ornithologists—explain why and how they are shifting to climate-friendlier approaches. Low-carbon birding, they argue, is a legitimate and valuable way of enjoying birds. Furthermore, in itself this can bring many joys, some of them unexpected. From first encounters with hawfinches to focusing in on birdsong, from the Kalahari to the Hebrides, the stories told here are not about heroic efforts to save the planet. They are simply accounts of everyday humanity in unprecedented times—ordinary people with doubts and concerns about how to live a decent life and act responsibly in a rapidly warming world. The authenticity of their voices is a testament to the moment of awakening to the climate crisis in British ornithology. Above all, Low-Carbon Birding is an urgent call for birders to leave a better legacy in the skies and across the living world.Trade ReviewThe title does not shy away from the harsh reality of climate change and the challenges faced; there is a sense of urgency with the topics addressed in this book. But there is not a sense of despair. Within its 31 chapters, there can be few people who won’t find something positive to inspire them in their birding – and their life in general. -- British Birds Vol. 115, Issue 12This is a welcome book, dealing, as it does, with an important issue for those of us who are birders...Things are certainly changing and I am confident that they will change ever more quickly, and this book is an important contribution to that change. -- Mark Avery, author and environmental campaignerThis book, for the most part gently, encourages us to look at all we do and find ways to reduce our carbon footprint, especially when it comes to indulging our avian pleasures. There is much here to enjoy, follow and learn from. -- Bo Beolens, Fatbirder...this is an excellent book - controversial, engaging and deserving of the widest possible readership. -- James Wright, RSPB Book Club reviewThe book is a collection of essays from a variety of writers, many of whom will be familiar to Birdwatch readers…they represent what people ‘on the ground’ are doing to lessen their own carbon footprint and by doing so give us all workable ideas for doing the same. -- Rebecca Armstrong, BirdwatchThe book makes an interesting and thought-provoking read -- John Miles, birdwatching.co.ukIf ever there was a book for our time, this is it. Javier Caletrío has called out the practice of fossil-fuelled, high mileage birding for what it is; a gross hypocrisy...The fact is, the birds we travel to see won’t be there unless we act now. Read this book, and then talk to your friends about the issues it so eloquently raises. -- Simon Bates, British Ecological Society...engaging, fast-paced and informative. Each of the chapters is absorbing in its own way, and some could almost provide synopses for new standalone titles in their own right. A word, too, for the simple but enchanting cover illustration by Gary Redford and for Pelagic Publishing's insistence on highest production standard for this 250-page hardback which, unusually, was printed in England. -- Amazon reviewerWith so many contributors sharing their real stories of transformation, Low-Carbon Birding is a thought-provoking read for anyone interested in reducing their carbon emissions. -- Jenny McKee, AudubonLow-Carbon Birding is a joy to read....take a few hours to read this amazing book and make 2023 the year of reinventing your way of birding. -- Vincent Stork, Dutch BirdingThere is no doubt that Low-Carbon Birding will have a substantial impact on the world of ornithology. -- British Trust for OrnithologyIt belongs on the bookshelf - or better yet, in the bicycle bag - of all birders, whether they are already low-carbon birders themselves or are just beginning to explore this perspective. -- Jans Daniels-Trautner, Der Falke...what does it mean to be a birder in the age of extinction? What is a life list worth in the face of a climate crisis? Can conservation and travel coincide? Enter Low-Carbon Birding, edited by Javier Caletrío. This collection of over 30 essays by a slate of concerned writers bluntly, yet elegantly, answers these questions and provides a blueprint for how birding can evolve to protect the species we have left. -- Rebecca Minardi, American Birding AssociationA timely reminder to us all... these essays show how increasing numbers of birders are shifting their approach to one that is low in carbon but high in reward. -- Mike Toms, BTO NewsThis book opens a new perspective for anyone concerned about their carbon footprint, who no longer want to be in a permanent race and who can thus combine physical exercise and passion! -- Philippe J. Dubois, OrnithosEcological economists can find rich inspiration from the captivating case of birdwatching, which can serve as a valuable basis for further studies of environmental values, degrowth, nature connectedness, and political ecology. Ultimately, this book can be seen as a degrowth manifesto that reveals problems with the increasing economisation of nature and the commodification of the birdwatching experience. -- Jakub Kronenberg, Ecological Economics… this is not a book about a dreary life of self- denial, but about a more sustainable refocusing of our engagement with and enjoyment of birds. -- Barry Gray * IBIS *The Valencian economist Javier Caletrio has edited a book of advice on ornithological tourism with a minimal carbon footprint. He recommends trains for longer distances and a bicycle for shorter ones. * Quercus, Spain *... a powerful and timely contribution to the debate on the need for all of us to consider our own carbon footprint, and what we can do to reduce it. -- Stephen MossTable of ContentsContributors Foreword Mike Clarke Preface Acknowledgements Introduction Javier Caletrío 1 Are We Addicted to High-Carbon Ornithology? Javier Caletrío 2 Questions of Travel, Climate and Responsibility Javier Caletrío 3 The Seven Cs of Patch Birding Nick Moran 4 Understanding Our Local Birds Angela Turner 5 Long-term Local Science Ben Sheldon 6 The Perpetual Patch Roger Emmens 7 The Long Rhythms of a Place José Ignacio Dies Jambrino 8 A Life of Local Birding Matt Phelps 9 The Joys of Patch Birding Maria Scullion 10 A Patch Year David Raffle 11 Hunting Hawfinch Steve Gale 12 In Praise of ‘Projects’ Mark Bannister 13 The Backyard Jungle Finley Hutchinson 14 My Patch and the Plastic Problem Siân Mercer 15 Eleventh-Hour Birding Simon Gillings 16 Listening Again to Birdsong Dave Langlois 17 The Sound of Summer Arjun Dutta 18 Birding in the Yorkshire Dales Steve Ward 19 TG42 Tim Allwood 20 Shrikes from the Bike Dave Langlois 21 The Best Kind of Golden Oriole Gavin Haig 22 From Angst to Tranquillity Jonathan Dean 23 Redrawing My Birding Horizons Sorrel Lyall 24 Island Holidays by Train Amy Robjohns 25 Lammergeyers from Leeds Jonnie Fisk 26 Bringing Birding Home Nick Acheson 27 Little Steps, Big Difference Steve Dudley 28 Climate and the Cuckoo Calendar Lowell Mills-Frater 29 Climate Change in the Kalahari Amanda Bourne 30 Unsettling Journeys Kieran Lawrence 31 Witness to Extinction Alexander Lees Afterword Notes Index

