People the world over have fallen in love with the stunning and deeply personal images of this rescued bird and her human family. But there is far more to Penguin's story than meets the eye. It begins with a shocking accident, in which Cameron's wife, Sam, suffers a near fatal fall that leaves her paralysed and deeply depressed.Into their lives comes Penguin, an injured magpie chick abandoned after she fell from her nest. Penguin's rescue and the incredible joy and strength she gives Sam and all those who helped her survive demonstrates that, however bleak things seem, compassion, friendship and support can come from unexpected quarters, ensuring there are always better days ahead. This plucky little magpie reminds us all that, no matter how lost, fragile or damaged we feel, accepting the love of others and loving them in return will help to make us whole.

    Half-digested pieces of eel and water vole skull on your head is not a good look. Just so you know.'Bill Bailey's Remarkable Guide to British Birds is all about comedian Bailey's love of birds. A visual feast - it is packed with illustrations, sketches and notes by Bailey - as well as informative, it is funny and insightful, and positively crackles with energy, knowledge and wit as he takes us on a journey around the British isles, zooming in on those birds that enthuse him the most. Whether it's what they eat, where they fly to or how they communicate, these birds are always fascinating, and Bailey introduces us to their weird and wonderful ways in a manner that is always entertaining. If you're a parent who'd like to appear a bit clever when your child asks you the name of a bird; if you want to find a new and healthy hobby that takes you outdoors; or whether, quite simply, you want to understand a bit more about our natural environment and have a laugh at the same time, this is the perfect companion book to have.Alongside music and stand-up, one of Bailey's favourite pastimes is birdwatching, which he has been doing since he was a child in the West Country. His fondest memories are of family outings with parents, grandparents and cousins, ticking the birds off in his little Observer's Book of Birds. As he has said about those formative years, 'birdwatching gave a purpose to the day and a love of the natural world which has carried on into my adult life'. A beautifully and originally designed hardback, it will delight Bailey's fans as well as those who like a bit of armchair escapism.

    This beautiful book is as much an art book as it is a natural history, something readers have come to expect from Julie Zickefoose. More than 400 watercolor paintings show the breathtakingly swift development of seventeen different species of wild birds. Sixteen of those species nest on Julie's wildlife sanctuary, so she knows the birds intimately, and writes about them with authority. To create the bulk of this extraordinary work, Julie would borrow a wild nestling, draw it, then return it to its nest every day until it fledged. Some were orphans she raised by hand, giving the ultimate insider’s glimpse into their lives. In sparkling prose, Julie shares a lifetime of insight about bird breeding biology, growth, and cognition.   As an artist and wildlife rehabilitator, Julie possesses a unique skill set that includes sketching and painting rapidly from life as well as handling delicate hatchlings. She is uniquely positioned to create such an opus, and in fact, nothing like it has ever been attempted. Julie has many fans, and she will gain many more with this unparalleled work.

    Will this trio find a way to get back in step? In the third book featuring Flora and her feathered friends, Molly Idle's gorgeous art combines with clever flaps to reveal that no matter the challenges, true friends will always find a way to dance, leap, and soar—together.

    But by 1844, not a single one of these magnificent birds was alive.In this stunningly illustrated non-fiction picture book, award-winning author and illustrator Jan Thornhill tells the tragic story of these birds that “weighed as much as a sack of potatoes and stood as tall as a preteen’s waist.” Their demise came about in part because of their anatomy. They could swim swiftly underwater, but their small wings meant they couldn’t fly and their feet were so far back on their bodies, they couldn’t walk very well. Still the birds managed to escape their predators much of the time … until humans became seafarers.Great Auks were pursued first by Vikings, then by Inuit, Beothuk and finally European hunters. Their numbers rapidly dwindled. They became collectors’ items — their skins were stuffed for museums, to be displayed along with their beautiful eggs. (There are some amazing stories about these stuffed auks — one was stolen from a German museum during WWII by Russian soldiers; another was flown to Iceland and given a red-carpet welcome at the airport.)Although undeniably tragic, the final demise of the Great Auk led to the birth of the conservation movement. Laws were eventually passed to prevent the killing of birds during the nesting season, and similar laws were later extended to other wildlife species.

    A hunter's bullet left Feather, a crane, injured and unable to fly. As Lotus nurses Feather back to health, their bond grows. Soon Feather is following Lotus everywhere, even to school! The bird dances to the girl's reed whistle, much to the delight of the other children. One day, when the village floods, Feather helps raise the alarm as Lotus and her grandfather urge their neighbors to get to high ground. Feather is a true friend to Lotus, but the time comes when Lotus must be a true friend to him--by encouraging him to migrate with the rest of the cranes. The next spring, Feather miraculously returns, and that's not all . . . he has brought new life to the nearby lake.Inspired by the true story of a crane that rescued a Chinese village, and graced with sensitive watercolor illustrations, this lovely book about respecting nature offers deep emotion and delightful surprises.

    They’ll find backyard favorites, such as robins and cardinals and be introduced to more unique species that inhabit rain forests and deserts around the world. Bird behaviors kids can relate to, including singing, dancing, building, swimming, and diving, reveal fascinating insights into the avian world. More than 100 colorful photos are paired with profiles of each bird, along with facts about the creatures' sizes, diets, homes, and more. This charming book will quickly become a favorite at storytime, bedtime, and any other time.From the Hardcover edition.

