1) Peacock, Faansie. Chamberlain's Waders: The Definitive Guide to Southern Africa's Shorebirds. 2016. Pavo Publishing. Paperback: 256 pages. Price: £29.99 (about $37.00 U.S.).
PUBLISHER'S SUMMARY: Waders, or shorebirds, represent only a small percentage of the world's birds, but are unparalleled in popularity among birders. Why? Identifying these seemingly anonymous grey birds, through a combination of shape, plumage and behaviour, is one of the most rewarding challenges in birding – and the possibility of finding a rarity is an ever-present drawcard. Despite their delicate appearance, waders thrive in some of the most inhospitable environments on the planet thanks to remarkable structural and behavioural adaptations, dynamic life cycles and dramatic global migrations.
More than two years in the making, this unique, lavishly illustrated book will help you not only to identify waders with confidence, but also to understand and enjoy these inspirational birds. It is the ultimate resource on the identification and biology of Southern Africa's wader species. However, because of waders' incredible worldwide migrations, most of the species in Chamberlain's Waders will also be familiar with readers from other regions of the world (only 30 of Southern Africa's 80 waders are NOT migratory).
What makes Chamberlain's Waders different from other titles on waders? Firstly, it is written from a Southern Hemisphere perspective, unlike most European and American books. This shift of focus completely changes the picture. Secondly, it explains wader identification based on a background of biology and ecology – instead of just listing all the tedious identification details. Thirdly, it is so much more than just a field guide. Some paragraphs really read like a love letter written to waders – in celebration of their beauty, adaptability and triumph over seemingly insurmountable challenges.
PUBLISHER'S SUMMARY: Almost a quarter of Southern Africa's bird species, and half of its endemics, are Little Brown Jobs (LBJs). All birders experience some degree of trepidation when confronted by Ornithologicum nightmariensis, and this potentially confusing group is shunned by most beginners and many experienced birders too. However, LBJs include some of the region's most spectacular, thrilling, interesting, sought-after and memorable birds. This eagerly anticipated new book, four years in the making, will not only help you to confidently identify LBJs, but also understand and enjoy these remarkable birds.
- Includes more than 230 species of LBJs.
- Over 1200 superb original paintings by the author.
- Innovative design and layout to facilitate identification.
- Lifelike thumbnail illustrations show the bird in its typical habitat and as it really looks in the field.
- Juveniles and important subspecies depicted throughout.
- In-flight illustrations, from above and below.
- Detailed, multi-colour distribution maps compiled from the latest atlas data, and including subspecies and abundance.
- Fascination insights into LBJ biology, classification and names.
- Useful tips and techniques to help you find and identify LBJs.
RECOMMENDATION: Both these books are a MUST have for those birding Southern Africa! I wish we had similair LBJs guides for here in the Northern Hemisphere.
Exceptional! <3
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