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Book SynopsisChanges in farmland management throughout the twentieth century, including agricultural intensification and increasing mechanisation, have resulted in the loss of habitat for many species. The Corncrake is one such species that has faced multiple challenges to its survival. Although it was once a common bird throughout northern Europe, the breeding areas of Corncrakes have been steadily reduced to a fraction of what they once were, and in many areas their continuation as a regularly breeding bird is in serious doubt. In addition, the behaviour of the Corncrake, nesting under the cover of tall grass and undertaking annual long-distance migrations, means that for most of the last hundred years, its detailed ecology has remained mysterious and little understood. Although there have been millions of words written about the Corncrake in scientific papers, until now there has been no full-length book that attempts to capture all the aspects of its ecology, and to present this information to non-specialists. As a result, until very recently, many important facts about its lifestyle and behaviour have not been widely known, even among ornithologists. Although scarcely seen in its natural habitat, the Corncrake is well-known in many rural areas due to its characteristic (and persistent) night-time calling, but new discoveries with the aid of acoustic science have proved surprising, and may offer new ways of improving the location, identification, and management options to protect and enable the population of this iconic species to recover, even to thrive in our countryside. A new appreciation of the requirements of this species and the ways in which our sensitive management of the whole landscape, both in its potential breeding areas across Europe and Asia and in the seasonal quarters in regions of Africa, offer new hope for the future of this fascinating bird.Trade Review'... this book is revelatory ...With more than 730 reference works cited, and fresh insights galore on the bird and its environment, this is a compellingly important work of reference. At its core is a penetrating cultural ecological study, which offers hope for this special bird and its landscape'. Extract from the Foreword by Professor Des Thompson

