Now reissued to tie in to the 2011 major motion picture release from 20th Century Fox starring Steve Martin, Jack Black, and Owen Wilson, the critically heralded book by award-winning journalist Mark Obmascik--"a feathered version of It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World " ( Outside ).

With engaging, unflappably wry humor, The Big Year re-creates the grand, grueling, expensive, and occasionally vicious, "extreme" 365-day contest for a new North American birdwatching record. In this thrilling real-life adventure, three men battle the daunting forces of nature--and each other--in their whirlwind 275,000-mile odyssey from Texas to British Columbia, Cape May to Alaska. One of them achieves an astonishing record unlikely ever to be bested.

A captivating tour of human and avian nature, passion and paranoia, honor and deceit, fear and loathing, The Big Year shows the lengths to which people will go to pursue their dreams, to conquer and categorize--no matter how low the stakes.

Of the 800+ species of birds recorded in North America, almost 400 have been seen on Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket. It is little wonder, then, that birders (ornithologists) flock to Massachusetts to see the spectacular aviary display! As Priscilla Bailey notes in her Preface, this new book brings together aspects of field guide, travelogue, and photo-essay. Nearly 300 varieties of birds, both native and migratory, and some rare visitors from far-off lands, were photographed in their Cape and Islands habitats. The images reveal beauty, both in the birds themselves and the artistic eye of the photographer. For convenience, the book is divided into various habitat settings: the yard, marshes and ponds, the seashore, fields, and forests. In addition one chapter documents the birds that are rarely seen on the Cape & Islands. Also, maps show the best sites for viewing the birds in nature. For bird lovers, visitors to the area, and connoiseurs of fine wildlife photography, this will be is a welcomed treasure, enjoyed time and again.

As the first stop in the continental U.S. for birds migrating along the Pacific Flyway, Washington offers a wide range of birding opportunities and species, from the typical fall migrations of ducks and geese to the convergence of millions of shore birds in Grays Harbor each spring.

As a ten-year-old, the author contracted TB and was sent to an isolated sanatorium, deep in the Cheshire coun-tryside. There he was bedridden for six months. On fine days, nurses would push the young patients, in their beds, out onto a large veranda and it was there that his love of birdwatching developed. On leaving hospital, he shared his passion with three schoolmates and over the next five years this small band of birders explored wildlife locations on and nearby the Wirral. Their travels and love of nature was epitomised when, aged 16, they spent part of their summer on Bardsey, a remote island off North Wales as part of a small, professional team of naturalists. As a young birdwatcher, the author is fascinated when he observed nature first-hand and began to grasp the basics of the science of evolution. This is a 'rites of passage' story of one lad's journey through those early formative teenage years during 1957 to 1962 when birdwatching sat easily in his life alongside football, girls, radical politics and rock bands. Each chapter traces the boy's expanding world of nature and then, in later life, he reflects on those times. A passion for nature has stayed with him throughout his life and as an adult, he explores the way views are formed and become a base reference framework to work out his personal ethics and morality. On revisiting all his old haunts each visit triggers further questions, reflections and musings. How does nature manage, over all those years, to continue to inspire and stimulate him? What does it mean to be part of nature? How does nature manage to heal? An Eye for Birds is a series of reflections of an individual, trained in the sciences, revisiting his teenage wildlife haunts and looking back to those times with mature perspective and sentiment that add their own colours to the story.

Corvids play an outsize role in the human imagination. We keep ravens in towers, emblazon rooks on banners, find crows in the constellations and make sure to salute solitary magpies. We also see our own behaviour mirrored in this diverse family of birds, who are tricksters and thieves as well as problem-solvers and gift-givers. This beautifully designed book showcases the visual and literary life of the corvid, from Norse legends to Game of Thrones. It includes beautiful and darkly seductive photographs and paintings as well as texts and poems in which they play a starring role and information about the traits that make them so intriguing to us.

