Why Do Birds Sing?
An engaging and insightful exploration of one of nature's most beautiful mysteries--why birds sing. At first glance, the question seems simple. But the answer reveals a world of extraordinary intelligence, communication, and complexity. Throughout history, birdsong has inspired art, poetry, and music, lifted human spirits, and brought backyards to life. Yet few of us stop to wonder--who are the birds singing to, and what are they trying to say? In Why Do Birds Sing?, Dr. Gr獺inne Creary unpacks the science and wonder behind avian communication. Just as human infants learn to speak, young birds learn their songs by listening and practicing until they get them right. They adjust pitch, tone, and rhythm depending on who they're "talking" to and what they want to express--whether it's to attract a mate, defend territory, or warn of danger. Filled with fascinating facts and delightful observations, this book offers a new appreciation for the intelligence and emotion behind every chirp and melody. After reading it, you'll never listen to birdsong the same way again. Praise for Why Do Birds Sing?: "This book is a bible for bird lovers. And if you're not a bird lover... you will be after reading this!" - Ben Fordham "This book will forever change the way you listen to birdsong." - Chris Bath
Bird City
For readers of What an Owl Knows and The World Without Us, this infectiously impassioned tour of the five New York City boroughs offers city dwellers and bird lovers everywhere a surprising, delightful new view of the concrete jungle--through its abundant and diverse bird population Ryan Goldberg came to birding unexpectedly, but as many first-timers do after seeing their "spark" bird, he fell hard. Enamored with the incredible variety of species that pass through his hometown of New York City, and with the other passionate birders he meets, he embarks on a year of reporting on the natural wonders hiding amidst the skyscrapers. He learns that millions of birds migrate through the city each year--more than four hundred different species have been found in New York, many more than in Yellowstone National Park. Through the four seasons, Goldberg takes readers to all five boroughs, through the city's most famous parks and landmarks. He pursues rare and common species alike, increasing his count and deepening his understanding of how and why birds make their home in this smoggy, noisy, concrete-coated environment. Along the way, he meets many delightful and idiosyncratic characters, both human and feathered. Richly textured, informative, and uplifting, Bird City will inspire fast-walking New Yorkers, the ever-growing birding community, and readers everywhere who think of "nature" as just a place to visit on Saturdays to slow down and look around them. There's a lot more than pigeons in our city skies.
The Wonder of Insects: Uncovering Their Hidden World
Introducing 70 of the world's most dazzling, extraordinary and, at times, disturbing insects. In this richly illustrated and engaging book, you'll discover their remarkable adaptations, intricate worlds and the surprising ways they impact our own lives. Many of these insects that represent peak biological innovation. By sharing their amazing physical attributes - from wings to antennae, iridescence to camouflage, microscopic Fairy Wasps to Goliath Beetles - entomologist and zoologist Ross Piper reveals the fascinating stories of insect origins, mating rituals and survival, as well as their resonance in culture and history. With large-scale, detailed illustrations by Carim Nahaboo, The Wonder of Insects is a celebration of these endlessly fascinating and important creatures.
The Philosophy of Bird Watching
The Philosophy of Bird Watching invites you to look at birding as more than a pastime-it is a way of seeing and a way of being. Each chapter follows a different theme, from freedom and beauty to time, inclusivity, and joy, weaving together philosophy, psychology, literature, and natural history. Along the way, you'll encounter Zen teachings on presence, Nietzsche's eagle and serpent, the ethics of ecology, and the quiet intimacy of garden birds.This is a book for lifelong birders, thoughtful wanderers, and anyone who has ever paused at the sound of wings overhead. Both reflective and practical, it offers companionship and insight, showing how attention to birds can open us to wonder, reshape our sense of time, and deepen how we live in the world.
World's Greatest Horse Stories
The American horse is "a canvas on which we've painted American identity." For the more than two million horse owners in the United States and the countless others who dream of riding, here is a collection offering the best writing about horses from America's best writers. "Horse Whisperer" Buck Brannaman, New York Time's best-seller Melinda Roth, and a dozen other writers offer engaging stories that will if not keep you in the saddle at least have you reading comfortably for hours in your favorite chair-- including the classic Black Beauty, admiring portraits of historic thoroughbreds Secretariat and Citation, and life with bucking broncos, wild mustangs, and every type of horse in between.
The Book of Frogs
An up-to-date, beautifully illustrated, and beloved guide to six hundred of the world's most fascinating frogs. With almost nine thousand known species, frogs display a stunning array of forms and behaviors. A single gram of the toxin produced by the skin of the Golden Poison Frog can kill one hundred thousand people. Male Darwin's Frogs carry their tadpoles in their vocal sacs for sixty days before coughing them out into the world. And the Wood Frogs of North America freeze every winter, reanimating in the spring. The Book of Frogs documents the diversity and magnificence of all these anurans and many more. Readers meet six hundred of nature's most fascinating frogs, with each entry including a distribution map, illustrations, species identification, natural history, and conservation status. Color photos show the frogs at their actual size--from Papua New Guinea's diminutive Paedophryne amauensis, smaller than a coin, to Cameroon's colossal Goliath Frog, heavier than some dogs. Written by experts Mark O'Shea and Tim Halliday and containing updated information on one hundred species and nearly twenty new entries, this revised edition will enthrall both veteran researchers and amateur herpetologists. As frogs increasingly make headlines for their troubling worldwide decline, The Book of Frogs brings readers face to face with six hundred astonishingly unique and irreplaceable species that display a diverse array of adaptations to habitats that are ever changing.