    Why do crows have this ability? What does the crow know and what does it tell us about brain size, the evolution of intelligence, and just who is the smartest creature on the planet? In the latest addition to the Scientists in the Field series, the creators of The Frog Scientist take us to a beautiful Pacific island, where a lively cast of both crows and scientists is waiting to amuse and enlighten us.

    Everything about it is superb. Highly recommended." -- The Bookbag.co.ukBeing able to identify a bird's song is a skill that brings joy and fosters an appreciation of nature. Learning how to differentiate between the songs of a house finch and a goldfinch, however, is not easy. That is where this enchanting book comes into its own. It features recordings of twelve bird songs from some of the best-known garden bird species seen and heard across North America.This is an interactive board book designed for any age with features for young readers. The board pages are easy to turn. The twelve song buttons are easy to activate and each bears a portrait of the singing bird. The high-quality sound module is encased in durable plastic, and the one-inch (3 cm) speaker makes it easy to hear and differentiate the elements of a bird's song, like pitch, tempo, whistles, trills and buzzes.All twelve birds have winter or summer ranges in the United States and Canada. This means that readers are sure to see most if not all the birds.The song birds are:House Wren Red-winged Blackbird House Finch Great Horned Owl Blue Jay Northern Cardinal American Crow Song Sparrow American Goldfinch Killdeer American Robin Mourning Dove. This charming book is a fun (and potentially addictive) way for all ages to delight in nature's winged singers. It's a winning gift for any occasion, from a child's birthday to a hostess gift.

    Every Day Birds helps children identify and learn about common birds. After reading Every Day Birds, families can look out their windows with curiosity--recognizing birds and nests and celebrating the beauty of these creatures! Every Day Birds focuses on twenty North American birds, with a poem and descriptions written by Amy Ludwig VanDerwater and beautiful paper-cuttings by first-time picture book illustrator Dylan Metrano. Interesting facts about each bird are featured in the back of the book.

    This is the perfect gift for all bird lovers.

    Here he presents his favorites, with beautiful collage illustrations and brief descriptions that highlight intriguing facts about each one.The illustrations show a variety of feathered creatures in their natural habitats as they hunt for food, impress their mates, nest, and care for their young. The concise, accessible text provides information ranging from clever techniques for finding food to remarkable physical features to fascinating behaviors. But above all, Geraldo Valerio shares his passion for birds in this lovingly created album, inspiring young readers with their beauty and the excitement of discovery.Includes an introduction, glossary, index and sources for further information.

    This is the most comprehensive, up-to-date and practical bird book of modern times, featuring an unrivalled selection of photographs that show all the plumages you are likely to see. Focusing on identification, and containing maps, facts and figures on numbers and distributions, this breakthrough publication was devised by a team of lifelong birdwatchers, all with many years' experience of showing people birds and producing user-friendly field guides.Comprehensive coverage of every bird recorded in Britain and IrelandThe only photographic guide to show all plumages likely to be encounteredMore than 3,200 superb colour photographs carefully selected to show key identification featuresMany photographs of individual rare birds identified in Britain and IrelandSimple steps to help you find and identify any bird you seePages designed to allow easy and accurate comparisonLatest information on status, population, distribution and conservation designationsDistribution maps featuring summer, winter and resident ranges, plus details of migration routes to and from Britain and Ireland

    According to revolutionary new research, some birds rival primates and even humans in their remarkable forms of intelligence. In The Genius of Birds, acclaimed author Jennifer Ackerman explores their newly discovered brilliance and how it came about. As she travels around the world to the most cutting-edge frontiers of research, Ackerman not only tells the story of the recently uncovered genius of birds but also delves deeply into the latest findings about the bird brain itself that are shifting our view of what it means to be intelligent. At once personal yet scientific, richly informative and beautifully written, The Genius of Birds celebrates the triumphs of these surprising and fiercely intelligent creatures.

    Here in the marsh, where bog meets sky, readers encounter the varied creatures that thrive on the land, in the air, and in the water of this rich and diverse environment.So, slip on your rubber boots, and let’s visit the marsh!

    Cowan shares her experiences running a world-famous falconry school, and the lessons she's learned from her birds. From retrieving her falcon from the local police lock up, to finding her husband in bed with a gyrfalcon, to a heart-breaking race to save her young peregrine from attack by a wild hawk, Cowan's life is a constant, ever-changing adventure. Cowan's birds have immersed her so much into their world that she has found herself courted by a Goshawk and bossed about by a Harris Hawk. The book carries her readers along, so they, too, meet hawks and falcons in ways they never imagined possible.

    Readers follow along at the nest as each stage in an owl's life is chronicled: courtship, mating, and nesting in spring; fledging and feeding of young in summer; dispersal and gaining independence in fall; and, finally, winter's migrations and competitions for food. For owls, every day brings a new challenge to survive, and this book shows readers how owls use the unique resources available to them in their habitat to face those challenges. All 19 species found in Canada and the United States are featured in photos and narrative throughout the book, with a special focus on the Northern Pygmy-Owl, Great Gray Owl, Burrowing Owl and Snowy Owl. SPECIAL FEATURES - Details owls' behavior throughout their four distinct life stages - 200 new images, many of which feature rarely photographed behavior and most have never been published before - A field guide that helps identify owls and compare each species. - Perfect holiday book for all bird-watchers, wildlife lovers and for those who appreciate stunning photography. Paul's startling images reflect behaviors shared by all owls, as well as some surprising exceptions and adaptations. The four featured owl habitats--forest, grassland and steppe, boreal, and Arctic--each reveal wildly rich stories of their own. Owl is a stunning follow-up to Paul's bestselling title, The Owl and the Woodpecker, giving bird lovers yet another gorgeous photographic tribute, engaging natural history, and a compelling call to preserve the habitats that sustain these most iconic of birds.