A Naturalist's Guide to the Birds of the Middle East is a compact, incisive photographic identification guide to 280 bird species found in the Middle East, including Egypt, and the countries of the Levant and the Arabian Peninsula. The book shows the region's most commonly seen, unique and endemic species, and is perfect for resident and visitor alike. High quality photographs from the region's top nature photographers are accompanied by detailed species descriptions, which include nomenclature, size, distribution, habits and habitat. The user-friendly introduction covers biogeography, migration, bird topography and a glossary. Also included is an all-important checklist of all of the birds of Egypt and the Middle East encompassing, for each species, its common and scientific name as well as its status in each country and its global IUCN status.

This easy-to-use identification guide to the 280 bird species most commonly seen in Costa Rica is perfect for resident and visitor alike. High quality photographs from one of the country's top nature photographers are accompanied by detailed species descriptions, which include nomenclature, size, distribution, habits and habitat. The user-friendly introduction covers geography, climate, habitat types, bird species and taxonomy, bird migration and the key sites for viewing the listed species. Also included is an all- important checklist of all of the birds of Costa Rica encompassing, for each species, its common and scientific name, and IUCN status

Marvel at the lives of hummingbirds with this collection of photographs and information by award-winning author and wildlife photographer Stan Tekiela. Their beauty captivates us. Their aerial acrobatics enchant us. Hummingbirds are beloved backyard visitors. They are dainty and elusive. A hummingbird sighting is a remarkable event, one worthy of remembering, cherishing, and sharing with others. Award-winning author, naturalist, and wildlife photographer Stan Tekiela believes that hummingbirds are fascinating and adorable birds. He spent more than 10 years traveling across the country to observe and photograph the hummingbird's various species, from ruby-throated to rufous. He documented every aspect of the hummingbird's life: major events such as migration and courtship, as well as everyday activities including feeding and sleeping. The result is a striking portrayal of these amazing animals in Hummingbirds. Stan's extraordinary photographs depict the backyard birds in a new, unique fashion. His fascinating text, drawn from detailed research and personal observations, provides information about every aspect of the hummingbirds' lives. Presented with headings and short paragraphs, the coffee-table book is pleasurable to browse and easy to read. "They are wondrous and beautiful," says Stan. "Watching them in action is almost magical." Unmatched by any other book on the market, Hummingbirds is a must-have for bird watchers, gardeners, and nature lovers.

Birds' 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.

Explore the wide world of finches Finches For Dummies is your entry into the fascinating world of finches. Canaries are probably the most well-known type of finch, but finches are a widely diverse species of birds. They actually encompass several hundred different types of birds, including Gouldians, goldfinches, zebra finches, and owl finches. They also come in an amazing variety of shapes, colors, and sizes. Some are very vocal; some are not. How you care for your finch depends on its species, size, and temperament. But no need to stress. Finches For Dummies is here to help you find the perfect feathered friend! This practical guide sets you up to become a responsible finch caretaker. Inside, you'll find information on: Feeding your finches and keeping them healthy Choosing the ideal enclosure and supplies for your finches Adjusting to finch life with children or other pets Breeding your finches With the advice and tips in Finches For Dummies, you and your pet finches can maintain a fun and thriving relationship for a long time. If you're interested in adopting one of these amazing birds, pick up a copy!

Match the male and female pairs of 25 species of bird from around the world in this beautifully illustrated memory game. To play, simply place the cards face down and see if you can remember where the matching bird is located. Collect more pairs than your opponent to win! With all kinds of species – from the barn owl to the blue tit and the ostrich to the macaw – this fun and educational game is an ideal gift that will appeal to bird lovers everywhere.

Winged Encounters shows us what most fail to notice: the beauty of birds people see every day as they walk the streets, parks and canals of Dublin. Ray Beggan has captured swans, ducks, herons, seagulls, even pigeons, showing them in stunning settings, inspiring people to marvel at their elegance and vitality. With over 120 photographs, this full-colour book shows the behaviour, interaction and flight of the large and small birds of Dublin in a new, beautiful light. Raymond Beggan is a Dublin-based musician and photographer.

