1) Mudd Ruth, Maria. Skipstone. Paperback: 205 pages. Price:
PUBLISHER’S SUMMARY: The Bird with Flaming Red Feet
is a lively and heartfelt natural history of the Pigeon Guillemot, a
charismatic seabird with a surprising story to tell. Found along the
coast around the North Pacific and from Alaska to Southern California,
this talkative and often-overlooked bird plays an outsized role in the
health of marine ecosystem--earning its status as an "indicator
species," especially for Washington’s Puget Sound.
Author and
longtime volunteer surveyor Maria Mudd Ruth weaves together science,
field observation, and community storytelling in this engaging
exploration of one bird’s life. Drawing from over a decade of beachside
study, she dives deep into the guillemot’s behaviors, quirky traits, and
ecological relationships. Along the way, readers meet the passionate
citizen scientists who have built a unique community around caring for
and studying this vibrant bird.
Bridging the gap between field guide and memoir, The Bird with Flaming Red Feet
invites readers to slow down, look closely, and reconnect with the wild
places--and creatures--just outside their door. It’s a joyful call to
observation, stewardship, and a deeper understanding of our coastal
world.
RECOMMENDATION: This book is a MUST-HAVE for those with an interest in the Pigeon Guillemot!
2) Weidensaul, Scott. W. W. Norton & Company. Hardbound: 356 pages. Price: $
PUBLISHER’S SUMMARY: As populations fall and once-great migration multitudes wither away, the future of birds may seem grim. But surprisingly, from gnatcatchers and waterfowl to select groups of forest songbirds, some bird populations are soaring. Habitats and species that once neared extinction are now multiplying around the world because bird conservation is making things better.
The Return of the Oystercatcher explores the recovery efforts that are not only preventing declines in bird population, but helping birds to thrive. From the spectacular recovery of North American raptors, whose numbers have tripled in the last fifty years, to the mind-bending resurgence of the Canada goose in Maine―which increased its population by 146,000 percent during the same period―Scott Weidensaul shares amazing stories of hope and progress in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. Weidensaul also depicts the initiatives at the heart of this recovery, from the hyperlocal to the hemispherically immense: wetlands restoration, raptor protection, and bans on harmful pesticides, as well as the US Farm Bill and the preservation of sovereign lands by Indigenous communities. The result is a roadmap of breathtaking environmental resilience in some of the most unlikely places, including a tiny island in the middle of the Pacific, the vast boreal forest that stretches across Canada, a hereditary estate in England, and a watery wilderness at the edge of a Ukrainian war zone.
Because birds are so diverse, so ubiquitous, and cover virtually every square mile of the Earth’s surface, the fight to save the birds is also one to save the world. The Return of the Oystercatcher is an inspiring story of what’s working in bird conservation―and what can work for the rest of the planet.
RECOMMENDATION: If you enjoyed the author's other books, you should enjoy this one.
3)U.S.
The region is blessed with estuaries including Morecambe Bay, one of Britain's finest wetland sites and home to the largest wader roost in the country. The Ribble, Dee and Mersey offer further sanctuary to wildfowl and waders, while inland lie marshland sites such as Leighton Moss and Martin Mere, a lure to wintering swans and thousands of Pink-footed Geese.
Inland upland areas towards the Pennines host Dunlin, Ring Ouzel, Merlin, breeding plovers and the last English Twite population. Cheshire boasts breeding Black-necked Grebes at Woolston Eyes and productive wetland reserves such as Frodsham Marsh, Burton Mere Wetlands and Sandbach Flashes. The entire coastline can afford excellent seawatching, including charismatic Leach's Petrels in autumn storms.
Where to Watch Birds in Northwest England contains a comprehensive review of the region's significant birdwatching sites, providing all the information needed to make the most of each trip. With detailed maps, notes on access, when to visit and target species, this guide is an indispensable resource for any birder in this bird-rich corner of northern England.
5) Pen and Sword History. Hardbound: 194 pages. Price: $
PUBLISHER’S SUMMARY: Standing at the base of a towering cliff, the layers of rock
before you tell a story millions of years in the making. Few places on
Earth reveal this tale as vividly as the Jurassic Coast of southern
England. This book invites you to explore the geological,
paleontological, and human history of this remarkable region, with a
focus on the extraordinary life of Mary Anning.
Mary Anning, a
self-taught paleontologist of the early nineteenth century, made
groundbreaking fossil discoveries along the cliffs of Lyme Regis. Her
finds—ranging from great marine reptiles to ammonites—transformed our
understanding of extinction, deep time, and evolution. Mary’s
contributions not only advanced science but also sparked debates that
shaped the emerging field of paleontology.
Yet Mary’s story is
also deeply human. As a working-class woman in Georgian England, she
overcame societal barriers, navigating a world dominated by ‘gentlemen
naturalists.’ Her determination and expertise earned her recognition
from the prominent geologists of the time and even from figures like
Charles Dickens, who celebrated her achievements in his writings.
The
book goes beyond Mary’s life to explore the broader context of her era.
It examines the formation of the Jurassic Coast’s fossil-rich cliffs,
the rise of professional geology and paleontology, and the harmonious
interplay between faith and scientific discovery during the time. Mary’s
story is intertwined with those of other trailblazing women who also
defied societal norms to shape the emerging sciences. Together, they
formed a network of pioneering women whose contributions revolutionized
our understanding of Earth’s history.
This is not just a story of
fossils and science—it’s a tale of resilience, curiosity, and the
enduring impact of those who dared to challenge societal norms, leaving a
legacy that continues to inspire.
RECOMMENDATION: This book is a must-read for anyone with an interest in paleontological history.
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