    Did you know...The Galápagos Penguin's speckled markings make each of them as unique as a snowflake? The Emperor Penguin weighs the same as a Labrador retriever? The Adélie Penguin takes its name from the sweetheart of a Napoleonic naval captain turned explorer?From tiny fairy penguins to the regal emperor penguin, street artist and ornithologist, Matt Sewell, illustrates one of the world’s favourite birds in this follow-up to Owls, Our Garden Birds, Our Songbirds and Our Woodland Birds.

    In this magnificent hymn to these beautiful animals, James Macdonald Lockhart explores all fifteen breeding birds of prey on these shores – from the hen harrier swimming over the land in the dregs of a May gale on Orkney, to the ghostly sparrowhawk displaying in the fields around his home in Warwickshire. This is a book that will change how we think of our own skies.

    The bird encounters several obstacles that make his new hobby more challenging. Who knew catching butterflies could be so difficult! Read along as you and your child will once again enjoy the silly antics of this quirky bird! This is a read aloud kids book and is easy to read. The target age range is for preschool and young children. The Great Butterfly Hunt is a book that any child will love, especially at bedtime. Read this children's book FREE as part of your PRIME or Kindle Unlimited membership

    However, few of us fully appreciate the sheer scale, variety and drama of our avian life. From city-centre hunters to vast flocks straight out of the Arctic wilderness, much-loved dawn songsters to the exotic invaders of supermarket car parks, a host of remarkable wildlife spectacles are waiting to be discovered right outside our front doors.In A Sky Full of Birds, poet and nature writer Matt Merritt shares his passion for birdwatching by taking us to some of the great avian gatherings that occur around the British isles – from ravens in Anglesey and raptors on the Wirral, to Kent nightingales and Scottish capercallies. By turns lyrical, informative and entertaining, he shows how natural miracles can be found all around us, if only we know where to look for them.

    Birds can be a sign of the changing seasons, a symbol of freedom, or simply a breathtaking vision of beauty.Remarkable Birds approaches these fascinating creatures thematically across eight sections covering all aspects of humans’ relationship with birds. “Songbirds” celebrates the greatest bird virtuosi, such as the nightingale, while “Birds of Prey” includes majestic hunters such as the harpy eagle. “Feathered Travelers” describes astounding journeys made by birds including tiny hummingbirds that migrate huge distances. “The Love Life of Birds” illuminates the most brilliant displays upon which different species rely to find a mate—notably the extravagant plumage and dances of birds of paradise. “Avian Cities” explores the spectacular, large colonies of species such as the flamingo, while “Useful to Us” examines the diverse ways we find birds valuable, such as the turkey or the canary. “Threatened Extinct” describes some species that have been lost forever, and others on the brink. Birds have also had great mystical significance and “Revered Adored” considers such species as the sacred ibis, believed by the ancient Egyptians to represent the god Thoth.

    It was there, on the island of Kaua'i, where she happened upon a few courting albatross and felt an inexplicable attraction to the birds—an attraction too powerful to be explained by their beguiling airbrushed eye shadows, enormous wingspans, and rollicking dances.   In Hawaiian mythology, ancestors may occupy the physical forms of animals known as 'aumakua. Laysan albatross—known as moli—are among them. Smitten with these charismatic creatures, Osterlund set out to learn everything she could about moli. She eventually came to embrace them as her 'aumakua—not as dusty old myths on a museum bookshelf, but as breathing, breeding, boisterous realities.   Albatross sport many superlative qualities. They live long—sometimes longer than sixty years—and spend the majority of their time airborne, gliding across vast oceanic expanses. They are model mates and devoted parents, and are among the only animals known to take long-term same-sex partners. In nesting season, they rack up inconceivable mileage just to find supper for chicks waiting on the islands of the Hawaiian archipelago.   It is from the island of Kaua'i that Holy Moli takes flight.  Osterlund relates a true tale of courage, celebration and grief—of patience, affection and resilience. This is the story of how albatross guided the author on her own long journey, retracing distances and decades, back to the origin of a binding bargain she struck when she was ten years old, shortly after her mother’s death.  Holy Moli is a natural history of the albatross, a moving memoir of grief, and a soaring tribute to ancestors. Within its pages are lyrics of wonder—for freedom, for beauty, and for the far-flung feathered creatures known to us as albatross.

