New Titles

                                                                              
1) Mattison, Chris. Frogs and Toads of the World. 2011. Princeton University Press. Hardbound: 192 pages. Price: $29.95 U.S.

SUMMARY: With nearly 6,000 species currently identified, frogs and toads are the most familiar and abundant amphibians on the planet. Frogs and Toads of the World is a comprehensive guide to the natural history of this large and diverse group of creatures. Stunningly illustrated throughout with 200 color photographs, this one-of-a-kind book traces the evolution and classification of frogs and toads, providing detailed information about each of the 49 unique families and highlighting distinctive and notable species. It vividly describes their remarkable diversity in shape, color, and markings; anatomy and development; life cycle; habitats; the various methods they use to attract mates and hunt for food; and the physiological and behavioral tricks they use to survive and thrive around the world.
     This indispensable guide also explores frogs' interaction with humans, from modern-day collection for the meat trade, scientific research, and the trade in exotic pets to how their survival is being threatened by habitat destruction, climate change, and disease.

*A comprehensive guide to the natural history of frogs and toads
*Features 200 stunning color photographs
*Covers each of the 49 unique frog families
*Describes anatomy, life cycle, habitats, survival tricks, and more.

RECOMMENDATION: A good general introduction on the subject.


                                                         
                                                                               
2) Tveit, Bjorn Olav. A Birdwatcher's Guide to Norway. 2011. Orn Forlag. Paperback: 471 pages. Price: 44 EUR (about $62.09 U.S.).
SUMMARY: For the first time ever, here is a guide to the birdwatching sites of Norway, including the arctic archipelago of Svalbard (Spitsbergen). More than 350 sites are covered with detailed maps and descriptions on what to see, when to go and how to get there on your own. The book includes famous places such as Finnmark, Varanger, Pasvik, Lofoten, Utsira, Lista and Jæren, and shows you many of the best birds near cities such as Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, Stavanger and Tromsø.
     Here are also suggestions and advice on how to find the most sought-after species, including Lesser White-fronted Goose, King Eider, Steller’s Eider, Smew, Hazel Grouse, Rock Ptarmigan, Capercaillie, White-billed Diver, Storm Petrel, White-tailed Eagle, Gyr Falcon, Dotterel, Broad-billed Sandpiper, Ruff, Jack Snipe, Great Snipe, Grey Phalarope, Long-tailed Skua, Ross’s Gull, Ivory Gull, Sabine’s Gull, Brünnich’s Guillemot, Little Auk, Puffin, Eagle Owl, Snowy Owl, Hawk Owl, Ural Owl, Great Grey Owl, Black Woodpecker, Three-toed Woodpecker, Red-throated Pipit, Waxwing, Thrush Nightingale, Bluethroat, Barred Warbler, Arctic Warbler, Bearded Tit, Siberian Tit, Siberian Jay, Arctic Redpoll, Parrot Crossbill, Common Rosefinch, Pine Grosbeak, Rustic Bunting, Little Bunting and many more.
RECOMMENDATION: A must have for those birding in Norway! The book can be ordered here: http://www.ornforlag.no/BirdwatchersGuideNorway                              This title is now available from Buteo Books here:
http://www.buteobooks.com/product/13520.html

                                                                              
3) Wild, Cole (with Nicholas Komar). Wild Birding Colorado: The Big Year of 2010. 2011. Outskirts Press. Paperback: 136 pages. Price: $19.95 U.S.
SUMMARY: This book provides the thrilling account of Cole Wild’s amazing feat of establishing the record for most Colorado bird species seen in one year, a Colorado BIG YEAR. The text is a treasure trove of birding tips for where and when to find some of the state’s most elusive species, such as Boreal Owl and Black Swift. One chapter recounts the discovery near Denver of a Ross's Gull, which attracted thousands of birders from around the country. Photos of some of the rarer finds and the complete checklist are included. This book is a must read for anyone interested in birds and birding in Colorado, and for birders everywhere, experts and novices alike.
RECOMMENDATION: If you enjoy reading about birding big years, you should enjoy this book.