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Book SynopsisCranes are enigmatic birds. Only very little is known about the behaviour of these graceful dancers. The renowned naturalist and crane expert Bernhard Wessling takes us on exciting and adventurous expeditions into their hidden world and gets to the bottom of the myths surrounding these birds of happiness. With the help of a specially developed bioacoustic method, Dr. Wessling studied Eurasian, Red-Crowned, Sandhill and Whooping Cranes, all in the wild. He has researched their intelligence, social dynamics and communication and engaged in their protection. Impressively illustrated and lively narrated, this book presents his findings on their individually unique lives and relationships, their ability to adapt and solve problems, and their emotions. His observations allow us to delve deeply into the cranes' way of life and consciousness, often demonstrating the surprising similarities between humans and animals. An amazing work about the spirit of discovery, humility and respect for nature in the tradition of Alexander von Humboldt.Cranes are among the most captivating birds on this planet. Dr. Wessling knows these birds, has accumulated a lifetime of observations on them, and has thought deeply about their abilities. In this book, he seeks to overturn old ideas about how these birds live, communicate, and think. His revelations surprise and delight and shed new light on an ancient avian family. Jennifer Ackerman, author of the New York Times bestseller The Genius of Birds and The Bird WayThe Call of the Cranes is a mesmerizing, vivid, lyrical and revelatory book. It truly is a spectacular book and a treasure! Sy Montgomery, naturalist and author of 31 books (incl. the New York Times bestseller The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration into the Wonder of Consciousness)In this book, Bernhard Wessling shares his fascinating stories about cranes through patient observations and thoughtful conclusions. George Archibald, Co-Founder of the International Crane Foundation, Senior ConservationistTable of ContentsPreface (the author‘s way to nature and a preview into the book)Chapter 1: How everything started (a coincidental encounter with cranes and with the new crane protection group; first observations)Chapter 2: Compact crane knowledge: myths and facts (a little bit of basic knowledge about cranes and about the role of cranes in mythology, in very short form)Chapter 3: Problem solutions, ballet courtship and fox alarm: how do cranes communicate with each other? (surprising observations about how cranes are solving problems and how they communicate)Chapter 4: Arrival in the nature preserve after return from wintering grounds: alone or in groups? (unique experiences how cranes return from wintering into the breeding area: nobody has ever observed or expected it to be like this)Chapter 5: Breeding season: a tragic romance (a brood destroyed, a female crane missing, her partner in mourning)Chapter 6: Ruff, a white-tailed eagle and other visitors to the nature preserve: crane guards‘ amazing experiences (completely different and interesting experiences during serving as crane guards for a whole week)Chapter 7: The school of life (crane „kids“ also have to study; one of the courses is learning to fly; the author describes the process in the flight school)Chapter 8: Tracking the cranes‘ language: they are calling and talk about their lives (the author gets the idea to record crane calls and analyze their voices; he develops a suitable method and so gets to know the cranes much deeper)Chapter 9: Worldwide endeavors: Asian and American cranes are calling me (the crane research project becomes international: the author is called to introduce his method worldwide)Chapter 10: Research adventures: overhear red-crowned cranes at minus 25 °C while guarded by armed border soldiers (exciting expeditions to the red-crowned cranes on Hokkaido island of Japan, and in the demilitarized zone within sight of the border to North Korea)Chapter 11: The adventure continues: visiting the wild whooping cranes (even more adventurous expeditions to North America for doing research on wild whooping cranes, the author is asked to contribute to a very complex species recovery project)Chapter 12: We are taking off: the hard way to the migration flight school (world première: young cranes raised in isolation learn to fly and to use the old migration route from the North to the South of the U.S., and become 100% wild)Chapter 13: What can we learn about intelligence, migratory behaviour, culture development, use of tools and self-awareness in cranes? (further research on the behaviour and abilities of cranes)Chapter 14: Can cranes think strategically? Other amazing observations (the cognitive performance of cranes is higher than previously thought; the author describes evidence of "episodic memory" and strategically planned problem solving)Chapter 15: Cranes are subjects. A plea for more modesty and respect for nature. (manifold practical consequences for nature and species conservation)In a detailed appendix, readers will find, among other things, a discussion of the emotions that cranes possess (or those that cranes probably do not possess), further observations of cranes, especially from abroad, a more detailed description of the nature reserves in and near Hamburg, where Wessling began his crane conservation work and research, and in a final chapter of the appendix new observations (Wessling recently started again with call recordings and their analysis) and practical advice for readers who would like to record and analyse bird calls themselves.In addition, there are 144 notes with references to further literature as well as links to information, further photos, videos and some typical call recordings he had made on the Internet.