    The animals themselves are sometimes hard to find, but their poop is everywhere! Follow Tony, Lily, Emma, and Jackson as they explore Central Park, investigating poop (scat) and footprints (tracks) and learning the habits and diets of squirrels, chipmunks, muskrats, birds, raccoons, bats, and more!Animals featured in "Who Pooped in Central Park?" include: muskratNorway rateastern gray squirrelcoyotedomestic dogred-tailed hawkhorseCanada gooseraccoonlaughing gullgroundhogred-bellied woodpeckereastern chipmunkeastern screech owltri-colored batpigeondiamondback terrapin

    This guide is far more complete than previous ones, with more than 800 species accounts, full-color range maps, and 1,000 beautiful illustrations and behavioral vignettes covering all species recorded in the region. This guide is designed for birders to carry in the field, and it is a must-have for any birder who visits the area.

    Not only does he quack like a duck, he even changes his appearance to resemble one. It's obvious to the bird that there are many perks to being a duck. But will the little bird truly enjoy his new lifestyle or will he come to regret his decision? Read along as you and your child will once again enjoy the silly antics of this quirky bird! This is a read aloud kids book and is easy to read. The target age range is for toddlers, preschool and young children. I Wish I Were a Duck is a book that any child will love, especially at bedtime. Read this children's book FREE as part of your PRIME or Kindle Unlimited membership

    Each wonderfully detailed piece is a work of art to be treasured by keen colourers and bird lovers alike. The cover is fully foiled, and makes this book a wonderful gift for anyone who loves colouring.A follow up to The Menagerie: Animal Portraits to Colour.

    

    There is a general introduction to each woodland bird that highlights their key characteristics, accompanied by an informative data profile and some surprising facts.

    A celebration of avian beauty and diversity, it is a tribute to both the dedication and passion of the photographers as well as a reflection of the quality of today’s modern digital imaging systems.The book includes the winning and short-listed images from the competition, showcasing some of the finest bird photography, with a foreword by BTO President and head judge, Chris Packham. A proportion of the profits from the book goes directly to the BTO to support their conservation work.The advent of digital technology has revolutionised photography in recent years, and the book brings to life some of the most stunning bird photography currently on offer. It features a vast variety of photographs by hardened pros, keen amateurs and hobbyists alike, reflecting the huge diversity of bird enthusiasts and nature lovers which is so important in ensuring their conservation and survival.

    He would also like to chase Bird and maybe eat him as a tasty snack. But that's not what friendship is all about...is it?With the same loveable character and bright, graphic illustrations as Max the Brave, Max and Bird is sure to delight young readers and adults alike.Praise for Max the Brave: "A cat-and-mouse game to be laughed at and reread." --Kirkus "Full of playful humor...enhanced by the humorous text, character expressions, and a not-scary monster to boot. VERDICT Highly recommended." --School Library Journal "Both the punchy text and illustrations command attention, and plenty of readers will get a kick out of feeling superior to Max" --Publishers Weekly

    He didn't want to open a bakery or whatever else executives do when they quit a lucrative but unfulfilling job. He didn't want to think about his failed relationship with "the one" or his potential for ruining a new relationship with "the next one." And he almost certainly didn't want to think about turning forty. And so instead he went birding.Birding was a lifelong passion. It was only among the birds that Neil found a calm that had eluded him in the confusing world of humans. But this time he also found competition. His growing list of species reluctantly catapulted him into a Big Year--a race to find the most birds in one year. His peregrinations across twenty-eight states and six provinces in search of exotic species took him to a hoarfrost-covered forest in Massachusetts to find a Fieldfare; to Lake Havasu, Arizona, to see a rare Nutting's Flycatcher; and to Vancouver for the Red-flanked Bluetail. Neil's Big Year was as unplanned as it was accidental: It was the perfect distraction to life.Neil shocked the birding world by finding 749 species of bird and breaking the long-standing Big Year record. He also surprised himself: During his time among the hummingbirds, tanagers, and boobies, he found a renewed sense of confidence and hope about the world and his place in it.

    The 550 most commonly seen birds are pictured with plumage variations, and images of subspecies and information on similar birds are provided to make differentiation easy, from game birds and waterfowl to shorebirds and swifts to owls, flycatchers, finches, and more. You can even discover which species to expect when and where with up-to-date, color-coded maps highlighting habitation and migratory patterns.Written by a team of more than 30 birders and ornithologists with expertise in particular species or families, and produced in association with the American Museum of Natural History, this updated and refreshed edition of American Museum of Natural History Birds of North America is the ultimate photographic guide to every bird species in the United States and Canada.Author Bio:Editor-in-chief Francois Vuilleumier has a long association with the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, having served first as the Chairman of the Department of Ornithology before becoming a Curator Emeritus. He is the author of 250 papers and one book and once taught ornithology at the College of the Atlantic, Bar Harbor, Maine. His research has taken him all over the world, with a focus on South America, allowing him to watch birds from the Canadian High Arctic to Mexico; his life list numbers around 4,000 species. He lives in Piermont, NY.Reviews:"A massive, authoritative reference book that belongs in every birder's library." - BookPage"[A] massive and spectacular photographic guide: what Audubon would have done if he had used a camera." - Harvard MagazineAwards:An American Library Association CHOICE Outstanding Academic Title

    From the iconic Woody Woodpecker to the ubiquitous Northern Flicker, woodpeckers have long captivated our attention. Their astonishing anatomy makes them one of the most specialized bird families in the world, and their keystone ecological roles in our forests and woodlands makes them some of the most important birds on the continent.This comprehensive and authoritative guide to the natural history, ecology, and conservation of North America’s 23 woodpecker species goes far beyond identification. It explores their unique anatomy and their fascinating and often comical behaviors; it covers each species’ North American conservation status; and it showcases over 250 stunning photographs of woodpeckers in their natural habitats, plus easy-to-read figures and range maps. This reference guide is an essential addition to every birder's library.

