Book News

Laws of Migration
by J. Suzanne Frank

From Tyrus Books:

Birds, especially the ibis, have always fascinated Elize — that’s why she became an ornithologist. But when her boss at the private Texas coastal institute where she’s spent her career gives away her expected promotion, Elize flees to Morocco to lick her wounds and write a research paper that will prove her worth and secure her professional future.

Morocco, with its impressive migration season, exotic flavors, and unwritten rules, is altogether foreign, even if many of the birds are familiar. After a brush with danger, Elize finds herself in Marrakesh, dependent on Erik, a sexy, mysterious stranger who makes her feel alive while opening her eyes to a new, intriguing world. After encountering her ornithology colleagues, who remind Elize of every bad professional choice and missed opportunity, she vows to find the Northern Bald Ibis — an endangered bird few have seen — and impress everyone.

She and Erik journey from coastal paradise to remote desert mountains in search of the birds. Through misadventure, Elize is forced to trust an unknown culture, and through tragedy she realizes that love and forgiveness are attainable. But first she must surrender her past and its pain to embrace her future and fly free.

I’m not sure how much birds and birding play into this novel, but the mention of Northern Bald Ibis sure caught my eye.

Laws of Migration
by J. Suzanne Frank
Paperback; 320 pages
Tyrus Books; January 18, 2013
ISBN: 978-1440557736
$16.95

A North Country Life: Tales of Woodsmen, Waters, and Wildlife
by Sydney Lea

From Skyhorse Publishing:

A North Country Life is the story of author Sydney Lea’s powerful connection to his family, friends, and the northern outdoors. Loosely organized by the changing of seasons, different sections feature essays on such topics as childhood family fishing trips in the wilds of Maine, trophy fly-fishing the northern reaches of the Connecticut River, the opening day of turkey hunting season in Vermont, and getting lost in the deep woods while deer hunting. The essays are introspective and dramatic illustrations of the blending of the human and natural worlds; emotion is attached to both spheres and adds texture to the sketches. Readers of varied interests will be drawn to the sincerity of the author’s voice.

A notable writer and poet, Lea’s lyrical writing preserves a picture of people and places from the past with vivid scenes recalling former times and contrasting them with modern life. Thoughtful portraits of New England elders and the author’s friends bring to life the outdoors as seen through many different eyes, inspiring readers to take a new look at the world around them. With the author’s knack for descriptive language, this compelling read will strike a chord with anyone interested in the contemplative side of nature—which, in truth, is most of us.

Although not really about birds, this book should appeal to those interested in New England and its nature.

A North Country Life: Tales of Woodsmen, Waters, and Wildlife
by Sydney Lea
Hardcover; 224 pages
Skyhorse Publishing; January 15, 2013
ISBN: 978-1616088637
$24.95

Texas Waterfowl
by William P. Johnson and Mark W. Lockwood

From Texas A&M University Press:

In this beautifully illustrated guide, two practicing wildlife biologists describe the life histories of forty-five species of ducks, geese, and swans that occur in Texas. For common species and those that breed in the state, each account begins with an interesting fact (such as, “Red-breasted Mergansers have been clocked at over 80 mph, the fastest recorded flight speed for a duck…”) and provides information on Texas distribution and harvest, population status, diet, range and habitats, reproduction, and appearance.

Exquisite photographs, informative distribution maps, and a helpful source list accompany the species descriptions, and the book offers a glossary and full bibliography for those who want to explore the literature further.

With the degradation and disappearance of the inland and coastal habitats that these birds depend upon, the natural history of these waterfowl species provides a vital reminder of the interconnectedness and crucial importance of all wetlands.

Birders, biologists, landowners, hunters, outdoor enthusiasts, and all those interested in the health and preservation of our coastal and inland wetland resources will enjoy and learn from this book.

Although it has some nice photos, this book is more useful as a natural history guide than for identification. Any Texas birder (or hunter or any of those other groups listed above) who wants to know more about their waterfowl should check it out.

