The most abundant bird in North America, once estimated to number five billion individuals, is now extinct. The Passenger Pigeon, which resembled our modern Mourning Dove, was driven to extinction by senseless slaughter up until the 1860's when their numbers dropped precipitously. In 1831 John James Audubon, the famous painter of birds, described flocks of these birds, estimated at more than 100 miles wide, that blotted out the sun for days. The last individual of this species died alone in her cage at the Cincinnati Zoo on September 1, 1914, and there will be a nationwide effort to commemorate this tragedy during the centennial year 2014. This book discusses the importance of biodiversity on the planet and explores the lessons of the past as we look to the future and face the continued loss of threatened and endangered species of plants and animals around the world.

This is the newest book in our "Know Michigan" series. What are Charlevoix Stones? How do Charlevoix Stones differ from Petoskey Stones? How were they created? Where can they be found? Answers to these questions and more, PLUS full-color photos of other common fossils and stones of interest found along the beaches of Michigan's lakes.

Although morel mushrooms can be found in every state of the nation, Michigan and the other Great Lakes states have been described as "Shroomer's Paradise" for the exceptionally good hunting of this wild gourmet delicacy found in the spring. The National Morel Mushroom Festival has been held in Boyne City, MI since 1960, and this book was written to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of this event. Retired Biology professor and naturalist Vic Eichler teamed with noted chef Joseph Krumholz to provide all the information a morel mushroom hunter needs to find, harvest and enjoy these gift from Nature. Many readers say that the excellent recipes that are included are worth the purchase price of the book. Let this book guide you to master the art of morel hunting and enjoyment of the success of the hunt