    Young children will be awestruck as they learn the alphabet and meet cockatoos, flamingos, macaws, and more.

    But on the first day, a boy points at her and shouts: "A crow! A crow! The new girl's hair is black like a crow!" The others whisper and laugh, and Lila's heart grows as heavy as a stone.The next day, Lila covers her hair. But this time, the boy points at her dark skin. When she covers her face, he mocks her dark eyes. Now every day at school, Lila hides under her turtleneck, dark glasses, and hat. And every day when she goes home, she sees a crow who seems to want to tell her something. Lila ignores the bird and even throws rocks at it, but it won't go away. Meanwhile, the great autumn festival is approaching. While the other kids prepare their costumes, Lila is sadder and lonelier than ever. At her lowest point of despair, a magical encounter with the crow opens Lila's eyes to the beauty of being different, and gives her the courage to proudly embrace her true self.

    The birds' new human neighbors are quick to try and evict, but it turns out that the falcons have rights too and the law is on their side.This amusing true-life story looks at the issues related to urban wildlife and how urban dwellers co-exist with an ever-increasing wildlife population that finds ingenious -- and sometimes devious -- ways to move into our homes and cities, often without notice.Illustrated with photographs documenting the early life of a peregrine falcon family that grows from eggs to full-fledged birds in the flowerbox of a curious apartment-dweller, this book also explores the natural history of this majestic bird species.

    Children will love this book that features all types of birds and the amazing things they do—from morning through night! It features robins digging for worms, sparrows cleaning themselves, ostriches running, penguins swimming, pelicans fishing, owls hunting, and more! This book includes a gatefold at the end that shows even more types of marvelous birds!

    East and West North American versions each provide 120 of the most popular species in each region, filled with beautiful hand illustrations by Pedro Fernandes, charts and maps, and other easy tools that make All About Backyard Birds more approachable than other birding books to beginner and novice birders.All About Backyard Birds also includes a free download and tutorial of MERLIN®, an interactive GPS-based bird identification multimedia App, available on iTunes and Android stores (and already used by more than 1,000,000 birders); and a FREE book companion APP for click and listen on each page.As with all Cornell Lab Publishing Group books, a full 35% of the net proceeds from the sale of All About Backyard Birds goes directly to Cornell Lab to support projects such as children’s educational and community programs.

    This book is the ultimate flight-identification guide for the raptors of the Western Palaearctic, covering Europe, North Africa, the Middle East (including Arabia) to Central Asia. It provides identification information for all 60 species that regularly occur in the region. going to subspecific level wherever needed. The text covers every plumage and age in detail, with each species account accompanied by a range of photographs covering all the principal plumages.Based on this stunning photographic coverage, most of which has never been published before, this book represents a landmark in bird identification books and a major work for all raptor enthusiasts.

    George Archibald’s new book of collected stories, My Life with Cranes!George is a great storyteller, true stories that he himself made happen through faith and perseverance. These qualities kept George going despite numerous setbacks – the disease disaster for the captive flock, the loss of Tex the Whooping Crane to a mob of raccoons, and the unexpected death of George’s close friend and conservation partner Ron Sauey.Imagine taking the public bus across Iran accompanied only by a handful of cards bearing simple phrases in Persian, a short time later walking alone through rain and mud among the rice paddies toward a damgah (duck trap) in order to locate Siberian Cranes – only to be intercepted by stern hunters who didn’t welcome strangers. Yet just at that moment, you might be able to guess which loud calls rose from behind the line of trees and waterfowl traps. But there is an even more satisfying question – who else but George would walk into such a situation? This volume gives instance after instance of leaps of faith, a tireless search for meaningful action, and the passionate readiness to leap for opportunity… to enter China, or Russia to create close friendships that enabled the complexities of 10,000-mile egg shipments to happen during the dark years of the cold war.Most of the stories come from the early years, when dreaming big depended on taking risks and on the freedom to follow creativity. George has always offered hope, his time, and his encouragement to helping others – young men and women – live their own versions of dream and action. Ultimately, George has succeeded through the trust we have all afforded him for his immense caring, for the cranes certainly, and for all of us.

    For those needing just one general bird reference, this might be it. Summing up: Highly recommended. All levels/libraries." -- Choice"An outstanding achievement" -- Quarterly Review of Biology"It's the photographs that will keep readers turning pages" -- Publishers WeeklyThe World of Birds focused primarily on the taxonomy of birds with coverage of the 32 orders and 195 families of birds. It included information on avian biology but not comprehensive coverage. Birds: A Complete Guide to their Biology and Behavior does exactly that, in a shorter, more affordable book.Highly respected ornithologist and wildlife expert Jonathan Elphick begins by defining the distinguishing features of birds before going on to describe their evolution since the age of the dinosaurs. With the aid of fact boxes and clear photographs, he explores in greater detail each of the significant elements of bird life:bird biology including anatomy walking and swimming plumage calls and songs flight techniques and styles food and feeding bird lifestyles and social relationships breeding, growth and development bird geography and habitats the mysteries of migration. He also considers human attitudes towards birds through the ages.With special photography from award-winning wildlife photographer David Tipling and many other top bird photographers, this book is a unique insight into the world of birds and essential reading for all ornithologists, bird watchers and natural history enthusiasts.

