New Title

1) Talbott Roché, Cindy, Richard Brainerd, et al.. Field Guide to the Grasses of Oregon and Washington. 2019. Oregon State University Press. Paperback: 460 pages. Price: $35.00 U.S.
PUBLISHER'S SUMMARY: Field Guide to the Grasses of Oregon and Washington is an illustrated guide to all 376 species, subspecies, and varieties of grasses—both native and introduced—that grow wild in Oregon and Washington. It also has broad applicability in neighboring states and provinces. Grasses are important functional components in a variety of ecosystems and are highly valued for habitat restoration in numerous habitats, ranging from wetlands to deserts, and from sea level to alpine. They are important weeds and are also cultivated as ornamentals. This guide covers the entire spectrum of grasses from weedy invaders to rare native species.
     Identifying grasses can be challenging. The grass family is one of the most diverse plant families in the region, and differences between species can be both subtle and minute. This guide provides identification keys, species descriptions, photographs of each species (both in the field and through a microscope), habitats, and range maps. Users will especially appreciate the macrophotographs that illustrate hard-to-see, diagnostic features.
     Biologists, land managers, botanists, and consultants, as well as plant professionals, home gardeners, and amateur plant enthusiasts, will find this guide an indispensable reference for identifying all the grasses they encounter in the diverse habitats of Oregon and Washington.
RECOMMENDATION: For those with a serious interest in the grasses of the region.

New Title

1) Barnagaud, Jean-Yves, Nidal Issa, et al.. Where to Watch Birds in France. 2019. Pelagic Publishing. Paperback: 336 pages. Price: $32.99 U.S.
PUBLISHER'S SUMMARY: An introduction to France for anyone visiting with birds in mind, from casual birdwatchers checking a bird that flies over the terrace during a family holiday to addict birders who would sell their souls for a dream species or a record-breaking checklist. Some may have just a few spare hours to get their binoculars out between business meetings or museum visits, others will be out in the field for two weeks or more, from sunrise to sunset. The authors wrote this book for all bird lovers, birdwatchers and birders, whatever the duration of their stay, the number of kilometres they are prepared to travel and how they enjoy birds.

     With over 400 regularly occurring species, of which 357 normally breed or winter, France has arguably one of the most diverse avifaunas of the whole of Europe, spanning an incredible range from colourful Mediterranean flagship species such as roller, bee-eater or black-winged kite to secretive cold-climate or mountain specialists like three-toed woodpecker and Tengmalm’s owl. The Birdfinder section provides targeted details for 30 species which often rank in the top wish-list of birders visiting France.

     Dividing the country into 14 regions, the authors highlight 312 representative sites, chosen for their bird species composition and ease of access. The selected sites enable the reader to see the widest possible species diversity and largest range of local specialities in a reasonable time, while respecting the basic ethical rules obvious to all birdwatchers. Whenever possible, sites are arranged in clusters or itineraries that can be covered in two to three days without hurrying. To supplement the use of the book in the field, all the sites described are geolocated in a file that can be downloaded from the publisher’s website and loaded onto any GPS device.

RECOMMENDATION: A must have for those birding France.

New Title

1) Molina-Pérez, Rubén and Asier Larramendi. Dinosaur Facts and Figures: The Theropods and Other Dinosauriformes. 2019. Princeton University Press. Hardbound: 288 pages. Price: $29.95 U.S.
PUBLISHER'S SUMMARY: An illustrated record book of theropod facts and figures―from the biggest to the fastest to the smartest.
     The theropod dinosaurs ruled the planet for millions of years, with species ranging from the mighty Tyrannosaurus rex to feathered raptors no bigger than turkeys. Dinosaur Facts and Figures is a stunningly illustrated book of records for these marvelous creatures―such as the biggest, the smallest, and the fastest theropods, as well as the ones with the most powerful bite.
     This one-of-a-kind compendium features more than 3,000 records, covers some 750 theropod species, and includes a wealth of illustrations ranging from diagrams and technical drawings to full-color reconstructions of specimens. The book is divided into sections that put numerous amazing theropod facts at your fingertips. “Comparing Species” is organized by taxonomic group and gives comparisons of the size of species, how long ago they lived, and when they were discovered. “Mesozoic Calendar” includes spreads showing the positions of the continents at different geological time periods and reconstructions of creatures from each period. “Prehistoric Puzzle” compares bones, teeth, and feathers while “Theropod Life” uses vivid, user-friendly graphics to answer questions such as which dinosaur was the smartest and which had the most powerful bite. Other sections chart theropod distribution on the contemporary world map, provide comprehensive illustrated listings of footprints, compile the physical specifications of all known theropods and Mesozoic birds, and much more.

• The essential illustrated record book for anyone interested in dinosaurs
• Features thousands of records on everything from the smartest and fastest theropods to the largest theropod eggs
• Includes more than 2,000 diagrams and drawings and more than 300 digital reconstructions
• Covers more than 750 theropod species, including Mesozoic birds and other dinosauromorphs
• Provides detailed listings of footprints, biometric specifications, and scholarly and popular references

RECOMMENDATION: A must have for those with an interest in theropod dinosaurs.

New Title

1) Bond, Alan B. and Judy Diamond. Thinking Like a Parrot: Perspectives from the Wild. 2019. The University of Chicago Press. Hardbound: 267 pages. Price: $35.00 U.S.
PUBLISHER'S SUMMARY: People form enduring emotional bonds with other animal species, such as dogs, cats, and horses. For the most part, these are domesticated animals, with one notable exception: many people form close and supportive relationships with parrots, even though these amusing and curious birds remain thoroughly wild creatures. What enables this unique group of animals to form social bonds with people, and what does this mean for their survival?
     In Thinking like a Parrot, Alan B. Bond and Judy Diamond look beyond much of the standard work on captive parrots to the mischievous, inquisitive, and astonishingly vocal parrots of the wild. Focusing on the psychology and ecology of wild parrots, Bond and Diamond document their distinctive social behavior, sophisticated cognition, and extraordinary vocal abilities. Also included are short vignettes—field notes on the natural history and behavior of both rare and widely distributed species, from the neotropical crimson-fronted parakeet to New Zealand’s flightless, ground-dwelling kākāpō. This composite approach makes clear that the behavior of captive parrots is grounded in the birds’ wild ecology and evolution, revealing that parrots’ ability to bond with people is an evolutionary accident, a by-product of the intense sociality and flexible behavior that characterize their lives.
     Despite their adaptability and intelligence, however, nearly all large parrot species are rare, threatened, or endangered. To successfully manage and restore these wild populations, Bond and Diamond argue, we must develop a fuller understanding of their biology and the complex set of ecological and behavioral traits that has led to their vulnerability. Spanning the global distribution of parrot species, Thinking like a Parrot is rich with surprising insights into parrot intelligence, flexibility, and—even in the face of threats—resilience.
RECOMMENDATION: For those with a keen interest in parrot biology.