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Book SynopsisA comprehensive overview of all aspects of grouse ecology and management in the central and southern Appalachians, summarizing findings of the Appalachian Cooperative Grouse Research Project. Topics covered include basic biology and ecology re nesting and brood survival; survival factors; food habits and nutrition; home ranges and dispersal; population and habitat management; the future of grouse in the region. The ecology and management of ruffed grouse is well understood for their core range where aspen is dominant and integral to their well-being. But, what of ruffed grouse that occur where aspen doesn''t provide for their annual needs? Ecology and Management of Appalachian Ruffed Grouse presents a comprehensive overview of all aspects of grouse ecology and management in the central and southern Appalachians and summarizes the findings of the Appalachian Cooperative Grouse Research Project. From 1996 through 2002, investigators captured, released and followed the fate of over 3000 g

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Book SynopsisAn expansive collection of papers and articles from internationally recognized bald eagle experts. Presented is a complete portrait of the status and ecology of the bald eagle in Alaska.A collection of papers and articles from international bald eagle experts, which present a complete portrait of the status and ecology of the bald eagle in Alaska. Myriad topics include culture, biology, population history and status, conservation and management, the Alaskan habitat from the northern rainforest to the Aleutian Islands, attitudes from diverse groups from the Tlingit to bounty hunters, along with sound scientific data.

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Book SynopsisBird-lovers will enjoy this fact-filled collection of trivia tidbits. In this comprehensive volume, there is almost no fact about birds - their lives, habits, behavior, dimensions, morphology, anatomy, etc. - that have been omitted.

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Book SynopsisMountains support high biodiversity including 12% of birds globally many of them endemic or threatened. Written for ecologists, naturalists, and those interested in wildlife conservation, this unique book provides the first global ecological review of birds in high mountains, their key threats, and guidelines to ensure their continued persistence.Table of Contents1. Mountain birds and their habitats Dan Chamberlain, Aleksi Lehikoinen, Davide Scridel and Kathy Martin; 2. Avian adaptations to high mountain habitats: solving the challenges of living in alpine ecosystems Kathy Martin, Devin R. de Zwaan, Davide Scridel and Tomás A. Altamirano; 3. Global bird communities of alpine and nival habitats Devin R. de Zwaan, Arnaud G. Barras, Tomás A. Altamirano, Addisu Asefa, Pranav Gokhale, R. Suresh Kumar, Shaobin Li, Ruey-shing Lin, C. Steven Sevillano-Ríos, Kerry A. Weston and Davide Scridel; 4. Birds of treeline ecotones Dan Chamberlain, Evgeniya Melikhova, Susanne Jähnig and C. Steven Sevillano-Ríos; 5. Population trends of mountain birds in Europe and North America Aleksi Lehikoinen, Åke Lindström, John Calladine, Tommaso Campedelli, William V. DeLuca, Virginia Escandell, Jiří Flousek, Sergi Herrando, Frédéric Jiguet, John Atle Kålås, Romain Lorrilliere, Timothy D. Meehan, Ingar Jostein Øien, Clara Pladevall, Brett K. Sandercock, Thomas Sattler, Benjamin Seaman, Laura Silva, Hans Schmid, Norbert Teufelbauer and Sven Trautmann; 6. Climate change impacts on mountain birds James W. Pearce-Higgins and Kathy Martin; 7. Anthropogenic activities and mountain birds Enrico Caprio, Antonio Rolando, Raphaël Arlettaz and Dan Chamberlain; 8. Modelling large-scale patterns in mountain bird diversity and distributions Mattia Brambilla, Matthew G. Betts, Ute Bradter, Hankyu Kim, Paola Laiolo and Thomas Sattler; 9. The alpine avifauna of tropical mountains Jon Fjeldså, Jesper Sonne and Carsten Rahbek; 10. Priorities for information, research and conservation of birds in high mountains Kathy Martin, Dan Chamberlain and Aleksi Lehikoinen; Bird species index; Subject index.