    From prehistoric cave paintings to popular modern children’s stories, these magnificent predators have been seen as harbingers of good fortune and impending disaster, as icons of fear and wisdom, and as the powerful sidekicks of magic-makers, including the beloved Harry Potter. Scientists have faced tremendous challenges trying to document the lives of these solitary, nocturnal, and highly elusive creatures. New species are still being discovered, as are new insights into the habits of even the most familiar varieties. Visually spectacular and authoritative, Owls includes full descriptions and maps of key viewing locations for all 225 owl species in the world, and is illustrated with drawings and stunning full-color images from some of the leading wildlife photographers from around the world which capture these birds’ breathtaking beauty and power. The book also features a special section on the art of hiding—a highly honed skill set of the owl.Throughout, Marianne Taylor provides a wealth of detail on each type of bird’s hunting and breeding behavior, habitat, and conservation. Inside, are dozens of fun facts, such as: Only nineteen of the 225 known species of owls are found in North America; Owls can be found on all continents except Antarctica; Owls, like humans, have binocular vision; Owls cannot turn their eyes, but are able to rotate their heads up to 270 degrees; Owls are carnivorous and are known to eat rodents, small mammals, nocturnal insects, fish, and other birds. Lavishly illustrated and educational, this breathtaking volume is essential for readers interested in natural science, devout birders, professional ornithologists, and all owl lovers.

    Award-winning photographer Stan Tekiela takes you into the fascinating world of cranes, herons and egrets. His striking photography captures the birds in action and depicts behaviors that will leave you awestruck. Headings and small blocks of text make for easy yet informative browsing.Discover North America’s tallest birds through Stan’s personal observations and years of research. He marvels at cranes, herons and egrets. “Everything about them is interesting—from how they walk to how they fly to how tall they are. These historic birds are ingrained in folklore around the world.” Stan has photographed every important aspect of their lives, from first flight and hunting to migration and mating. The result is a one-of-a-kind book that celebrates these wonderful creatures. You’ll develop a new appreciation for this group of unique birds.

    But then a chance sighting of a dazzling rose-breasted grosbeak in wife-to-be Linda’s backyard prompts a fascination with birds, which he had never cared about before in the least. Soon he is obsessed with spotting more and more of them—the rarer the better—and embarks on a bumpy journey to improve his bumbling birding skills. Along the way, Tarte offers readers a droll look at the pleasures and pitfalls he encounters, introduces a colorful cast of fellow birders from across the country, and travels to some of the premier birding sites in the Midwest, including Point Pelee, Magee Marsh, Tawas Point State Park, and even Muskegon Wastewater System. This funny, heartfelt memoir will appeal to birders of all skill levels as well as to anyone who knows and loves a birder.

    These Mesozoic masterpieces are between 120 and 131 million years old and reveal incredible details that capture the diversity of ancient bird life. Paleontologists all over the world began to collaborate with Chinese colleagues as new and wondrous fossil-related discoveries became regular events. The pages of National Geographic and major scientific journals described the intricate views of feathers as well as food still visible in the guts of these ancient birds. Now, for the first time, a sweeping collection of the most interesting of Jehol's avian fossils is on display in this beautiful book.Birds of Stone makes visible the unexpected avian diversity that blanketed the earth just a short time (geologically speaking) after a dinosaur lineage gave rise to the first birds. Our visual journey through these fossils is guided by Luis M. Chiappe, a world expert on early birds, and Meng Qingjin, a leading figure in China's natural history museum community. Together, they help us understand the "meaning" of each fossil by providing straightforward narratives that accompany the full-page photographs of the Jehol discoveries.Anyone interested in the history of life--from paleontologists to inquisitive birders--will find Birds of Stone an irresistible feast for the eyes and mind.

    Accompanied by vivid images, drawings and both archival and modern photography, the narrative follows the author as she sails the coast, documenting marine bird diversity and seasonal shifts in community assemblages.This unique story captures the natural splendour and rich variety of marine birds feeding, breeding and undertaking spectacular, often trans-equatorial migrations along the Northwest Coast. Introducing some of the most fascinating yet poorly understood species, including albatrosses, puffins and cranes, this compelling read calls attention to the urgent conservation challenges faced by marine birds and their ecosystems, as well as their historically complex relationship with human society.

    However, when their mate is snatched from under their noses before they can bond with her, Kane and Jeremy will do anything to get her back. Even if they have to break a rule or two to do it.Abigail is left badly scarred after being kidnapped and tortured. She struggles to accept herself, and has even more trouble coping with the fact two men want her to be theirs.Can Kane and Jeremy's love conquer all her fears?

    Seeing a colorful friend flit about your backyard brings feelings of excitement, gladness and contentment. Stan Tekiela understands the thrill of bird-watching. The award-winning author and naturalist has been studying and photographing backyard birds for more than 25 years. Here, he guides you through the wonderful lives of the most popular, most beloved species—like the American Goldfinch, the Northern Cardinal and the Ruby-throated Hummingbird. His incomparable photography captures the birds in action and depicts behaviors that are sure to warm and perhaps even surprise you, while the book’s headings and small blocks of text make for easy yet informative browsing. Every important aspect of the birds’ lives, from first flight and feeding to migration and mating, is portrayed in this gorgeous book. Your coffee table won’t be complete without it.

