Description
Book SynopsisRaptors--the charismatic group of birds that includes hawks, eagles, and falcons--evoke power, swiftness, and grace. Raptors, or birds of prey, gaze calmly about while at rest, exuding confidence and nobility, and, while soaring aloft, they are absolute icons of the California landscape. Featuring descriptions of every diurnal California raptor, this state-of-the-art, beautifully illustrated guide is the first to combine identification of these important birds with a comprehensive discussion of their natural history. Raptors of California notes well-established field marks in addition to introducing several new pointers that help distinguish especially difficult species. More than a field guide, the book also includes information on raptor anatomy, foraging, reproduction, movement, where and how to observe raptors, human-raptor interactions, raptor conservation, endangered species, caring for injured hawks, falconry, and more. Of special interest is the inclusion of previously unpublished descriptions of raptor behavior and many fascinating anecdotes and vivid observations from the field that provide new insights into the lives of these captivating birds. * Covers 27 species, with range maps for the 18 species regularly occurring in California * 104 color figures include photographs and wash drawings illustrating habitats, anatomy, field marks, and behavior * 12 full-page color plates show the various plumages of each species--including rarities--as well as their appearance in flight * Highly readable and accessible, even when covering complicated topics such as flight and evolutionary adaptations
Trade Review"This is actually two books for the price of one; the introductory chapters stand-alone as an excellent natural history of North America raptors, and the species accounts and spectacular plates make this one of the best state raptor book available." - Lloyd Kiff, Science Director, The Peregrine Fund"
Table of ContentsPreface Introduction What is a Raptor? Raptor Names A Hawk's Body Hawk Identification Pitfalls of Identification Field Marks A Hawk's Life Hunting and Eating Territoriality and Reproduction Dispersal and Migration Finding and Watching Hawks How to Find Hawks Where to Look for Hawks Finding Certain Species Finding Raptor Nests Circumstantial Evidence How to Watch Hawks Reading a Raptor's Mind Binoculars and Spotting Scopes Cameras and Photography Hawk-watching Etiquette Hawks and Humans Attitudes Past and Present Conservation Laws and History Threatened and Endangered Species Species of Special Concern Conservation Methods Disturbance by Humans Caring for Injured Birds Falconry Recreational and Educational Activities Species Accounts Color Plates Vultures Osprey Kites Harriers Accipiters Buteos Eagles Falcons Glossary References and Works Cited Index