Texas Waterfowl
by William P. Johnson and Mark W. Lockwood
Flexicover; 187 pages
Texas A&M University Press; January 15, 2013
ISBN: 978-1603448079
$25.00

Nine Feet from Tip to Tip: The California Condor Through History
by Sanford R. Wilbur

From the publisher:

In 1941, Harry Harris published “The Annals of Gymnogyps to 1900″ [Condor 43(1):3-55, January 1941], a bibliographic survey of what was then known of the early history of the California condor. Even after publication in 1953 of Carl Koford’s epic work on the biology of condors, Harris’ review remained by far the most complete and most authoritative document concerning the relationships between humans and one of the world’s rarest species. Now, seventy years later, an updated and expanded version of “the Annals” is available.

Beginning in 1970, while conducting field research on the last remaining wild California condors, Sanford “Sandy” Wilbur began compiling historical information on the species. In the next 40 years – combining his research skills and interests in history and biology – he located nearly 2,000 written references to condors. Included were books, journal and magazine articles, newspaper items, diaries, field notes, manuscripts, museum data, and historic correspondence. Supplementing these references, he reviewed nearly 1,000 additional items covering such topics as Pacific Coast history, biography, ethnology, paleontology, agriculture and livestock, chemical pesticides, and local faunas and floras. Following Harry Harris’ lead, he has woven all this material into a new “annals of Gymnogyps” – supplemented, corrected, and continued from 1900 to the mid-1980s, when the last of the wild condors were taken into captivity.

“Nine Feet” will certainly be of interest to condor enthusiasts, but it is much more than another “condor book.” Featuring a previously little-known cast of characters – adventurers, hunters, specimen salesmen, private collectors, and museum curators – it is also a narrative of people, places, and events in the growth and development of the western United States.

This is the story of the condor’s relationship with man from prehistory to the mid-1980’s. The publisher’s assertion that this book “will certainly be of interest to condor enthusiasts” is obvious. But will it hold the interest of other birders? I can’t answer that one yet. But after looking over the chapter summaries, I’m intrigued.

Nine Feet from Tip to Tip: The California Condor Through History
by Sanford R. Wilbur
Paperback; 363 pages
Symbios Books; 2012
ISBN: 978-0-9651263-4-2
$18.95

Owls
by Marianne Taylor

From Cornell University Press:

From tiny Elf and Pygmy Owls through the familiar Tawny and Barn Owls to the giant Eagle and Fish Owls, these fierce hunters of dawn, dusk and night have long held a fascination for people around the world. This informative book, covering all owl species found in the northern hemisphere, looks closely at how owls live their lives, and how best to recognize them.

The first part of the book looks in detail at owl biology: how they live, how they breed, and how they feed. The second part includes species accounts for all 47 species of owls that occur in the northern hemisphere, with emphasis on those of Europe and North America. The book is richly illustrated with sensational, full-color photographs of these compelling birds.

The owl family, already well represented by books, gets another entry. The main difference from previous books (such as Owls of North America) is that this one includes species accounts for all the owls of North America, Europe, and most of Asia (the Holarctic region). And it is liberally illustrated with some very nice photographs. Still, that’s not enough to recommend it to those who already have one or more similar owl books. But for those who don’t, this would be a good addition to your library.

Owls
by Marianne Taylor
Hardcover; 224 pages
Comstock Publishing Associates (Cornell University Press); November 6, 2012
ISBN: 978-0801451812
$35.00

Birds of the Masai Mara
by Adam Scott Kennedy

From Princeton University Press:

Birds of the Masai Mara is a remarkably beautiful photographic guide featuring the bird species likely to be encountered by visitors to the popular Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. With an eye-catching layout, easy-to-use format, and no-jargon approach, the book contains more than 300 stunning photographs covering over 200 species of birds and is accessible and informative, rather than purely identification-based. A handy, brief introduction provides visitors with background on the habitats of the national park, and the guide’s habitat-based approach makes it simple to identify any bird species according to where it is found. Based on the firsthand experiences of the author, Birds of the Masai Mara is an ideal companion to all those visiting the national reserve and to bird aficionados interested in learning more about the region.

• The only photographic guide to focus solely on the bird species of the Masai Mara National Reserve
• More than 300 remarkable photographs covering over 200 species
• Accessible text explores bird species behavior and species etymology
• A brief and handy introduction examines the habitats of the Masai Mara
• Easy-to-use habitat-based layout makes exciting birdwatching easy

Designed to be understandable and easy to use, this is a great guide for anyone visiting the Masai Mara in Kenya. Serious birders will also want a more detailed field guide, but I’d definitely take this book with me as well. And don’t forget the companion guide, Animals of the Masai Mara, which covers 65 mammal and 17 reptile species.

