New Title

                                                                              
1) Wells, Jeffrey V. (editor). Boreal Birds of North America: A Hemispheric View of Their Conservation Links and Significance. 2011. University of California Press. Hardbound: 136 pages. Price: $39.95 U.S.

SUMMARY: Reaching from interior Alaska across Canada to Labrador and Newfoundland, North America’s boreal forest is the largest wilderness area left on the planet. It is critical habitat for billions of birds; more than 300 species regularly breed there. After the breeding season, many boreal birds migrate to seasonal habitats across the United States, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. This volume brings together new research on boreal bird biology and conservation. It highlights the importance of the region to the global avifauna and to the connectivity between the boreal forest and ecoregions throughout the Americas. The contributions showcase a unique set of perspectives on the migration, wintering ecology, and conservation of bird communities that are tied to the boreal forest in ways that may not have been previously considered. This title is Studies In Avian Biology # 41.
RECOMMENDATION: For those with a technical interest in the ecology of boreal birds.

The Weekly Birdbooker Report

                                        Photo copyright: Joe Fuhrman

My WEEKLY Birdbooker Report can be found here:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/punctuated-equilibrium/2011/oct/30/1

FEATURED TITLE

                                                                              
1) Dunn, Jon L. and Jonathan Alderfer. National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America (Sixth Edition). 2011. National Geographic Society. Paperback: 574 pages. Price: $27.95 U.S.
SUMMARY: National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America, 6th Edition contains the most all-new material since the first edition was published more than 25 years ago. The 6th and latest edition includes 300 new art figures (mostly of rarities and subspecies); unique subspecies maps never before seen in a field guide (detailed maps for 27 species are in a separate appendix, less detailed maps for 59 species are in the main text). extensive migration information overlaid on species maps (colored dark yellow for Spring/Autumn migration range, green for Spring range, pale yellow for Autumn range on the maps) ; field-mark labels on all artwork (this feature was added to the Western/Eastern guides from 2008); text updates to include (23, mostly rarities) new species; reorganization reflecting taxonomic changes in the bird community (AOU Checklist supplements); organization, readability, and increased page count (from 503 pages in the 5th to 574 pages in the 6th) with a fresh new design. The Visual Index To Bird Families on the front and rear flaps is retained from the Western/Eastern guides. Major artwork changes are made to the following groups: Anser Geese, Storm-Petrels, Sea-Eagles, long-billed Rails (they look too dark to me), Rhinoceros Auklet and Pacific Puffins, Cuculus Cuckoos, Nightjars, Crows and Ravens, Cistothorus Wrens, Kinglets (although they didn't get the leg color on the Golden-crowned Kinglet quite right), Phylloscopus Warblers, Palm Warbler,  Waterthrushes, Chipping/Clay-colored/Brewer's Sparrows, Savannah Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Emberiza Buntings, Passerina Buntings, Brown-headed Cowbird, Rosy-Finches, Carpodacus Finches. This is a MAJOR revision of the guide!
RECOMMENDATION: This title is a MUST have for every birder interested in North American birds, even if you own previous editions of this book! To enter a giveaway related to this book go to FACEBOOK here: http://www.facebook.com/NatGeoBooks?sk=app_250583268326247

Buteo Books Link

FEATURED TITLE

                                                                              
1) Clement, Peter, Alan Harris and John Davis. Finches and Sparrows. 1993 (reprinted 2011). Helm Identification Guides. Hardbound: 500 pages. Price: 65.00 GBP (about $104.90 U.S.).

SUMMARY: This is a guide to true finches (Fringillidae and Estrildidae) and (Old World) sparrows (Passeridae) illustrating all the species, many races and most sex and age variations, with almost 950 portraits. The maps accompanying the illustrations show breeding and wintering ranges for all species. Although the guide is not primarily intended for cagebird enthusiasts, it will also be useful for those wishing to know more about the species encountered in captivity.
RECOMMENDATION: This is a reprint, NOT a new edition of the 1993 book. If you missed out on getting the book the first time, here's a second chance!

