New Title

                                                                              
1) Ernst, Carl H. and Evelyn M. Ernst. Venomous Reptiles of the United States, Canada, and Northern Mexico (Volume 2). 2012. Johns Hopkins University Press. Hardbound: 391 pages. Price: $75.00 U.S.

SUMMARY: Carl H. and Evelyn M. Ernst have completely revised their landmark reference Venomous Reptiles of North America to present the most comprehensive review of these animals in years.
     The first volume contains species accounts of the venomous lizards and elapid and viperid snakes found north of Mexico's twenty-fifth parallel. Volume 2 of this definitive work covers the twenty-one species of the genus Crotalus (rattlesnakes) found in the United States, Canada, and, for the first time, those found in northern Mexico.
     Mixing their own research with careful data description and intriguing stories, Ernst and Ernst present the most accurate and interesting view of North America's rattlesnakes available. They provide general background information on Crotalus, including venom delivery systems, how rattles function, what rattlesnakes eat, and what eats rattlesnakes. Additionally, they offer specific and fascinating details, such as observations of rattlesnakes swimming to offshore islands, accounts of male combat bouts, possible "anting" behavior in Crotalus viridis, and the features of the Santa Catalina Island rattleless rattlesnake. Each species account includes vivid photographs, range maps, and explanations of the limits to their respective distribution.
     Presenting the latest research on venomous reptiles in the United States, Canada, and northern Mexico and featuring an extensive bibliography of literature on the subject, this volume contains a wealth of information for anyone with an interest in venom, snakes, or herpetology in general.
RECOMMENDATION: A must have for anyone studying venomous reptiles of the region!

New Title

                                                                              
1) Feldhamer, George A. and William J. McShea. Deer: The Animal Answer Guide. 2012. Johns Hopkins University Press. Paperback: 163 pages. Price: $24.95 U.S.

SUMMARY: Think of deer and the image that pops into most American's minds is that of a white-tailed deer, the most common large mammal in North America. Most Europeans are more familiar with red deer. It may surprise many people to know that there are actually about 50 species of deer found throughout the world. Here, readers will find nontechnical, expert information about the wide range of diverse deer species.
     Did you know that elk and caribou are deer? Or that the earliest fossils of deer are 15 to 20 million years old? Have you ever wondered whether deer swim, play, or see color? How do deer avoid predators and survive the winter? Do deer make good pets or carry contagious diseases? George A. Feldhamer and William J. McShea answer these and other intriguing questions about members of the deer family Cervidae.
     From the diminutive pudu of South America that weighs 17 pounds to male moose that weigh close to 2,000 pounds, Feldhamer and McShea explore the biology, evolution, ecology, feeding habits, reproduction, and behavior of deer. They chronicle the relationships between humans and deer—both positive and negative—and discuss the challenges of deer conservation and management.
     With vivid color photographs and an accessible and engaging question-and-answer format, this easy-to-read book is the go-to resource on deer. Nature lovers, hunters, and anyone curious about deer will find this fact-filled book both fascinating and full of surprises.
RECOMMENDATION: A good introduction into the biology of deer.

The Weekly Birdbooker Report

                                      Photo copyright: Joe Fuhrman
                                                                              
My WEEKLY Birdbooker Report can be found here: http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/grrlscientist/2012/jan/08/1

New CD

                                                                              
1) Connop, Scott. Birdsongs of the Northern Neotropics: Southern Mexico to Costa Rica. 2011. Turaco Nature. CD with booklet. Price: $20.00 U.S.

