New Titles

1) Arvin, John C.. Hummingbirds: Volume 1. 2016. Gorgas Science Foundation. Hardbound: 216 pages. Price: $60.00 U.S.
PUBLISHER'S SUMMARY: As the distinguished ornithologist Alfred Newton noted in 1881, “There is hardly a precious stone ruby, amethyst, sapphire, emerald, or topaz the name of which may not fitly, and without any exaggeration, be employed in regard to hummingbirds.”

     For thousands of years, these dazzling little birds have captivated and inspired mankind. Hummingbird symbols and impressions can be found in prehistoric petroglyphs, deities, totems, costumes, pottery, and more.
    From the world s smallest bird, the Cuban Bee Hummingbird, which weighs less than a penny, to the South American Sword-billed Hummingbird, the only bird which has a bill longer than the length of its own body, hummingbirds have adapted to live and thrive in an incredible assortment of habitats. Found only in the Americas, over 370 species range from Canada to Chile and the Caribbean islands.
    In celebration of these flying jewels, Gorgas Science Foundation has worked for years to publish volume one of a two volume set of large format, fine-art books which showcase the remarkable beauty and diversity of hummingbirds. Every species of hummingbird has been illustrated in a manner that showcases both male and female, an aspect of their behavior, and a glimpse into their natural environment.
    Measuring in at 12 x 16 inches in size, 216 pages in length, and containing 100 full color plates, which feature 127 species of hummingbird, this book is big, bold, and beautiful!
The first of a two volume set, this first volume showcases the 127 species of hummingbird found throughout North America, Central America, and the Caribbean Islands.
Proceeds from the sale of this volume will help go towards the production and publication of volume 2.
RECOMMENDATION: A MUST have for anyone with an interest in hummingbirds.

2) Snyder, David B. and George H. Burgess. Marine Fishes of Florida. 2016. Johns Hopkins University Press. Paperback: 373 pages. Price: $39.95 U.S.
PUBLISHER'S SUMMARY:The most comprehensive book about Florida’s marine fishes ever produced, Marine Fishes of Florida includes hundreds of photographs and descriptions of species you’ll encounter―plus many that are rare―when diving, snorkeling, kayaking, or fishing. Coverage includes both the Atlantic and Gulf coastline, from habitats near the shore to deeper waters. Fishes found in coastal rivers and other brackish waters are fully represented, as are offshore species that venture into Florida’s waters often enough to be called "occasional visitors."

     David B. Snyder and George H. Burgess intertwine personal observations with results from research studies to provide accurate―often surprising―details. The result is a set of beautifully succinct identification descriptions coupled with information about each species’ natural history.
     From the largest sharks to the smallest cryptic gobies, from homely toadfishes to the spectacularly colored reef fishes, this book is certain to help you better understand the fish you’ve seen or hooked.
     Features of Marine Fishes of Florida include:
     Color photographs by leading marine photographers· Differentiation of adult and juvenile forms· Coverage of 133 fish families and hundreds of species· Size and geographical range data· Natural history and conservation notes· Explanations of geologic history and current habitats
RECOMMENDATION: A well illustrated overview of the subject.