Find Joy in the Beauty and Wonder of Birds Birding is among the most popular outdoor activities-especially in the Rocky Mountain states, where hundreds of different bird species can be seen and observed. Now is the perfect time to join the fun and let our feathered friends astonish and inspire you. Award-winning author, naturalist, and wildlife photographer Stan Tekiela has written best-selling bird identification guides for almost every state. In Stan Tekiela's Birding for Beginners: Rocky Mountains, he provides the information you need to become a skilled birder in Colorado, Idaho, Montana, northern Nevada, northern Utah, and Wyoming. The first section of the book presents "how to" information. Learn the basics of bird feeders. Get to know your birdseed. Create a bird-friendly yard-and even make your own bird food with do-it-yourself recipes. The book's second section is an identification guide, featuring 55 birds of the Rockies that are most likely to be seen at your backyard feeder or near your home. The species are organized by color, making it simple to identify what you see. If you spot a yellow bird, go to the yellow section to discover what it is. Each bird gets a full-page photograph with notations about key field marks, or identification characteristics. The full-color photos are paired with information ranging from the bird's nest and eggs to favorite foods, as well as Stan's fascinating naturalist notes. Give birding a try, and get started with the guidance of an expert. You'll be amazed by how much joy birds can bring, and you'll have a lifetime to enjoy them.

Among the world's most popular birds, hawks can be some of the most difficult birds to identify. They're most often seen flying high above and at a distance.
In the first edition of "Hawks in Flight," Pete Dunne, David Sibley, and Clay Sutton presented a holistic method of hawk identification, using general body shape, the way they move, and the places they are most likely to be seen.
The new edition of the book that Roger Tory Peterson called a "landmark" integrates an array of carefully selected photographs, David Sibley's superb illustrations, and a clear, information-packed text and takes raptor identification to a higher level. This edition covers all of the raptors that breed in North America, including those with limited ranges in Florida, the Southwest, and Texas.
Picking up where its predecessor ended by including two decades of raptor identification refinement, "Hawks in Flight" summarizes and places in users' hands an identification skill set that used to take years to master. The unique alchemy of Dunne, Sibley, and Sutton--including their collective experience of more than one hundred years watching hawks--make this book a singular achievement and a must-have for anyone interested in hawks.

Named by Forbes as one of the 12 Best Books About Birds and Birding in 2017 After stumbling upon a book of photographs depicting extinct animals, B.J. Hollars became fascinated by creatures that are no longer with us: specifically, extinct North American birds. How, he wondered, could we preserve so beautifully on film what we've failed to preserve in life? And so begins his yearlong journey to find out, one that leads him from bogs to art museums, from archives to Christmas Bird Counts, until he at last comes as close to extinct birds as he ever will during a behind-the-scenes visit at the Chicago Field Museum. Heartbroken by the birds we've lost, Hollars takes refuge in those that remain. Armed with binoculars, a field guide, and knowledgeable friends, he begins his transition from budding birder to environmentally conscious citizen, a first step on a longer journey toward understanding the true tragedy of a bird's song silenced forever. Told with charm and wit, Flock Together is a remarkable memoir that shows how "knowing" the natural world-even just a small part-illuminates what it means to be a global citizen and how only by embracing our ecological responsibilities do we ever become fully human. A moving elegy to birds we've lost, Hollars's exploration of what we can learn from extinct species will resonate in the minds of readers long beyond the final page.