SUMMARY: The Neotropics are known for their sheer numbers of species in relation to tropical forests globally, and it has more than its share of the gaudy and spectacular. This compilation highlights many of the birds that have made tropical birding so thrilling for me. I have always emphasized rare or difficult-to-find species: target birds that often required a knowledge of voice as an aid to their discovery. For this initial volume of neotropical birdsongs, I have added other parameters in determining the playlist. A number of the species on this CD represent favourite moments, favourite species or families, or noteworthy vocal comparisons. Or they are just stunning birds that epitomize birding in the Middle American Neotropics. Great Curassow, Resplendent Quetzal, and Long-tailed Manakin fall into this category while also having very intriguing vocalizations. On the other hand, Rufous-browed Tyrannulet, Black-capped Pygmy-Tyrant and Ochre-breasted Antpitta represent simple sounds that birders often walk right by without realizing the significance of the source.
     The production coverage is southern Mexico to Costa Rica and include a few of the fascinating rarities of Oaxaca and Guerrero in complement to the lowland jungle birds that abound in the Mayan ruins of Belize and Tikal. Costa Rican species are prevalent on the CD as this country has exerted such a powerful influence on ecotourism for North American and overseas birders alike. Orange-breasted Falcon, Tawny-chested Flycatcher, Keel-billed Motmot and Wrenthrush represent some of the more obscure and poorly known birds that are included, whereas there are tinamous, quail-doves, owls, leaftossers, antpittas, wrens, and, of course, numerous flycatchers. From the wavering tremolo of the ultra-shy Fulvous-bellied Antpitta to the haunting crepuscular cry of the normally conspicuous but ultra-cool Laughing Falcon, Birdsongs of the Northern Neotropics features a wide spectrum of the birds that make the Neotropics the most sought-after birding experience on the planet.
     The CD's are shrink-wrapped in slim design cases.
RECOMMENDATION: This CD covers 99 species. Both the English and Scientific names are announced on the CD. The only problem I had with the CD is that the slim design case broke apart when I opened it! It's available in the USA from Buteo Books and in the UK from NHBS.

Audubon up for auction

                                                                              
From finebooksmagazine.com: Coming up later this month [20 January 2012] at Christie's [of New York City], the Duke of Portland's four-volume set of John James Audubon's Birds of America, the most expensive book ever sold at auction. Estimated at $7-10 million, bibliophiles will wait with bated breath to find out if the duke's Birds will break the current world record of $11.5 million, set at Sotheby's sale of Lord Hesketh's rare books and manuscripts in December of 2010. See more here:
http://www.finebooksmagazine.com/fine_books_blog/2012/01/the-worlds-most-expensive-book-at-auction.phtml?utm_source=fbnotes&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20120105

For those that can't afford this set, I recommend this title:



For more information of Audubon and his art try these titles:

John James Audubon: The Making of An American
Audubon Art Prints
The Double Elephant Folio

New Title

                                                                              
1) Fitter, Julian and Don Merton. A Field Guide to the Birds of New Zealand. 2011. Princeton University Press. Paperback: 288 pages. Price: $24.95 U.S.

SUMMARY: New Zealand is commonly described as "the land of birds." Now, there is an easy-to-use guide for all those interested in this country's remarkable bird population. A Field Guide to the Birds of New Zealand contains over 600 stunning photographs of the more than 350 bird species likely to be seen in this area of the world. Comprehensive and compact, the book includes full descriptions of all native species and regular visitors, distribution maps and measurements, key information on national parks, and useful information on ongoing conservation efforts in the country. Filled with handy tips for nature enthusiasts wanting to make the most of their trip, this is the only bird guide that anyone exploring this region will need.

This guide features:

*600+ color photographs feature more than 350 bird species with full descriptions
*Distribution maps and measurements
*Key information on national parks helps readers find the best spots for bird sightings
*Useful information on conservation efforts
*Guidelines on sensible behavior for encountering nature at its best

RECOMMENDATION: This title was published in the U.K. as "Collins Traveller's Guide: Birds of New Zealand." It's probably the best photographic guide to the birds of New Zealand currently available.

Buteo Books Link

The Weekly Birdbooker Report

                                        Photo copyright: Joe Fuhrman

                                                                              
My WEEKLY Birdbooker Report can be found here:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/grrlscientist/2012/jan/01/1