    Here is the ultimate photographic guide to the spectacular birds of this region. Featuring nearly 1,500 stunning color photos of 946 species, this richly detailed and taxonomically sophisticated field guide will help you with even the toughest identification challenges. Species accounts, photos, and color distribution maps appear side by side, making it easier than ever to find what you are looking for, whether you are in the field or preparing for your trip.Features nearly 1,500 photos of 946 speciesIncludes facing-page species accounts, photos, and mapsProvides photos of multiple plumages for many speciesHelps you to differentiate between similar species

    While providing wherever possible examples of indigenous Hawaiian species, the book surveys the migration phenomenon as a whole, showing that birds are breathtaking works of engineering with spectacular capabilities for long-distance flights. Each year thousands of these hardy migrants fly 2,500 miles nonstop from Alaska to Hawai'i. How do they endure such marathon journeys, and how on earth do they know which direction to travel over featureless ocean? In fact, many migratory journeys, in all parts of the world and performed by birds as small as warblers and as large as swans, cover much longer distances.After answering the "who, why, where, when" questions, Denny focuses on the questions of how: how researchers study bird migration; how they gather data from old-fashioned bird banding, high-tech satellite tracking, and other techniques; and--above all--how the birds do it. Throughout the book, concepts such as the physics of bird flight and the role of physical geography on navigation are explained in a relatively math-free way. Denny also examines past adaptations migrating birds have made to changing environments and the challenges they face in the future, as the world beneath them faces rapid climate change exacerbated by human activity.

    With 72 stunning color plates (that include more than 920 drawings), over 650 superb photos, and in-depth descriptions, this book brings together the most current information on 84 species of Eurasian and North American waterfowl, and on more than 100 hybrids. The guide delves into taxonomy, identification features, determination of age and sex, geographic variations, measurements, voice, molt, and hybridization. In addition, the status of each species is treated with up-to-date details on distribution, population size, habitats, and life cycle. Color plates and photos are accompanied by informative captions and 85 distribution maps are also provided. Taken together, this is an unrivaled, must-have reference for any birder with an interest in the world's waterfowl.A guide to the 84 species of ducks, geese, and swans of Europe, Asia, and North America72 color plates with more than 920 illustrations of most plumages and subspecies, both in flight and standingMore than 650 color photosDetails on taxonomy, identification features, determination of age and sex, geographic variations, measurements, voice, molt, hybridization, habitat and life cycle, range and populations, and status in captivity85 distribution mapsDescriptions and illustrations of more than 100 hybrids regularly encountered in the wild

    She has come to ask Old Stone help fight Nothing. Tim agrees to help her and she says Old Stone might help his mother. They travel through the caves of silence and of nightmares. Beyond the Mountain they find a home, until storms and destruction and Nothing chase them across a sea and down in a whirlpool to Earth's memory. The Winds and the Sun and Earth all help them, and Tim meets more good friends and scary creatures. John Coffey - author.An Amazon review: This book reminds us that we live in a magical world. Children are already aware of this, but adults need to harken back to those days when anything was possible and magic was all around. This is an exciting tale, and sad, thoughtful, funny and hopeful at various times. It is for children and adults of all ages.

    But what is a suburban farmer to do? Well, look no further, I have compiled a list of 50 great egg recipes so that you can start to fulfill your dream of living off the land (at least partially) and know that you are feeding your family without good wholesome eggs that come from your own chickens. Quiche, frittatas, breakfast burritos and many more recipes. Recipes Include: Backyard Farmer Poached Eggs Mexican Backyard Farmer Huevos Rancheros Italian Backyard Chicken Farmer Frittata French Backyard Farmer Quiche Lorraine American Backyard Chicken Quiche with Ham Maryland Backyard Farmer Egg Salad Canadian Backyard Farmer Eggs Benedict Backyard Chicken Deviled Eggs Backyard Farmer Chickens Omelette Backyard Farmer Breakfast Burritos Homesteader Pickled Eggs Suburban Farmer Casserole French Backyard Farmer Soufflé Backyard Farmer Breakfast Strata Spanish Backyard Chicken Farmer Flan Backyard Farmer French Toast Christmas Backyard Chicken Farmer Fig Pudding Christmas Backyard Chicken Egg Nog Backyard Farmer Banana Pudding Backyard Farmer Crepes Suzette Off the Beeten Path Farmer Pickled Eggs Baked Backyard Egg Farmer Custard Suburban Farmer Flapjacks Backyard Chicken Eggs In A Nest Indian Backyard Farmer Scrambled Eggs Texas Backyard Farmer Egg Skillet Eggs A La Bonne Femme Backyard Farmer Meringue Bitty Bites Chinese Backyard Farmer Egg Drop Soup Suburban Farmer Homemade Mayonnaise American Backyard Farmer Avocado Baked Eggs Italian Backyard Farmer Egg Bake German Backyard Farmer Egg Recipe Southwestern Backyard Farmer Egg Bake Charleston Backyard Farmer Breakfast Casserole Amish Breakfast Casserole Chinese Suburban Farmer Tea Eggs (Cha Ye Dan) American Suburban Farmer Breakfast Pizza Moroccan Backyard Farmer Eggs American Backyard Farmer Birds Nest Eggs Backyard Farmer Eggs in Purgatory Backyard Farmer Scalloped Eggs Japanese Backyard Farmer Kimchi Eggs American Backyard Farmer Pizza Eggs San Antonio Suburban Farmer Migas Backyard Farmer Fluffy Scrambled Eggs Spring Backyard Farmer Frittata Suburban Farmer Nicoise Deviled Eggs British Backyard Farmer Fry-Up Scotch Backyard Farmer Eggs

