New Titles

1) Bugas Jr., Paul E. et al.. Field Guide to Freshwater Fishes of Virginia. 2019. Johns Hopkins University Press. Paperback: 195 pages. Price: $27.95 U.S.
PUBLISHER'S SUMMARY: In Field Guide to Freshwater Fishes of Virginia, the foremost experts on Commonwealth fishes bring their decades of field experience to readers, offering a complete reference to the fishes of the entire state of Virginia. Gathering information that until now could only be found scattered across numerous reference works and online databases, this book provides everything you need to know to identify fish families and species in the Virginia region.

Covering how to collect, handle, observe, conserve, and protect these unique fishes, the book's key features include:

• more than 175 vibrant, full-color illustrations, set side by side with descriptions of each fish
• helpful line drawings that depict the most reliable diagnostic characteristics for field identifications (e.g., snout shape, pigment patterns, mouth morphology)
• descriptions of Virginia's freshwater habitats
• examples of incredible fish spawning and feeding behavior
• tips on observing fish in the wild and in captivity
• a chapter on the taxonomy of family and common names of the fish species most common throughout Virginia
• up-to-date fish distribution maps
• a complete glossary of terms
Providing a fascinating foray into the wonders of the Commonwealth's swimmers, Field Guide to Freshwater Fishes of Virginia will appeal to scientists, naturalists, teachers, native fish aquarists, students, anglers, and fish collectors.

RECOMMENDATION: A must have for anyone with an interest in the freshwater fishes of Virginia.

2) Hume, Rob et al.. British Birds: A Pocket Guide. 2019. Princeton University Press. Paperback: 272 pages. Price: $12.99 U.S.
PUBLISHER'S SUMMARY: A carefully designed and lavishly illustrated photographic guide.
     This innovative and carefully designed photographic guide provides a concise introduction to the identification of the 246 birds most likely to be seen in Great Britain and Ireland. It is the perfect book for anyone wanting to put a name to the birds in their garden, local area or on visits farther afield. Packed with hundreds of stunning photos showing the birds in their many variations, and written and designed by a team of experienced birdwatchers, this is the ideal companion for anyone interested in learning more about the wild birds around us.

• Covers the 246 birds most likely to be seen, plus another 30 or so scarce but regular migrants
• Carefully designed to be user-friendly and accessible
• Lavishly illustrated with more than 1,000 stunning colour photographs
• Easy to use and written in plain English  

RECOMMENDATION: A well illustrated introduction to the birds of Britain and Ireland.