Birds of the Masai Mara
by Adam Scott Kennedy
Paperback; 176 pages
Princeton University Press; November 4, 2012
ISBN: 978-0691155944
$27.95

Animals of the Masai Mara
by Adam Scott Kennedy and Vicki Kennedy
Paperback; 152 pages
Princeton University Press; November 4, 2012
ISBN: 978-0691156019
$27.95

The Unfeathered Bird
by Katrina van Grouw

From Princeton University Press:

There is more to a bird than simply feathers. And just because birds evolved from a single flying ancestor doesn’t mean they are structurally all the same. With over 385 stunning drawings depicting 200 species, The Unfeathered Bird is a richly illustrated book on bird anatomy that offers refreshingly original insights into what goes on beneath the feathered surface. Each exquisite drawing is made from an actual specimen and reproduced in sumptuous large format. The birds are shown in lifelike positions and engaged in behavior typical of the species: an underwater view of the skeleton of a swimming loon, the musculature of a porpoising penguin, and an unfeathered sparrowhawk plucking its prey. Jargon-free and easily accessible to any reader, the lively text relates birds’ anatomy to their lifestyle and evolution, examining such questions as why penguins are bigger than auks, whether harrier hawks really have double-jointed legs, and the difference between wing claws and wing spurs. A landmark in popular bird books, The Unfeathered Bird is a must for anyone who appreciates birds or bird art.

• A unique book that bridges art, science, and history
• Over 385 beautiful drawings, artistically arranged in a sumptuous large-format book
• Accessible, jargon-free text–the only book on bird anatomy aimed at the general reader
• Drawings and text all based on actual bird specimens
• Includes most anatomically distinct bird groups
• Many species never illustrated before

The Unfeathered Bird is surprisingly beautiful and informative. And one of the most unique bird books that I’ve ever seen.

The Unfeathered Bird
by Katrina van Grouw
Hardcover; 300 pages
Princeton University Press; November 25, 2012
ISBN: 978-0691151342
$49.95

Birds of Central Asia: Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan
by Raffael Ayé, Manuel Schweizer, and Tobias Roth

From Princeton University Press:

Central Asia–a vast and remote area of steppe, semi-desert, and mountains separating Europe from eastern Asia–is home to a diversity of birds. Birds of Central Asia is the first-ever field guide to the avian population of this fascinating part of the world. From ground jays, larks, and raptors to warblers, nuthatches, and snowfinches, this comprehensive guide covers 618 species–including all residents, migrants, and vagrants–and 143 superb plates depict every species and many distinct plumages and races. This portable book contains important introductory sections on the land and its birds, and up-to-date color maps. The concise, authoritative text on facing pages highlights key identification features, such as status, voice, and habitat. Birds of Central Asia is indispensable for anyone interested in the birds of this remarkable and little-known region.

• First-ever field guide to the birds of Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Afghanistan
• Covers 618 species, including all residents, migrants, and vagrants
• 143 superb plates depict every species and many distinct plumages and races
• Authoritative text on facing pages highlights key identification features, including status, voice, and habitat
• Up-to-date color maps for every species
• Important introductory sections introduce the land and its birds

The layout and quality are very similar to the other field guides Princeton has published recently. So you know it’s a must for anyone birding the area!

Birds of Central Asia: Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan
by Raffael Ayé, Manuel Schweizer, and Tobias Roth
Paperback; 336 pages
Princeton University Press; October 28, 2012
ISBN: 978-0691153377
$39.50

Check out this Spring 2013 Preview from Princeton University Press.

Of particular interest is a new entry in the Crossley ID Guide series on raptors, as well as The Warbler Guide. From the description, it appears that the latter’s title is intentionally evocative of the groundbreaking The Shorebird Guide, as it “Includes field exercises, flight shots, general identification strategies, and quizzes”. Sounds intriguing.

For a limited time (October 8-12, 2012), you can download A Murder of Crows: A Bob White Birder Murder Mystery for FREE from Amazon. This is the fifth book in Jan Dunlap’s Birder Murder series. (Here’s a review of the first entry, The Boreal Owl Murder.)