Tigers Between Empires
A Best Book of the Year: Scientific American, The Minneapolis Star Tribune, CounterPunch, The Telegraph, BookPageA Chicago Tribune Most-Anticipated Book of the Season "Epic . . . Slaght again shines his scientific-yet-soulful spotline on one of the world's most amazing creatures . . . [A] fascinating survival-revival tale." --Michiela Thuman, The Minnesota Star Tribune The thrilling saga of the great Amur tiger and the scientists who came together, across the world, to save it. The forests of northeast Asia are home to a marvelous range of animals--fish owls and brown bears, musk deer and moose, wolves and raccoon dogs, leopards and tigers. But by the final years of the Cold War, only a few hundred tigers stepped quietly through the snow of the Amur River basin. Soon, the Soviet Union fell, bringing catastrophe; without the careful oversight of a central authority, poaching and logging took a fast, astonishing toll on an already vulnerable species. Just as these changes arrived, scientists came together to found the Siberian Tiger Project. Led by Dale Miquelle, a moose researcher, and Zhenya Smirnov, a mouse biologist, the team captured and released more than 114 tigers over three decades. They witnessed mating rituals and fights, hunting and feeding, the ceding and taking of territory, the creation of families. Within these pages, characters--both feline and human--come fully alive as we travel with them through the quiet and changing forests of Amur. We travel across time, too, as the fate of the species has been shaped by the history and politics of empires--such as the Qing dynasty's Willow Palisade, which once slowed human settlement, or the later introduction of roads through Russian reserves. The Siberian Tiger Project became the longest-running tiger research initiative; its work continues to guide conservationists today. Jonathan C. Slaght's Tigers Between Empires is the thrilling saga of the great Amur tiger and the scientists who came together, across the world, to save it.
Fishomania
Make a splash of creativity with Fishomania! ��������Let your imagination swim free as every stroke of color brings to life the graceful motion and beauty of aquatic life. This adult coloring book invites you into a serene underwater world filled with dazzling fishes, swirling sea plants, coral gardens, and whimsical ocean friends. Whether you're dipping your toes into coloring or already an expert, Fishomania offers a soothing escape beneath the waves.���� What You Will Get In This Fishomania Coloring Book: Over 66 Hand-Drawn Illustrations: Immerse yourself in pages of intricately designed fishes and underwater elements, each lovingly drawn by hand - no AI used.Underwater Magic in Every Page: Enjoy an enchanting mix of real and whimsical fish species surrounded by corals, bubbles, and aquatic wonders that celebrate the beauty of the deep blue.High-Quality Options: Available in both paperback and hardcover for your preferred coloring experience.Single-Sided Prints: Every illustration is printed on one side only to prevent bleed-through and let you easily remove and frame your masterpieces.Perfect for All Skill Levels: Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned colorist, every page offers a calming and creative journey.As you explore Fishomania, you'll find fishes of every kind - some familiar, some born purely from imagination. From gentle pond scenes to lively ocean depths, each page invites you to relax, experiment with colors, and lose yourself in a world where creativity flows like water.Fishomania is more than a coloring book - it's a dive into tranquility, wonder, and the joy of artistic expression. So grab your pencils, markers, or paints, and let your creativity ripple through every page! ����✨Fishomania is part of the Mania Series - a collection of beautifully hand-drawn adult coloring books celebrating themed artistic passions.���� Love this book? Don't miss out on the others in the series!
Hoof Beats
"Hoof Beats helps readers see the drama even in the grass eating. . . . Taylor has written that too-rare work that is as authoritative as it is legible to the lay audience."--New York Times Journey to the ancient past with cutting-edge science and new data to discover how horses forever altered the course of human history. From the Rockies to the Himalayas, the bond between horses and humans has spanned across time and civilizations. In this archaeological journey, William T. Taylor explores how momentous events in the story of humans and horses helped create the world we live in today. Tracing the horse's origins and spread from the western Eurasian steppes to the invention of horse-drawn transportation and the explosive shift to mounted riding, Taylor offers a revolutionary new account of how horses altered the course of human history. Drawing on Indigenous perspectives, ancient DNA, and new research from Mongolia to the Great Plains and beyond, Taylor guides readers through the major discoveries that have placed the horse at the origins of globalization, trade, biological exchange, and social inequality. Hoof Beats transforms our understanding of both horses and humanity's ancient past and asks us to consider what our relationship with horses means for the future of humanity and the world around us.
For the Birds
For the Birds: An Artist's Aviary is a captivating new release from acclaimed artist, author, and conservationist Alex Beard. This stunning collection features over 100 never-before-seen bird paintings, brought to life through Beard's distinctive Abstract Naturalism. Following the success of A Brush With Nature (G Editions, 2016), Beard returns with a deeply personal exploration of avian beauty, environmental urgency, and artistic vision. Known for his vibrant storytelling and dedication to conservation, Beard is a respected figure in both the art world and environmental spheres. His work is featured in institutions such as The Ogden Museum of Southern Art and The New Orleans Museum of Art, and he continues to attract collectors worldwide through his New Orleans-based gallery. In For the Birds, Beard captures the elegance and personality of each bird while weaving poetic reflections on biodiversity, climate, and our shared responsibility to protect nature. "Birds are not just subjects of my art--they are storytellers of our environment," Beard writes, grounding the collection in both wonder and advocacy. He is also the founder of The Watering Hole Foundation, a nonprofit protecting endangered species, and serves on the U.S. board of the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. Perfect for bookstore art buyers, museum shops, birders, and eco-conscious readers, this collector-worthy volume offers broad appeal and strong visual impact--ideal for premium placement and gift markets.