    East and West North American versions each provide 120 of the most popular species in each region, filled with beautiful hand illustrations by Pedro Fernandes, charts and maps, and other easy tools that make All About Backyard Birds more approachable than other birding books to beginner and novice birders.All About Backyard Birds also includes a free download and tutorial of MERLIN®, an interactive GPS-based bird identification multimedia App, available on iTunes and Android stores (and already used by more than one million birders).As with all Cornell Lab Publishing Group books, a full 35% of the net proceeds from the sale of All About Backyard Birds goes directly to Cornell Lab to support projects such as children’s educational and community programs.

    Follow her young adventurer as she treks through the jungle, dives deep down into the sea and climbs high up into the trees. The Word Bird features birds of all shapes, sizes and colors.

    From ducks to hawks, sparrows to sandpipers, kids will learn how, where, and when to spot birds all over the United States. With tons of info and interactivity prompts, it's the perfect companion for bakyard or field trip, camping or vacation. Durable and portable, it's just right for pocket or backpack

    Miró’s Magic Animals is a delightful story, chronicling Antony “Tony”’s encounters with the great Spanish artist Joan Miró.Tony introduces Miró as a quiet, kind, and smartly dressed man who “dreamed when he was awake” and painted wonderfully strange worlds filled with magical animals. The book brings Tony’s memories to life with beautiful reproductions of some of Miró’s finest works, as well as evocative archival photography by Lee Miller and specially commissioned artworks in the style of Miró, painted by children. We see the renowned painter from a new perspective, as the slightly eccentric visitor to Tony’s childhood home, during an excursion to Miró’s farm—filled with extraordinary creatures—and on a trip to London Zoo, during which Miró asked to see “large birds, snakes, and strange creatures of the night.” Vibrant design and playful typography make the package as appealing as the story, and round out the feeling that we’re immersed in Tony’s adventure.

    Into the Blue features delightful characters from the deep blue sea, and is fully illustrated in color by exciting new illustrator Abbie Cameron.

    By re-telling the many legends, beliefs, proverbs, and predictions associated with more than 80 birds from many nations, it brings into focus the close--and often ancient--links between humans and these remarkable feathered descendants of dinosaurs. Discover, for instance:Why the cockerel features on many church spires The one sacred bird that symbolizes life and peace in most culturesHow to dispel bad luck if you see this black-and-white birdThe South American "devil bird" once thought to be a dragonBirds: Lore, Myth and Legend draws on historical accounts and scientific literature to reveal how colorful tales or superstitions were shaped by human imagination from each bird's behavior or appearance. It offers an enchanting and different perspective on birds across the world.

    With easy-to-understand yet scientifically accurate text and outstanding color photographs, Hawaii's Kolea: The Amazing Transpacific Life of the Pacific Golden-Plover is a handy, reliable source of information for both general readers and ornithology specialists.Although the Pacific Golden-Plover is a member of the shorebird group, Kolea spend most of their time inland, favoring open space with short vegetation. This makes Hawaii's cemeteries, golf courses, and backyard lawns prime real estate for these migratory birds. Each year Kolea fly thousands of miles nonstop from Alaska and return to the same spot in the Islands, whether a condominium courtyard, a busy beach park, or a strip of grass in downtown Honolulu. As a result, many Hawaii residents get to know individual birds, calling them "my Kolea." In turn, urban plovers often grow tame around people, an endearing trait uncommon in other birds. Their human admirers see city Kolea as charming, alert, and personable--qualities that, together with their grace and beauty, have made them arguably Hawaii's favorite bird.Observing the birds gives rise to countless questions: "When do the birds leave Hawaii? When do they return? Do they have chicks in the Islands? How long does it take them to fly to Alaska?" To answer these and other questions, the authors have gathered together just about every detail researchers know about Pacific Golden-Plovers. If you marvel at the remarkable birds that prance through your park, strut in your street, and rest on your rooftop, this book will make you love Kolea even more.

    Its recognition as a zoogeographic region in its own right has recently been confirmed, and, all taxa combined, the region was found to hold the second most distinct assemblage of vertebrates in the world after the Australian region, despite being the smallest of them all.This new field guide from the Helm Field Guides series covers the whole of the Malagasy region, which comprises the unique island of Madagascar and the various islands and archipelagos of the Indian Ocean, including the Seychelles, Comoros, and Mascarenes (Mauritius, Réunion, and Rodrigues). Every resident and migrant species is covered in full detail with a color distribution map for each species. Vagrants are also treated in detail, and all species are illustrated on a beautiful series of 124 color plates, with artwork from John Gale and Brian Small. Conveniently, the plates have been arranged so that all the key species of the various archipelagos are placed together in sections.This is a major work of reference on the birds of the region and will remain the standard text for many years to come.