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Book SynopsisThe purpose of this book is to give, not only a portrait and a description of the birds, but a summing up of the beneficial and injurious habits of each, gained from the highest authorities obtainable. The book is intended for those who long to know birds intimately and intelligently, and wish to belong to the great army of bird-students who are "doing their bit" to preserve the bird-life of our country.

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Book SynopsisHumans have altered and created entirely new environments to which animals have either adapted or been extirpated. Urban environments are one of the most extreme examples of how humans have changed previous habitats. Urban environments present massive challenges for birds living in these spaces and the impacts can be seen on all aspects of their behavior including how they communicate with one another. This book discusses how seabirds and songbirds have adapted for life in urban areas, how it has impacted their migratory behavior, and also examines the ecology and conservation of these two species.

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Book SynopsisFull of interesting facts and useful information, Birds of Oregon has something for anyone with an interest in birds, from the casual backyard observer to the keen naturalist; 328 of Oregon's most abundant or notable bird species, illustrated in color, are featured in this book. You'll find a Quick Reference Guide, organized by color-coded family groupings, as well as a map of the best birding sites in the state. Each account covers habitat, nesting, feeding, voice and similar species and features a range map for that species. The book also includes a glossary of terms, a checklist, appendix and separate indexes for scientific and common names.

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Book SynopsisA ten year study began in 1972 in West Greenland to investigate the breeding biology of the peregrine falcon. Data on nesting gyrfalcons were also collected. Thirty-four peregrine nesting sites were examined in the 6050 km2 inland study area near Søndre Strømfjord. Limited research also centered in Disko Bugt and Frederikshåb. Peregrines were found nesting predominantly on high, south-facing cliffs, which overlooked large areas. The mean minimum distance between peregrine eyries was 7.7 km for the inland area (1972 and 1973) and 55 km for the coast (1974). Approximately 60 percent of the inland nesting sites were occupied each year. A ten-year average production of 1.90 young per occupied site and 2.78 young per successful site was determined. Lapland longspurs, snow buntings, wheatears, and redpolls comprised 90 percent of the peregrines diet. Raven nests and prey availability may be the most significant factor affecting falcon density. Addled peregrine eggs, eggshell fragments, and peregrine prey species were collected. Whole eggs averaged 14.3 ppm wet weight (305 ppm lipid weight ) DDE, while eggshell measurements showed a 16 percent thinning compared with pre-1940 eggs from Greenland. Prey species carried low levels of DDE. The peregrine population appears to be at a near critical contamination level, and a small increase in DDE level could contribute to a population decline. No indication of a decline has been observed during the study, and the population appears stable. The project banded 185 peregrines, from which 8 recoveries occurred. The recoveries suggest peregrines migrate south to winter in South America.

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Book SynopsisFeral pigeons have developed from domestic pigeons, but are not just domestic pigeons that live in the wild. This book focuses on population biology and behavioural ecology of feral pigeons, and includes a listing of primary references in the scholarly literature.Trade ReviewThere is much interesting information about this very successful bird in this book. Highly recommended. * Donald S. Heintzelman, Wildlife Activist, No. 25, December 1995 *the most comprehensive assemblage of information on the biology of feral pigeons to date ... The authors provide an impressive array of data concerning the origin and evolution of feral pigeons. The bibliography is extensive and includes eastern European as well as other non-English language citations. * IBIS *a thorough academic text investigating most aspects of feral pigeons ... An indispensable guide to any ornithologist intending to study feral pigeons seriously ... I found the volume fascinating in places and it gave me a new insight into an everyday bird which affords easy study at close quarters. * Neil Anderson, The London Naturalist, No. 76, 1997 *Table of ContentsPART I: HISTORY AND SYSTEMATIC BIOLOGY ; PART II: REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY AND DIET ; PART III: PLUMAGE AND FLIGHT ; PART IV: BEHAVIOR ; PART V: POPULATION STUDIES ; PART IV: SOME ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS ; PART VII: PEOPLE AND PIGEONS