Our Wild Familiars
A dazzling journey into the hidden lives of synanthropes, the wild animals who've found ingenious ways to survive and thrive in human communities--from award-winning writer and scientist Dan Werb Synanthropes have always been an immutable part of the tapestry of our lives. They are the reason we hear birdsong in the morning and skittering throughout the day, and why we take such pains to fix lids to our garbage cans. But they are so much more than that, too: epidemic vectors, churners of soil, ecosystem evolvers, spiritual lodestars, and, sometimes, sharp-toothed marauders making their way through our most intimate spaces with cruel intent. But beyond their quotidian impact on our lives, synanthropes have a critical part to play in how our communities are shaped and how sustainably they function. These creatures are ambassadors from nature, arbiters of our planet's future, and a key influence on our species' ongoing evolution; and recently, something essential has shifted with them. We are in a fraught era of environmental disruption, habitat destruction, and human population expansion that is ravaging formerly wild and untouched habitats. That's caused us to become ever more inundated with synanthropes, which are bringing delight, chaos and danger to our doorstep. These species, so long dismissed, are forcing us to reckon with them--from the hundreds of thousands of raccoons in urban spaces that spread our refuse no matter how many "raccoon-proof" bags and bins we invent, to the invasive kudzu plants that grow a foot a day, enveloping houses, telephone poles, trees, and any other structures into their green abyss. Now, as urban spaces increasingly become wild spaces, we have a choice: continue to resist them by any means necessary, or take the opportunity to promote a more harmonious coexistence. Through vivid storytelling, Our Wild Familiars brings to spectacular life the world's most successful synanthropes, from bats, raccoons, and crows, to some of its weirdest, including the Giant Pacific Octopus. Acting as a guide to the curious, Werb reveals how the cracks in our millennia-long efforts to shield ourselves against the outside world might just lead us to a new and necessary balance with nature--or to an ever more savage future.
Birdbrains
Birdbrains: A Lyrical Guide to Washington State Birds is a one-of-a-kind Washington State bird guide. The anthology includes original pen and ink sumi-e paintings by artist Hiroko Seki, bird fact notes, and short poems/stories/memoir. Poems/prose are bird-focused rather than human centered. The bird notes include information about song, call, mating rituals, habitat, migration, climate, dark comedy, and fun facts.There's a saying among people who look up at the sky to view birds-the more you study birds, the smarter they become. That's the inside joke for the title of this anthology. Birdbrains is a compliment to the birds and to the humans who take time to study them. For example, Magpies can recognize themselves in the mirror; Chickadees collect one thousand seeds a day, hide them over miles, and then find them again; and crows frequently hold crow funerals after one of their own dies-first there is stillness, then quiet, then keening. From the most common Rock Pigeon, to the rare Mystērium Rara Avis, we hope this collection will offer you wonder and joy. Get up from wherever you are sitting right now and go outdoors, binoculars or not. Watch what is happening all around us. With the right kind of attention, what might we see?Birdbrains brings to the stage 107 species of Washington birds in the words of ninety-eight talented poets and writers. Thecontributors come from different regions of Washington State, from other parts of the USA, and even from faraway lands such as Ireland. In the mix of talent, there are contributions from four Washington State Poet Laureates (Elizabeth Austen, Claudia Castro Luna, Kathleen Flenniken, and Derek Sheffield), three Pulitzer Prize winners (Rae Armantrout, Ted Kooser, and Diane Seuss) and a special collaborative poem by Ann Teplick's young students at Seattle Children's.
Insect Forms and Patterns Exploring the Language of Nature
This book by Andreas Suchantke is about insects, but it also opens up a door to realms that go beyond entomology. Suchantke focuses on the morphology of insects. He takes morphology in a broad sense to include not only their forms, shapes, patterns, and colors, but also their behaviors, development, and lifecycles. In other words, he brings us back to our senses, to the concrete and manifold appearances of beetles, butterflies, bees, and their kin.These sensible manifestations are, for Suchantke, a "script, a language of forms, which we must learn to read." His work is not a schematic or comprehensive overview of entomology. It does not propose or defend a general theory, model, or hypotheses whereby we might explain this or that feature of insects. It is, rather, an exploration of the language of nature. He gives the reader not just new things to see, but a new way of seeing; not just a panoply of interesting, but mute or "brute," entomological facts, but new living ideas. His hope is that by exploring and cultivating such living ideas, we might learn to allow the appearances of insects to become their own language and to speak to us.Andreas Suchantke (1933-2014) was born in Basel, Switzerland. He was trained in zoology and botany at the universities of Munich and Basel. For nineteen years he taught natural sciences in the Waldorf school in Zurich and became increasingly involved in Waldorf teacher training in European and non-European countries. He travelled extensively with a focus on developing an ecological understanding of landscapes and the traditional cultures inextricably bound up with them. His research resulted in a number of books, of which Metamorphosis of Plants written with Jochen Bockem羹hl (Novalis Press, 1995), Eco-Geography (Lindisfarne Books, 2001), and his magnum opus Metamorphosis: Evolution in Action (Adonis Press, 2009) have been translated into English.
