Best of
Ornithology

2009

Bird


Andrew Zuckerman - 2009
    These winged creaturesfrom exotic parrots to everyday sparrows, and endangered penguins to woody owlsare captured with Zuckerman's painstaking perspective against a stark white background to reveal the vivid colors, textures, and personalities of each subject in extraordinary and exquisite detail. The ultimate art book for ornithologists and nature enthusiasts alike, Bird is a volume of sublime beauty.

Kingfisher: Tales from the Halcyon River


Charlie Hamilton-James - 2009
    From a hide attached to his home by a West Country river, and from a number of vantage points along the same river, Charlie Hamilton James has watched and photographed kingfishers for literally thousands of hours. Written in diary form, it covers the kingfishers' habits season by season and describes them with real intimacy.

A Field Guide to the Birds of Brazil


Ber van Perlo - 2009
    And yet there has never been a comprehensive field guide to this splendid and elusive avifauna. Until now. The carefully vetted text and images are the first to cover the full range of bird life in this vast and varied country. The more than 1800 up-to-date accounts treat the Yellow-nosed Albatross to the Sombre Hummingbird, the Ash-throated Gnat-eater to the Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Nighthawks and Jacamars to Motmots, Puffbirds, and Peppershrikes. They are all here--every species and many subspecies found in each region of Brazil--with special attention given to the 218 Brazilian endemics. The book is laid out so that the illustrations sit across from the commentary and the distribution maps, so it is easy to use. Also, the author uses short-hand notation throughout, to make the book compact and easy to carry when in the field. For each bird, the scientific, English, and Portuguese name are given as well as detailed information on measurement; identifying features; habitat; voice, song, and call. Distribution maps show the range for each species, also indicating seasonality and occurrence, essential for finding and identifying specific birds. From the equatorial North to the tropics, the introductory paragraphs set the stage in describing Brazil's varied biogeography, climate, geomorphology, and natural vegetation. A list of protected areas of Brazil, information on relevant national and international organizations, a bibliography and further references, and an English-Portuguese dictionary of frequently used terms enhance the user-friendly qualities. Anyone wishing to fully explore the fabulously varied bird life of Brazil will find this light-weight, easy-to-use, attractive guide an invaluable field companion.

Birds of the Horn of Africa: Ethiopia, Eritrea, Djibouti, Somalia, and Socotra


Nigel Redman - 2009
    Covering Ethiopia, Eritrea, Djibouti, Somalia, and the Socotra archipelago, this comprehensive, easy-to-use guide features more than 2,600 illustrations on 213 full-color plates, and a color distribution map for every species. Detailed species accounts on facing pages include descriptions of key identification features, similar species, geographical variation, habitat, status, and voice. This field-ready guide also includes a glossary, identification tips, and information about bird habitats. Birds of the Horn of Africa is an essential resource for birders, naturalists, and travelers in the region.The first field guide to the birds of northeast AfricaCovers more than 1,000 species, including all resident, migrant, and vagrant birdsFeatures more than 2,600 illustrations on 213 color platesDetailed species accounts on facing pages describe key identification features, habitat, status, voice, and moreProvides a color distribution map for every species

Where to See Birds in Victoria


Tim Dolby - 2009
    Despite being Australia's smallest mainland state, its varied landscapes provide habitat for more than 500 bird species. It is without question one of Australia's best-kept birding secrets. Compiled, written, and photographed by a dedicated team from Birds Australia, this guide features over 40 destinations throughout Victoria, including such classic birding spots as Wyperfeld, Hattah, Kulkyne, Little Desert, Chiltern, Mount Pilot, Terrick Terrick, the Grampians, Croajingolong, Geelong, and the Bellarine Peninsula, the Otway Ranges, Wilsons Promontory and Mount Buffalo, as well as many places in and around Melbourne and along the coast. Where to See Birds in Victoria provides information on how to get to each destination, what facilities and accommodation to expect and, importantly, precisely where to look for those special or rare birds. The book also provides a comprehensive and up-to-date list of birds, with the degree of rarity and where to see it noted for each species. So, for Victorians and visitors to the state, the secret is out. What better way to see some wonderful places and magnificent wildlife than by using Where to See Birds in Victoria as your guide?