A book to help the ordinary birdwatcher appreciate the fascinating songs, stories, and science of common birdsJack Gedney’s studies of birds provide resonant, affirming answers to the questions: Who is this bird? In what way is it beautiful? Why does it matter? Masterfully linking an abundance of poetic references with up-to-date biological science, Gedney shares his devotion to everyday Western birds in fifteen essays. Each essay illuminates the life of a single s...

The first book on the birds of California's oaks, from our most lyrical and observant wanderer of the woods.With charm and delight, The Birds in the Oaks introduces us to the birds who burrow, forage, and soar among California's keystone trees. The mighty oak hosts a multitude of avian denizens—from canopy hoppers to ground nesters to short-billed surface pluckers—who rely on the trees' well-stocked pantry of acorns, insects, and flowers for sustenance and...

A book to help the ordinary birdwatcher appreciate the fascinating songs, stories, and science of common birds.Jack Gedney's studies of birds provide resonant, affirming answers to the questions: Who is this bird? In what way is it beautiful? Why does it matter? Masterfully linking an abundance of poetic references with up-to-date biological science, Gedney shares his devotion to everyday Western birds in fifteen essays. Each essay illuminates the life of a single ...

Discover the rich cultures of non-human beings in Earth's remaining wild places, as revealed by bestselling author Carl Safina.In this superbly articulate cri de coeur, Carl Safina, New York Times bestselling author, brings readers close to three non-human cultures—what they do, why they do it, and how life is for them. Becoming Wild: How Animal Cultures Raise Families, Create Beauty, and Achieve Peace is a revelatory account of how animals function beyond...

An ornithology researcher reveals the amazing talents and personalities of common birds in this joyful celebration for backyard bird watchers and nature lovers.Some birdwatchers will hop the red-eye to Costa Rica if a rare species is reported to be in residence. Here, author Lyanda Lynn Haupt makes the argument for sticking close to home. She muses on the tarnished reputation of the starling, the sexed-up antics of male woodpeckers, and the mysterious behavior and ...

From the bestselling author of Crow Planet, a compelling journey into the secret lives of the wild animals at our back door.In The Urban Bestiary, acclaimed nature writer Lyanda Lynn Haupt journeys into the heart of the everyday wild, where coyotes, raccoons, chickens, hawks, and humans live in closer proximity than ever before.Haupt's observations bring compelling new questions to light: Whose "home" is this? Where does the wild end and the...

From the elegant, lithe, and yes, friendly cheetah to the diminutive and faithful sea horse, and from the giant and surprisingly warlike hippopotamus to the majestic gorilla, animals have long fascinated humans. In this appealing book, Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson draws from his wealth of knowledge and a lifetime of fascination with the animal kingdom to present little-known facts and thorough explanations for behaviors of animals both familiar and lesser-known. Presented from A to Z, each en...

Winner of the 1969 John Burroughs MedalFrom childhood Louise de Kiriline Lawrence dreamed of settling one day in an unspoiled, tranquil spot and living in harmony with nature. This beautifully written book is the story of her dream come true.Truly a labour of love, The Lovely and the Wild is the product of an exceptional woman’s profound joy at being part of the limitless world of nature.Louise de Kiriline Lawrence passes over in a single sentence a fascina...

"Lawrence was quite possibly the most remarkable woman in Canada. Certainly she was a remarkable nature writer."- Pat Barclay, Books in Canada"She was a premier speciman of a vital breed: the amateur naturalist. Her 7 books, 17 scientific papers, scores of magazine articles and over 500 reviews have all been based on her close and tireless observation of bird and animal behaviour."- Merilyn Mohr, Harrowsmith

Become a better birder with brief portraits of 200 top North American birds. This friendly, relatable book is a celebration of the art, science, and delights of bird-watching.How to Know the Birds introduces a new, holistic approach to bird-watching, by noting how behaviors, settings, and seasonal cycles connect with shape, song, color, gender, age distinctions, and other features traditionally used to identify species. With short essays on 200 observable species, expert author Ted ...

The surprising, rich life of tree swallows in nesting season—with Heinrich’s beautiful illustrations and photographs—by the acclaimed naturalist.Heinrich is sparked one early spring day by a question: Why does a pair of swallows in a nest-box close to his Maine cabin show an unvarying preference for white feathers—not easily available nearby—as nest lining? He notices, too, the extreme aggressiveness of “his” swallows toward some other swallows of their own kind. A...

From the lifelong devotion of the American crow to the dalliances of the eastern bluebird, from the bald eagle’s dazzling aerial display to the male ruby-throated hummingbird’s reputation as a “deadbeat dad” — courtship, mating, and parenting differ dramatically among birds. Ornithologist and author Laura Erickson takes readers on a romance-fueled romp through the love lives of 35 species, exploring the diversity of avian approaches to pairing up. Each species spotlight pairs Erickson’s re...