A History of Dinosaurs in 50 Fossils
A beautifully illustrated and definitive crash course on dinosaur fossils, from the Allosaurus that use their teeth and jaws to dismember prey to the Sinosauropteryx specimen that confirmed the existence of feathered dinosaurs For natural history buffs and Jurassic Park fans Dinosaurs have captivated the world since Megalosaurus was the first one named in 1824, and A History of Dinosaurs in 50 Fossils features fifty of the most momentous dinosaur findings from the fossil record. From rare fossil embryos that provide a glimpse into the early stage of dinosaur growth and development, to the claw of a Deinonychus, the dinosaur that served as a template for Jurassic Park's terrorizing raptors, the book illustrates the enthralling evolutionary history of animals that ruled the Earth for more than 150 million years with 75 full-color illustrations. Each stunning fossil photograph, magnified for optimal detail, includes an entry explaining the importance of the discovery and the fossil's significance in the larger evolutionary timeline. Themed chapters build off each other to depict a full and incredible story, including content on: the origin and rise of dinosaursan introduction to major groups biological characteristics like feeding, behavior, distribution, and locomotionthe first fossil birds, including the legendary feathered dinosaur, Archaeopteryx, considered widely to be the world's first bird species The book provides insight on what fossils tell us about dinosaur relationships, movement, diet, skin, teeth, and frills, and so much more. A History of Dinosaurs in 50 Fossils compiles centuries' of the most exciting fossil findings that helped earn dinosaurs an enduring place in the public imagination. This authoritative and visually beautiful book will delight and inspire readers young and old, and help them understand the rise and fall of some of the most amazing creatures to roam Earth.
Hawks Aloft
Chronicles the founding of Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, the world's first refuge for birds of prey. This personal account by the Sanctuary's first curator shares the difficulties and discoveries he and his wife encountered during their first years on the mountain. Published in coordination with the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Association.
Ancient Sea Reptiles
Dive into prehistoric waters and discover extraordinary sea monsters who reigned the ocean for 150 million years Ancient Sea Reptiles: Plesiosaurs, Ichthyosaurs, Mosasaurs, and More examines the anatomy, behavior, diversity, lifestyle, and evolutionary rise of creatures who conquered the seas for 150 million years during the Mesozoic era. Expert paleontologist Darren Naish puts these fearsome and mighty creatures under the microscope and transports readers to wild and primeval waters. In this gorgeously illustrated book, amazing creatures leap off the page, including: Mosasaurs, known as "T-Rexes of the deep"Cretaceous sea snakesLong-necked plesiosaursCrocodile-like thalattosuchians, the earliest sea turtlesAncient Sea Reptiles features fossil photography and artistic reconstructions of ancient creatures, from evolutionary anomalies to apex predators who survived extinction events, with chapters that include: Chapter 1: IntroductionChapter 2: EvolutionChapter 3: AnatomyChapter 4: The lesser-known groups: mesosaurs, Triassicsauropterygians, Cretaceous sea snakes and moreChapter 5: Shark-shaped reptiles: the ichthyosaurs and their kinChapter 6: Long necks, big mouths: the plesiosaursChapter 7: Sea crocs: the thalattosuchiansChapter 8: Mosasaurs: the great sea lizardsChapter 9: Sea Turtles More than 80 percent of the world's vast ocean is unmapped and unobserved, prompting the imagination to run wild on what might lurk in its depths. But Ancient Sea Reptiles proves that what stirs the imagination even more are the spectacular prehistoric creatures that have already been discovered. The book is a feast for the eyes and the scientific mind.
Audubon's Birds of America
This dazzling, large-format hardback presents John James Audubon's classic Birds of America in a brand new collector's edition, boldly presented in full-color with gold blocking and printed page edges. Naturalist and painter John James Audubon published his magnificent work on the birds of North America over 11 years between 1827 and 1838, in Edinburgh and London. Today, it is considered one of the best-known natural history books ever produced and a benchmark of drawing skills for natural painters. This beautiful new edition includes all 435 of Audubon's hand-colored prints, created from engraved plates, arranged in their modern taxonomic order as agreed by the International Ornithological Congress (IOC). The set of plates is accompanied by a full index of the birds, including the name given by Audubon, their modern name and scientific name. This deluxe gift edition makes the perfect collectible for anyone interested in ornithology and natural history, beautifully presented, with illustrated endpapers, gold cover gilding, printed page edges and high-quality artworks throughout. ABOUT THE SERIES: Arcturus Epic Classics brings together stunning large-format hardback editions of classic works, presented with striking illustrated page edges and classic illustrations throughout.
The Illuminated Book of Birds
An elegant gift for bird lovers, this book showcases an award-winning painter's world class art, combined with entertaining facts about birds from all over the world. The Illuminated Book of Birds is a stunning, one-of-a-kind celebration of the birds of the world by award-winning painter Robin Crofut-Brittingham. It includes large-scale fine art paintings of the birds in Latin America, Africa, Asia, Oceania, North America, and Europe, along with flightless birds, unusual birds, and extinct birds. It looks at birds together, grouping them by geography and families, and delights in uncovering their habits and cultural and mythological significance. Every bird is individually featured, with curious and fun facts that will delight new and seasoned birders. In total, readers meet nearly 400 hand painted birds and experience a global birding adventure from the comfort of home.
The Italian Alp-Bee; Or, The Gold Mine Of Husbandry; Short And Practical Instructions To Breed Genuine Prolific Italian Queens; To Multiply Them By Hundreds In A Few Months And How To Change German Hi
A discovery for every beekeeper and collector: unlock the secrets of the Italian Alp-Bee and turn your apiary into a gold mine of husbandry. This restored classic is a practical, hands-on honeybee breeding guide that teaches readers how to raise prolific Italian queens, multiply hives by the hundreds, and transform German hives into productive Italian stock. Written in clear, instructive prose, it combines step-by-step beekeeping instructions, hive multiplication techniques, and pragmatic bee farming strategies perfect for beekeeping for beginners and seasoned apiarists alike. You ll find concise chapters on Italian queen bees, rearing methods, seasonal management, and simple, repeatable approaches that yield healthier, more productive colonies. Historically significant and long out of print, this work has been lovingly republished by Alpha Editions. Carefully restored for today s and future generations, this edition preserves original insights while presenting them in a durable, collectible format. More than a reprint, it s a cultural treasure: part agricultural manual, part 19th-century natural history, and a living guide to sustainable bee husbandry. Whether you re seeking practical beekeeping tips or adding a rare volume to a classic literature collection, this edition delivers. Embrace the art of Italian bee breeding and discover why generations called it the gold mine of husbandry essential reading for anyone serious about Italian bee breeding, hive management, and the timeless craft of bee farming.