                                                        1993 Cover

Remainder Alert

     Just returned from Half Price Books and bought two books being remaindered by Yale University Press for $9.99 each: The Gyrfalcon by Potapov and Sale and Seabirds: A Natural History by Gaston. For the nearest Half Price Books store nearest you, go here: http://www.hpb.com/stores/

New Titles

                                                                              
1) Barnard, Peter C.. The Royal Entomological Society Book of British Insects. 2011. Wiley-Blackwell. Hardbound: 383 pages. Price: 39.95 GBP (about $64.01 U.S.).

SUMMARY: The Royal Entomological Society (RES) and Wiley-Blackwell are proud to present this landmark publication, celebrating the wonderful diversity of the insects of the British Isles, and the work of the RES (founded 1833).
     This book is the only modern systematic account of all 558 families of British insects, covering not just the large and familiar groups that are included in popular books, but even the smallest and least known. It is beautifully illustrated throughout in full colour with photographs by experienced wildlife photographers to show the range of diversity, both morphological and behavioural, among the 24,000 species.
     All of the 6,000 genera of British insects are listed and indexed, along with all the family names and higher groups. There is a summary of the classification, biology and economic importance of each family together with further references for detailed identification. All species currently subject to legal protection in the United Kingdom are also listed.
     The Royal Entomological Society is one of the oldest and most prestigious of its kind in the world. It is the leading organisation for professional entomologists and its main aim has always been the promotion of knowledge about insects. The RES began its famous Handbooks for the Identification of British Insects in 1949, and new works in that series continue to be published. The Royal Entomological Society Book of British Insects has been produced to demonstrate the on-going commitment of the RES to educate and encourage each generation to study these fascinating creatures.
     This is a key reference work for serious students of entomology and amateur entomologists, as well as for professionals who need a comprehensive source of information about the insect groups of the British Isles they may be less familiar with.

RECOMMENDATION: A thorough introduction to the insects of Britain! You can read Chapter 8 here: http://media.wiley.com/product_data/excerpt/62/14443325/1444332562-3.pdf

                                                                              

                                                                              
2) Molenaar, Dee. The Challenge of Rainier: A Record of the Explorations and Ascents, Triumphs and Tragedies on the Northwest's Greatest Mountain, 4th Edition. 2011. The Mountaineers Books. Paperback: 432 pages. Price: $24.95 U.S.

SUMMARY: Originally published in 1971, The Challenge of Rainier is a classic in mountaineering reference and literature, long considered the definitive work on the climbing history of Mount Rainier.
     Author Dee Molenaar covers geology, glaciology, and climate; early climbs dating before 1900; the pioneering efforts on over 35 routes in winter and summer; notable summit climbs; mountain tragedies on the steep slopes; and the guides who have led summit seekers over the years. For the 40th anniversary edition new information includes more recent ascents, rescues, mountain guides, and climbing trends; updated statistics through 2010; and a new foreword by famed climber (and former Rainier guide) Ed Viesturs.
RECOMMENDATION: A must have for those with an interest in the modern human history of Mt Rainier, Washington State, USA.

Reprinted Title

                                                                              
1) Bach, Richard. Jonathan Livingston Seagull: A Story. 1970 (reprinted 2011). Harper Element. Hardbound: 87 pages. Price: 8.99 GBP (about $14.38 U.S.).

SUMMARY: Jonathan Livingston Seagull, the most celebrated inspirational fable of our time, tells the story of a bird determined to be more than ordinary. Now at its 40th anniversary, this bestselling modern classic is released in a beautiful celebratory hardback. This is the perfect gift for anyone who has the courage to follow their dreams.
     ‘Most gulls don’t bother to learn more than the simplest facts of flight – how to get from shore to food and back again,’ writes author Richard Bach in this allegory about a unique bird named Jonathan Livingston Seagull. ‘For most gulls it is not flying that matters, but eating. For this gull, though, it was not eating that mattered, but flight.’ Flight is indeed the metaphor that makes this story soar. This bestselling modern classic is a fable about seeking a higher purpose in life, even if your flock, tribe or neighbourhood finds your ambition threatening. It has shown generations to believe in themselves and make their own goals: by not compromising his higher vision, Jonathan earns life’s greatest reward - transcendence. This stunning 40th anniversary edition of a spirituality classic celebrates the timelessness of the story and the inspiration it has brought to thousands: the perfect gift for anyone who knows there is more to life than following the flock.
RECOMMENDATION: I remember reading this book as a kid and I'm glad to see this 40th anniversary edition. Reread it or share it with the next generation!