Pete Dunne's Essential Field Guide Companion: A Comprehensive Resource for Identifying North American BirdsFrom the award-winning birder and author of Birds of Prey, an authoritative, information-packed guide to distinguishing North American birds. In this book, bursting with more information than any field guide could hold, the well-known author and birder Pete Dunne introduces readers to the “Cape May School of Birding.” It's an approach to identification that gives equal or more weight to a bird's structure and shape and the observer's overall impression (often called GISS, for General Impression of Size and Shape) than to specific field marks. After determining the most likely possibilities by considering such factors as habitat and season, the birder uses characteristics such as size, shape, color, behavior, flight pattern, and vocalizations to identify a bird. The book provides an arsenal of additional hints and helpful clues to guide a birder when, even after a review of a field guide, the identification still hangs in the balance. This supplement to field guides shares the knowledge and skills that expert birders bring to identification challenges. Birding should be an enjoyable pursuit for beginners and experts alike, and Pete Dunne combines a unique playfulness with the work of identification. Readers will delight in his nicknames for birds, from the Grinning Loon and Clearly the Bathtub Duck to Bronx Petrel and Chicken Garnished with a Slice of Mango and a Dollop of Raspberry Sherbet. |
From inside the book
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... first intimacy with birds , remain in my care today . This book is dedicated to the unknown German soldier . And to my father , who likewise doesn't need them anymore . Acknowledgments It has taken more than four years to move.
... move this project from concept to completion . During this time an unholy number of individuals , institutions , colleagues , and friends lent their counsel and support , and it is no exaggeration to say that this book could not have ...
... move and assume different postures, often treating observers to views that are not replicated in guides and demonstrating mannerisms that are difficult or impossible to get across in a photo or illustration. Behavior can be as ...
... moves forward without deviating from its course. Example: American Crow. WANDERING OR TACKING: The bird angles left ... move forward. Example: Sharp-shinned Hawk. OPEN-WINCED CLIDE: The bird glides with wings open and fanned. Example ...
... move between roosting and feeding areas at dawn and dusk , announcing their arrival with their distinctive squealing call . Commonly seen in flocks , but singles , pairs , and foursomes are frequently encountered ( especially in flight ) ...
Contents
LOONS | |
ALBATROSSES | |
STORMPETRELS | |
PELICANS | |
HERONS EGRETS AND IBIS | |
STORKS VULTURES AND FLAMINGOS | |
RAILS COOTS LIMPKIN AND CRANES | |
SHOREBIRDSPLOVERS AND SANDPIPERS | |
SKUAS AND JAEGERS | |
TERNS AND SKIMMER | |
ALCIDSAUKS MURRES AND PUFFINS | |
Other editions - View all
Pete Dunne's Essential Field Guide Companion: A Comprehensive Resource for ... Pete Dunne No preview available - 2013 |