The Dogs Are Boiled Alive While the World Pretends to Care
They are burned. Beaten. Boiled. ALIVE. And the world scrolls past.This book is not fiction. It's not folklore. It's not exaggerated. This is Yulin.Where dogs are nothing but objects. Where agony is culture. Where myths triumph over morality. Where cruelty and suffering are glorified. Where hope is muzzled and silence is the most accepted language.Every June, up to 15,000 dogs are stolen from homes, crammed into rusted cages, tortured and boiled alive in the Yulin Dog Meat Festival in China.Many still wear collars. Many are still alive when the pot begins to boil. They say it makes the meat "powerful."This book is not for comfort. It's a protest in print. It's not for applause. It is a cry.For the dogs who tried to crawl out and were hammered back in. This is for them. And for the ones who pretended to care or looked away.The Dogs Are Boiled Alive: While the World Pretends to Careis a searing expos矇 of the Yulin Dog Meat Festival-a modern atrocity where thousands of dogs are tortured and killed in the name of tradition and profit. Sahar Soltani's powerful narrative doesn't just inform-it demands action.This must-read book is a clarion call for: - Animal rights advocates seeking to end the dog meat trade- Social justice warriors confronting global apathy- Empathetic readers who can no longer ignore the sufferingThrough vivid storytelling and unflinching honesty, Soltani sheds light on: - The brutal realities of the Yulin festival- The global complicity that keeps it alive- The courageous individuals fighting against this crueltyKey Features: - Genre: Non-fiction, Animal Rights, Social Justice- Audience: Advocates, Activists, Empathetic Readers- Themes: Animal Cruelty, Global Apathy, Moral ResponsibilityWhy Read This Book?If you've ever felt the weight of injustice...If you've ever wished, you could do something...If you believe silence should never be the final word-then this book is for you.It's not just a narrative. It's a movement. A cry. A confrontation.Don't let silence be your response. Read this book. Share its cry. Be part of the change.
An Introduction To Entomology
A timeless invitation to see the secret lives of insects up close rediscovered and reborn for a new age. An Introduction to Entomology (Vol. 4) by William Kirby is a foundational work that transforms entomology basics into a richly observed natural history. This volume continues Kirby s lucid, passionate exploration of insect biodiversity, offering vivid descriptions, early species accounts, and methodical guidance that make it both an accessible insect study guide and a vital reference for scholars. Inside, readers will find practical sections on insect species identification, anatomy, behavior, and classification alongside reflective passages that reveal the wonder behind scientific inquiry. Historically significant and elegantly written, this classic entomology text helped shape 19th-century scientific thought and remains essential to historical entomology literature. Its blend of empirical detail and literary warmth makes it rewarding for entomology for beginners, naturalists, and collectors of scientific classics alike. Alpha Editions is proud to republish this volume out of print for decades carefully restored for today s and future generations. This edition is not merely a reprint: it is a collector s item and a cultural treasure, fully prepared to sit on the shelf of both casual readers and classic literature collectors. Rediscover the origins of insect study with this definitive entomology volume 4 your introduction to insects and the enduring art of observing nature.
An Introduction To The Study Of Fishes
Discover the hidden architecture of life beneath the waves a classic reawakened for modern readers. An Introduction to the Study of Fishes by Albert G nther is a lucid, authoritative voyage into fish biology and ichthyology that shaped Victorian natural history and still informs contemporary marine biology. G nther s clear-eyed explanations of fish anatomy, classification, and evolutionary biology guide readers through both freshwater fish and oceanic species, blending meticulous observation with big-picture insight into aquatic life and fish species diversity. This edition gathers G nther s timeless chapters on morphology, taxonomy, and comparative physiology into a beautifully restored volume republished by Alpha Editions. Once out of print for decades, this work has been carefully revived and annotated for today s scientists, students, and curious readers preserving original scholarship while making it accessible to the 21st-century reader. More than a reprint, this publication is a collector s item and a cultural treasure: a scholarly yet readable zoology textbook that belongs on the shelf of classic literature collectors and hobby naturalists alike. Whether you re a student of ichthyology, a fan of evolutionary biology, or someone fascinated by aquatic life, this edition delivers foundational knowledge of fish classification and practical insights into fish anatomy. Own a restored piece of scientific history that bridges past and future study of fishes meticulously prepared by Alpha Editions for generations to come.
The Julia Rothman Wild Collection
Explore the depths of the ocean, the furthest reaches of the rainforest, and tiny, hidden habitats with this awe-inspiring collection of books from Julia Rothman. Featuring three of the most beloved titles from the Anatomy series, Ocean Anatomy, Wildlife Anatomy, and Insect Anatomy, this deluxe boxed set is an invitation to explore and celebrate the beauty of the wilderness. Julia Rothman's whimsical illustrations will take you on a tour of the natural world, exploring the science and wonder hidden in plain sight. Ocean Anatomy teaches why the sea is salty, how the tides are formed, and introduces some of ocean's most surprising inhabitants. Wildlife Anatomy takes you around the world, from deciduous forests to arid savannas. Insect Anatomy gives you a bug's eye view of the insect world. This beautiful, boxed collection is the perfect gift for nature lovers of all ages.