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Book SynopsisThis is an account of studies of the function and evolution of colorful plumage in the House Finch. It is also an engaging study on the evolution of sexual selection in birds and a lively portrait of the challenges and constraints of experimental design facing any field investigator working with animal behavior. Part I sets the stage for modern studies of the function of plumage coloration with a review of the nineteenth and beginning of the twentieth centuries. Part II focuses on the proximate control and present function of plumage coloration. Part III takes a more explicitly evolutionary approach to the study of plumage coloration using biogeography and phylogeny to test hypotheses for why specific forms of plumage color display have evolved. It concludes with an account of comparative studies that have been conducted in the House Finch and other cardueline finches and the insight these studies have provided on the evolution of carotenoid-based ornamental coloration.Trade ReviewHill's book is, thus far, probably the most complete study of the function and control of plumage pigmentation in a single bird species. It was an easy read because of Hill's ability to write clearly and creatively, and to present ideas in a logical order. * Bird Study *Geoff Hill shows just how valuable it is to tackle a topic from many directions and to stick at it: new research avenues always emerge ... in this book you will find him fairly open-minded and receptive to a multifactorial explanation. A very good read. * Ibis *Table of ContentsPart 1: Prelude ; 1. Darwinism and Wallacism: A Brief Account of the Long History of the Study of Plumage Coloration ; 2. A Red Bird in a Brown Bag: An Introduction to the House Finch ; 3. In the Eye of the Beholder: Color Vision and the Quantification of Colour ; Part 2: The Proximate Control and Function of Red Plumage ; 4. You Are What You Eat: Plumage Pigments and Carotenoid Physiology ; 5. A Matter of Condition: The Effect of Environment on Plumage Coloration ; 6. Darwin Vindicated: Female Choice and Sexual Selection in the House Finch ; 7. Fine Fathers and Good Genes: The Direct and Indirect benefits of female choice ; 8. Studs, Duds, and Studly Duds: Plumage Coloration, Hormones, and Dominance ; 9. The Feeling's Mutual: Female Plumage Coloration and Male Mate Choice ; Part 3: Biogeography and the Evolution of Colorful Plumage ; 10. From the Halls of Montezuma, to the Shores of Tripoli (New York): Populations, Subspecies, and Geographic Variation in Ornamental Coloration ; 11. Why Red?: The Evolution of Color Display ; Epilogue ; Glossary

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Book SynopsisThis book sumarizes current scientific knowledge of the Australian Zebra Finch, a bird popular with scientists and hobbyists throughout the world. It builds up a complete picture of the biology of the species, integrating findings from the laboratory with those from the wild, with emphasis on behaviour and ecology.Trade ReviewThe text is large and readable. Each chapter is thoughtfully written and meticulously researched ... an essential reference for both the researcher and enthusiast alike. This book is sure to have popular appeal. As one who studies Zebra Finches, I will not be attempting any future research without first consulting this vital laboratory and field companion. * Jim Reynolds, IBIS, 1997 *This volume presents a comprehensive review of the behaviour and ecology of the zebra finch. * Biological Abstracts, vol.49, issue 8, August 1997 *Table of Contents1. Systematics and phylogeny ; 2. Distribution and habitat ; 3. Morphology, domestication, and moult ; 4. Feeding ecology ; 5. Drinking, water relations, and temperature regulation ; 6. Coloniality and breeding ecology ; 7. Breeding periodicity ; 8. Populations ; 9. Social and reproductive behaviour ; 10. Vocalizations ; 11. Song ; 12. Sexual selection and mate choice ; 13. Life history and adaptations ; Appendices ; References ; Index