When newly paired American bald eagles nested in a tulip poplar tree at the United States National Arboretum, the American Eagle Foundation partnered with the Department of Agriculture and the National Arboretum to launch the DC Eagle Cam Project. With 63 million views from 100 countries during 2016, the raptor parents known as Mr. President and The First Lady became an international sensation. Witness their charming family story through nest cam images and rare photographs captured around the nesting territory. See how the parents meet, get an inside view as their eggs hatch, and watch the eaglets' amazing transformation from hatchlings to fledglings. The chronology of events includes facts about the physical and behavioral characteristics of this once-endangered species. Also get behind-the-scenes information about the DC Eagle Cam Project and learn how you can help. Learn about the American Eagle Foundation, an eagle named Challenger, and the National Arboretum. This family treasure is a must-have for bald eagle enthusiasts, nature lovers, and DC Eagle Cam fans. "The story of bald eagle nesting pair Mr. President and The First Lady has captured the imagination and touched the hearts of millions of people worldwide. This special book provides unique photographs of this eagle family's annual nesting activities via two live stream video cameras, which became an international news media and Internet sensation in 2016. Thanks to the American Eagle Foundation, our country's iconic national bird is back in the forefront!" Jack Hanna Director Emeritus, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Host, Jack Hanna's Into the Wild and Jack Hanna's Wild Countdown

"Captures the spirit and allure of these captivating birds in every fascinating fact, historical tidbit, amusing anecdote, species profile and plant pick." --Birds & Blooms Hummingbirds inspire an unmistakable sense of devotion and awe among bird lovers. Gardeners, too, love the company of hummingbirds, not only for their beauty, but also for their role as pollinators. Brimming with astonishing facts, practical advice, and important ecological information, The Hummingbird Handbook is a must-have guide to attracting, understanding, and protecting hummingbirds. From advice on feeders to planting and landscaping techniques that will have your garden whirring with tiny wings, lifelong birder John Shewey provides all you need to know to entice these delightful creatures. An identification guide makes them easy to spot in the wild, with stunning photographs, details on plumage variations, and range maps showing habitats and migration patterns. Need more joy in your life? Let this guide and nature's aerial jewels help you create a lively haven.

This volume contains listings of the resident, migrant, and rare birds found in every region of Texas in every season. There are pen-and-ink illustrations, location maps, explicit driving directions, detailed site descriptions, and bird checklists.

Learn to attract and feed a variety of orioles with this pocket-sized guide. The flaming orange of the male Baltimore Oriole is always splendid to see. And the oriole's familiar series of whistle songs pleasantly reminds us that spring has arrived. You love these beloved birds, and you want to see them visiting your backyard or garden. Professional naturalist and award-winning author Stan Tekiela teaches you all that you need to know about orioles-including orchard, Bullock's, and other oriole species. The handy book is divided into three main sections. First, you'll learn all about orioles: facts, range, habitat, songs, nests, and more. Up next, you'll be introduced to the fruit and other sweet treats that keep orioles coming back. In the third section, Stan tells you which feeders orioles prefer and why. You'll also be given information on placing feeders and cleaning feeders. Find out how to make your yard into a habitat that orioles will love. Then enjoy Stan's oriole photography, trivia, and quick tips. This is truly your guide to attracting and feeding orioles!

For the convenience of research workers, particularly those with limited knowledge of embryology, we have put together a series of tables to enable rapid identification of specific stages of embryonic development in the more commonly used mammals. Because if its frequent usage the chick embryo is included this atlas.

A captivating A-Z treasury about birds and birding Birdpedia is an engaging illustrated compendium of bird facts and birding lore. Featuring nearly 200 entries-on topics ranging from plumage and migration to birds in art, literature, and folklore-this enticing collection is brimming with wisdom and wit about all things avian. Christopher Leahy sheds light on "hawk-watching," "twitching," and other rituals from the sometimes mystifying world of birding that entail a good deal more than their names imply. He explains what kind of bird's nests you can eat, why mocking birds mock, and many other curiosities that have induced otherwise sane people to peer into treetops using outrageously expensive optical equipment. Leahy shares illuminating insights about pioneering ornithologists such as John James Audubon and Florence Bailey, and describes unique bird behaviors such as anting, caching, duetting, and mobbing. He discusses avian fossils, the colloquial naming of birds, the science and history of ornithology, and more. The book's convenient size makes it the perfect traveling companion to take along on your own avian adventures. With charming illustrations by Abby McBride, Birdpedia is a marvelous mix of fact and fancy that is certain to delight seasoned birders and armchair naturalists alike. Features a real cloth cover with an elaborate foil-stamped design