Claws
Celebrate the allure and variety of crustaceans with this beautifully illustrated guide to thirty species of crabs, lobsters, hermit crabs, and shrimps. Turn the pages of Claws and dive into a world of empathy and wonder for the natural realm by marveling at these curious, elegant, resilient sea creatures. Crabs, shrimps, hermit crabs, and lobsters have long populated the collective imagination: Observed on the beach or among the rocks, they constitute a diverse and fascinating slice of marine life.Endowed with strong eyesight, articulated legs, and adept pincer claws, crustaceans scuttle with ease from the ocean depths to the tidal zones and beyond.Some crabs live in rivers, migrate on the ground into tropical forests, and can even hide inside carnivorous plants.The first half of the book contains gorgeously detailed and realistic illustrations and delves into the species' main characteristics and the secrets of their underwater world. The second half features specimen cards with scientific information and fun facts for easy reference. REMARKABLE CREATURES: Fascinating in their variety, crustaceans make adept use of their keen eyesight, articulated legs, and strong pincer claws. THOROUGHLY RESEARCHED SCIENTIFIC FACTS: Various species of crabs, hermit crabs, lobster, and shrimp are explored in these pages, with in-depth information on habitats and habits as well as fun facts. BEAUTIFUL PACKAGE: This petite, gift-worthy hardcover is brimming with colorful, detailed illustrations. Pair it with Sea Wonders, by the same creative team, to create a gorgeous set for anyone fascinated by marine life. Perfect for: Anyone with an interest in marine creatures and the undersea worldBirthday, housewarming, or seasonal gift for nature loversOceanography and marine biology students, teachers, and professionalsFans of animal and nature books like Ocean Anatomy and Life Between the Tides
Insect Safari
Join a veteran science writer on a fascinating adventure as she explores the ever-more-astounding world of insects--all in her own backyard. When science writer Margie Patlak was inspirited to take a quick close-up snapshot of a bee in her backyard, it was the start of a years-long obsession with cataloging and understanding the tiny creatures that were all around her. The essays in her book showcase the superpowers, alien anatomies, and striking untold behaviors and thinking abilities of bugs hidden in plain sight in backyards, parks, gardens, and even in the flowerpots that dot city courtyards and balconies. Each essay focuses on a specific bug and explores the big ideas these little bugs raise, such as whether the maternal instinct is truly instinctual, the value of a short life, whether to blend in or alter your environment, and whether you can have altruism without tribal atrocities. But what perhaps makes Insect Safari the most intriguing is its reporting on the plethora of recent scientific findings revealing there's more to the inner lives and behaviors of insects than people ever thought possible. Who knew wasps use tools and recognize faces, bees play with balls and do math, ants invented farming way before we did, and even fruit flies mull over their mating choices? These findings reinforce the notion that we aren't the only intelligent beings on Earth and tap into people's curiosity about the alien life right here on their own planet.
America
In a magical celebration of our nation's 250th birthday, this book marries the unique Photicular format with eight amazing images that capture the beauty of America. America is a perfect title for the bestselling Photicular series. Using an innovative lenticular-based technology, precision sliding lenses, and four-color video imagery, each image is like a 3D movie on the page, delivering a rich, fluid, immersive visual experience. From wild horses galloping over the plains to the hubbub of New York's Times Square, Steamboat Willie changing the face of popular entertainment to the majestic aurora over Alaskan skies, it is a uniquely stirring way to celebrate the country's 250th anniversary! Coupled with reflections from history writer Ben Shawn Ho, readers will learn what each image represents and its place in our incredible patchwork of a history.
A Horse's World
In the spirit of An Immense World and Soul of an Octopus, an award-winning neuroscientist and veteran horse trainer illuminates the mysteries of equine cognition and behavior, told through the moving story of her own extraordinary bond with a horsenamed True North. The bond between horses and humans is the stuff of legend. Two different beings, two different bodies and brains, yet energy sparks between them. When that energy is captured, it can produce a special union that no other prey and predator animals share. A Horse's World is the first book of its kind to explore the fascinating science of how horses think, feel, learn, and connect with their human companions. Tracing the story of one 1500-pound Dutch Warmblood as he learns how to negotiate the human world, neuroscientist and horse trainer Janet Jones reveals surprising lessons about cross-species communication; studies of equine learning and perception; evidence of the horse's astounding memory and expressive ability; and scientific insight into the miracle of the horse-human connection. Horses have so much to teach us about confidence, courage, and compassion. Whether you're an experienced rider or simply admire equine beauty and grace from afar, A Horse's World is both a revealing window into horses' hearts and minds, and an object lesson in how to build mutual trust with those whose internal worlds differ from our own.
Squirrel
Squirrels are a common sight, seemingly everywhere in wild and urban nature. Their chattering antics in city parks delight us while their raids on our backyard gardens and birdfeeders never fail to exasperate. But squirrels are more than amusing backyard entertainers, and few of us know much about them or fully appreciate their role in keeping the environment healthy. As stress on the natural world intensifies, should we be paying more attention to the plight of squirrels? In Squirrel, Nancy Castaldo shines new light on this familiar backyard mammal, exploring their staggering diversity (they're found on all continents but Antarctica) and the many surprising ways they shape our world, our communities, and our cultures. Each chapter explores an aspect of squirrels and their close and sometimes fraught association with humans: their importance to myriad ecosystems through sophisticated food-caching strategies; their introduction to nineteenth-century urban parks as adorable ambassadors for nature; their complicated global status as both invasive and endangered; their role as celebrated cultural icons and social media memes; and ultimately, why we must prevent population declines and protect their well-being while we can. Like other wildlife species, squirrels are increasingly stressed by climate change, and their speculative fate may foreshadow our own. The book includes a detailed bibliography, an exhaustive list of squirrel species and their status, and tips for coexisting peaceably with squirrels in our yards and neighborhoods. Chapters are introduced by exquisitely drawn historical illustrations.