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Book SynopsisBirds have colonized almost every terrestrial habitat on the planet - from the poles to the tropics, and from deserts to high mountain tops. Ecological and Environmental Physiology of Birds focuses on our current understanding of the unique physiological characteristics of birds that are of particular interest to ornithologists, but also have a wider biological relevance. An introductory chapter covers the basic avian body plan and their still-enigmatic evolutionary history. The focus then shifts to a consideration of the essential components of that most fundamental of avian attributes: the ability to fly. The emphasis here is on feather evolution and development, flight energetics and aerodynamics, migration, and as a counterpoint, the curious secondary evolution of flightlessness that has occurred in several lineages. This sets the stage for subsequent chapters, which present specific physiological topics within a strongly ecological and environmental framework. These include gas exTrade ReviewThis book is a comprehensive monograph on all the aspects of the molecular reaction dynamics and is useful for all the specialists in physico-chemical and chemical fields. * Corina Cernatescu, IASI Polytechnic Magazine *Table of Contents1. Introduction - Blueprint of a Bird (Bauplan/Body plan) ; 2. General Physiological Principles ; 3. Physiological Bases of Fecundity/Longevity Tradeoffs ; 4. Adaptations: Obtaining and Processing Food ; 5. Adaptations: Living in Specific Environments ; 6. Adaptations: Neural and Sensory ; 7. Adaptations: Developmental Physiology ; 8. Approaches and Techniques ; 9. Conclusions and Future Directions ; References ; Index

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Book SynopsisIslands with large colonies of seabirds are found throughout the globe. Seabird islands provide nesting and roosting sites for birds that forage at sea, deposit marine nutrients on land, and physically alter these islands. Habitats for numerous endemic and endangered animal and plant species, seabird islands are therefore biodiversity hotspots with high priority for conservation.Successful campaigns to eradicate predators (e.g., rats and cats) from seabird islands have been conducted worldwide. However, removal of predators will not necessarily lead to natural recovery of seabirds or other native species. Restoration of island ecosystems requires social acceptance of eradications, knowledge of how island food webs function, and a long-term commitment to measuring and assisting the recovery process. This book, written collaboratively by and for ecologists and resource managers, provides the first large-scale cross-system compilation, comparison, and synthesis of the ecology of seabird iTable of ContentsPREFACE; ACKNOWLEDGMENTS; PART I: NATURAL HISTORY OF SEABIRD ISLANDS; W.B. ANDERSON AND C.P.H. MULDER; J.L. SMITH, C.P.H. MULDER, AND J.C. ELLIS; D.R. TOWNS, G.V. BYRD, H.P. JONES, M.J. RAUZON, J.C. RUSSELL, AND C. WILCOX; D.R. DRAKE, T.W. BODEY, J.C. RUSSELL, D.R. TOWNS, M. NOGALES, AND L. RUFFINO; PART II: CROSS-SYSTEM COMPARISONS OF ISLAND ECOSYSTEMS; C.P.H. MULDER, H. JONES, K. KAMEDA, C. PALMBORG, S. SCHMIDT, J.C. ELLIS, J L. ORROCK, D.A. WAIT, D.A. WARDLE, L. YANG, H. YOUNG, D.A. CROLL, AND E. VIDAL; J.C. ELLIS, P.J. BELLINGHAM, E.K. CAMERON, D.A. CROLL, G.S. KOLB, C. KUEFFER, G.H. MITTELHAUSER, S. SCHMIDT, E. VIDAL, AND D.A. WAIT; G.S. KOLB, H.S. YOUNG, AND W.B. ANDERSON; H.S. YOUNG, L. HURREY, AND G.S. KOLB; J.C. RUSSELL; PART III: RESTORATION OF SEABIRD ISLANDS; P. DUNLEVY, S.E. EBBERT, J.C. RUSSELL, AND D.R. TOWNS; H. JONES, D.R. TOWNS, T. BODEY, C. MISKELLY, J.C. ELLIS, M. RAUZON, S. KRESS, AND M. MCKOWN; D.R. TOWNS, A. AGUIRRE MUNOZ, S.W. KRESS, P.J. HODUM, A.A. BURBIDGE, AND A. SAUNDERS; M.S. DURRETT AND C.P.H. MULDER; APPENDIX A: DESCRIPTIONS OF FOCAL ISLAND SYSTEMS; APPENDIX B: SEABIRD SPECIES; APPENDIX C: SEABIRD PREDATORS; GLOSSARY; INDEX

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