Birdbooker Report 70

tags: Birdbooker Report, bird books, animal books, natural history books, ecology books

The Birdbooker Report is a special weekly report of a wide variety of science, nature and behavior books that currently are, or soon will be available for purchase. This report is written by one of my Seattle birding pals and book collector, Ian "Birdbooker" Paulsen, and is edited by me and published here for your information and enjoyment. Below the fold is this week's issue of The Birdbooker Report which lists ecology, environment, natural history and bird books that are (or will soon be) available for purchase.

FEATURED TITLES:

1. Chandler, Richard. Shorebirds of North America, Europe, and Asia: A Photographic Guide. 2009. Princeton University Press. Paperback: 448 pages. Price: $35.00 U.S. [Amazon: $23.10]. SUMMARY: This guide covers all 134 shorebird species found in the Holarctic (which includes northern Africa). The first 34 pages are introductory material followed by the species accounts. Each species account includes text, at least one color photo (usually several) and a color range map. Shorebirders will want this book!
2. Redman, Nigel, Terry Stevenson and John Fanshawe. Birds of the Horn of Africa: Ethiopia, Eritrea, Djibouti, Somalia, and Socotra. 2009. Princeton University Press. Paperback: 496 pages. Price: $40.00 U.S. [Amazon: $26.40]. SUMMARY: This is the first field guide to the birds of northeastern Africa. It covers more than 1,000 species on 213 color plates. A color range map is included for each species. Anyone interested in the birds of Africa will want this book!

New and Recent Titles:

1. Foster, Russell G. and Leon Kreitzman. Seasons of Life: The Biological Rhythms That Enable Living Things to Thrive and Survive. 2009. Yale University Press. Hardbound: 303 pages. Price: $28.00 U.S. [Amazon: $20.44]. SUMMARY: The authors investigate how seasonal change affects organisms, and how plants and animals over countless generations have evolved exquisite sensitivities and adaptations to the seasons. The authors also highlight the impact of seasonal change on human health and well-being. They conclude with a discussion of the dangers posed when climate changes disrupt the seasonal rhythms on which so much life depends. GrrlScientist comment: This book looks fascinating, especially since it investigates the interconnection between the environment, physiology and evolution -- my favorite topic.
2. Lynch, Jim. Border Songs: A Novel. 2009. Knopf. Hardbound: 296 pages. Price: $24.95 U.S. [Amazon: $15.57]. SUMMARY: The author's second novel follows the adventures and misadventures of U.S. Border agent Brandon Vanderkool. Stationed near Blaine, WA, the 6 foot 8 inch tall dyslexic Vanderkool develops an interest in birds and art. This book should have a wide audience.
3. Neme, Laurel A. Animal Investigators: How the World's First Wildlife Forensics Lab is Solving Crimes and Saving Endangered Species. 2009. Scribner. Hardbound: 230 pages. Price: $25.00 U.S. [Amazon: $16.50]. SUMMARY: This book follows three cases from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Forensics Laboratory in Ashland, Oregon. The three cases involve: Alaskan Walrus ivory, Black Bear gall bladders and feather art. Think of this book as a "CSI of wildlife." GrrlScientist comment: OOOOO, this book looks to be fascinating! I'd love to read and review this on my blog!
4. Stewart, Amy. Wicked Plants: The Weed That Killed Lincoln's Mother and Other Botanical Atrocities. 2009. Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill. Hardbound: 236 pages. Price: $18.95 U.S. [Amazon: $12.06]. SUMMARY: An A to Z guide to over 200 dangerous plants. This book will entertain and inform most gardeners and nature lovers. GrrlScientist comment: I am not a botanist, but as a life-long gardener, I would love to read and review this book on my blog!
5. Young, Matt and Paul K. Strode. Why Evolution Works (and Creationism Fails). 2009. Rutgers University Press. Paperback: 243 pages. Price: $21.95 U.S. [Amazon: $15.80]. SUMMARY: This book is written for college students to give them an easy to understand overview of the evolution vs. creationism debate. But anyone interested in this debate will find this book useful! GrrlScientist comment: I just received this book from the publishers, and I am looking forward to reading and reviewing it.