Lab Dog
The "remarkable" (Dr. Jane Goodall) story of a beagle's past, and the future of animal research When journalist Melanie D.G. Kaplan adopted her beagle Hammy, all she knew was that he had spent nearly four years in a research lab. Curious to know more about this gentle creature's past, as well as the broader world of animal research, Kaplan--with Hammy in tow--embarks on a quest for answers. How did Hammy end up in a research facility? Why are we still using millions of animals a year in experiments? What have we learned from them? Is there another way? In Lab Dog, Kaplan investigates the breeding and use of beagles for biomedical research, drug and product testing, and education. She takes readers on a journey, peeking behind laboratory doors and visiting with researchers, activists, ethicists, veterinarians, lawmakers, and innovators. Along the way, she finds thoughtful and caring humans on all sides of the debate, explores promising developments in nonanimal testing, and discovers puzzle pieces from Hammy's past. Equal parts journalism and love story, Lab Dog offers a nuanced view on our relationship with a species that we both love and exploit, and a reason to hope for a better future for all.
Collins British Bird Identifier
Collins British Bird Identifier is a revolution in bird identification. It brings together exceptional new artwork, with a unique, practical and comprehensive guide to the 5 essential features needed to identify every species of British bird.A new approach to bird identification, detailing five unique features that will definitively identify every species of British bird. The Collins British Bird Identifier is an essential field guide for beginners, experts and photographers. Each species is 'coded' as common, scarce or rare with coloured dots to denote seasonality. Illustrations are arranged so that confusion species are together with only five features needed to clinch ID. The author, Paul Stancliffe, has synthesised his 50 years of note-taking to bring experienced birdwatchers a memory jogger and provides a fresh strategy for those new to birdwatching. Jeff Baker's stunning artwork brings these birds to life, using his own extensive experience in their depiction. The definitive guide to the 5 features that identify every species of bird Covers every species of bird seen in the UK Easy to use for the beginner, a memory jogger for experts Allows everyone to identify birds quickly A checklist of what you should be looking for Simple code for common or rare species Colour code from when most likely to be seen Works as a stand alone book, or as a companion volume to your field guide
Tears for Crocodilia
Seventy million years ago in what would become North America, a monstrous thirty-five-foot-long Cretaceous crocodile lurked on a marshy riverbank. Springing suddenly, its huge jaws trapped and crushed a juvenile hadrosaur. Today, the remains of that ancient crocodile are being painstakingly reconstructed in Colorado, where naturalist Zach Fitzner continues his life-long fascination with this amazing animal family. In Tears for Crocodilia: Evolution, Ecology, and the Disappearance of One of the World's Most Ancient Animals, Fitzner tracks the evolution of crocodilians from prehistoric predators to modern endangered wildlife, using his own experiences with these reptiles as a lens to understanding wildlife conservation and our relationship with the natural world. Traveling the world to interact with crocodiles, from observing alligators in a wildlife refuge in Texas and paddling a canoe in the Everglades searching for crocodiles to trekking the jungles in Nepal to find endangered gharials, the author expresses a wonder in exploring these diverse ecosystems, making a connection between crocodilians and the lands they live in. As the story follows crocodilians, it also illuminates their often complicated relationship with humans, from crocodile cults in ancient Egypt to American alligators living on golf courses. Fitzner also closely examines the dark side of this relationship, including habitat destruction and poaching as well as the mechanistic view of traditional conservation that turns these magnificent animals into agricultural products. Tears for Crocodilia delves deeply into issues of wildlife conservation, ethics, and how we can coexist with other creatures. It is also a tribute to a magnificent group of animals, survivors from the age of dinosaurs.
Seabirds as Sentinels
What the fates of seabirds reveal about the changing ocean and our shared futureEvery spring, thousands of rhinoceros auklets return to Destruction Island off Washington's coast, where they dig burrows, lay eggs, and raise their chicks. Small, gray, and adorned with a curious horn on their bill, these funny-looking birds have become an unlikely but vitally important indicator for the health of oceans and the Pacific ecosystem as a whole.In Seabirds as Sentinels, Eric Wagner joins a team of scientists who have been tracking the lives of auklets and other seabirds to gauge the effects of climate change in the region. The North Pacific--sometimes called the Blue Serengeti--is one of the most productive ecosystems on Earth, supporting salmon, whales, seals, and countless other species, including people. Yet its waters are changing in unprecedented ways. Mass die-offs of birds, hordes of jellyfish blanketing beaches, and the sudden appearance of tropical species all point to an ocean in flux.Wagner intersperses accounts of research expeditions with deep dives into phytoplankton, forage fish, lighthouses, ocean currents, and other important elements in the Pacific Ocean's tangled ecological web. Readers travel into auklet burrows by fiber-optic camera and witness the eerie arrival of seabirds under cover of night, seeing firsthand how these birds have tried to adapt to widespread environmental upheaval. Weaving together natural history, marine science, and the myriad stories that humans tell about their environments, Seabirds as Sentinels helps us keep a close watch on the uncertain future of the oceans that sustain us all.
Yosemite Wildlife
The first comprehensive book in more than a century dedicated entirely to Yosemite's remarkable wild animal world. "Exquisite." --Shelf AwarenessCountless books have been written about Yosemite National Park's renowned scenery, yet as incredible as it is to us, Half Dome is also somebody's home. Social media is flooded with people all over the world sharing their excitement about the antics of the park's distinctive residents: black bears causing traffic in "bear jams," mule deer grazing in Ahwahnee Meadow, and coyotes sauntering in the shadow of El Capitan. Yosemite Wildlife goes beyond the field guides and offers extensive portraits of the park's creatures--a remarkable new publication sure to be welcomed by the more than 4 million annual park visitors and anyone interested in the Sierra Nevada.Readers will discover: 150+ species, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects300+ photographs and archival imagesCommonly and rarely seen animalsRewilding success storiesProfiles of the park scientists and others who protect wildlifeThis lively and accessible blend of storytelling, the latest research, natural history, and compelling wildlife photographs fills a 100-year gap in publishing that will deeply connect people to this world-renowned national park in California. Crafted over decades by writer and conservation leader Beth Pratt to fulfill her vision of continuing the legacy of Grinnell & Storer's landmark 1924 work, Animal Life in the Yosemite. Beth's writing is accompanied by the work of naturalist-photographer Robb Hirsch, who spent more than 30 years in the field photographing animals so as not to impact them by his presence; his photography tells a distinct story of the park's dazzling wildlife at its most undisturbed. Yosemite Wildlife shines a spotlight on species that not only make their homes in the park but also come with only-in-Yosemite stories such as those charismatic bears, the peregrine falcons brought back from the brink of extinction in part by big-wall rock climbers, and the tiny amphibians that persist on the tallest peaks.The book celebrates decades of conservation and observation, by visitors and professionals, through highlighting charming and nostalgic pieces from the park's Archive, such as reproductions of handwritten wildlife observation cards and articles excerpted from the beloved Yosemite Nature Notes magazine. Some of this archival material has never been published!This image-rich, engagingly readable volume is a feast for the eyes and has been crafted to appeal to anyone eager to dip in and find out more about Yosemite's enchanting wildlife. Yet the breadth and depth of information will also serve as an excellent reference for educators and scientists.Yosemite is one of America's most precious resources. Yosemite Wildlife does this distinction proud, showcasing the creatures of the park that are as captivating as the spray of Yosemite Falls, the dizzying heights of Glacier Point, or the iconic Half Dome.>
A Field Guide to the Reptiles of Borneo
A richly illustrated, easy-to-use identification guide to all of Borneo's reptiles Borneo is home to a marvellous array of crocodiles, turtles, lizards and snakes. This comprehensive field guide covers them all, with detailed species accounts and informative discussions of Borneo's geology, climate and vegetation. Stunningly illustrated with photos by Indraneil Das and other leading nature photographers, A Field Guide to the Reptiles of Borneo is an essential travel companion for visitors to the island and a must for anyone interested in reptiles.Covers all 321 species of reptiles found in BorneoFeatures hundreds of photos depicting nearly every species, including variantsDescribes identification features, maximum size, habitat, behaviour and conservation statusGives common and scientific names for each species and vernacular names when availableProvides an overview of snakebite, venom and antivenom serumIncludes identification keys, distribution maps, a checklist, glossary and reading list
Dinosaurus
Dinosaurs, fossils, and reptiles, oh my... The whole family can become paleontology experts with this illustrated dictionary of 100+ terms for prehistoric animals! This delightful prehistoric dictionary defines more than 100 words and phrases alongside informative entries, phonetic spellings to help pronounce the names of prehistoric creatures, and detailed anatomical illustrations. Meet incredible dinosaurs, from the iconic to the lesser known.Carnotaurus This Cretaceous predator from what is now South America is regularly cast as a villain in dinosaur pop culture.Discover the many prehistoric beasts who coexisted with dinosaurs.Pliosaurs With mouths up to 6.5 feet in length filled with 8-inch teeth, these marine reptiles were amongst the most formidable-looking predators the world has ever known.Break down "deep time" to understand the rise and fall of dinosaurs. Carnian Pluvial Event: About 234 million years ago, the rock record shows a huge increase in global rainfall that had staggering implications for the future diversity of life.Learn about Mesozoic geography and contemporary locations where fossils have been discovered.Tanis: A fossil site in North Dakota where remains from the day the asteroid struck are thought to have been discovered. Learn scientific terms to understand how modern paleontology works Melanosomes: Microscopic structures that help detect color in dinosaurs.The ultimate reference guide to the prehistoric era, Dinosaurus belongs on every dinosaur buff's bookshelf.
Venomous River
Join herpetologist Eli Greenbaum on his race to identify a multitude of unidentified species in the Congo, a volatile African region overcome with population pressure, military oppression, and climate change. These are the backdrop challenges to the science pursued by Dr. Greenbuam in this timely work worthy of Darwin. Venomous River chronicles a field scientist's search for new species in the Congo Basin, one of the world's great crucibles of biodiversity, in the face of climate change. Although tropical forests cover less than 10 percent of Earth's land surface, they are home to about two-thirds of the planet's terrestrial biodiversity. Unfortunately, a ballooning human population has severely damaged half of the planet's pristine ecosystems and the biodiversity they contained, leading to an unfolding sixth mass extinction. In Joseph Conrad's famous 1899 novella Heart of Darkness, he described the Congo River as "a great snake." More than a century later, herpetologist, evolutionary biologist, and seasoned expedition leader Eli Greenbaum set out to find the Democratic Republic of the Congo's (Congo for short) incredible diversity of serpents in the flesh, along with the country's rarest frogs, lizards, crocodiles, and turtles, which live in and along Africa's second-largest river. For a biologist, an expedition into the heart of the Congo is a priceless gift, with its incredible species, known and unknown, lurking around every bend in the river. But the Congo is also a place of endemic political instability, widespread corruption, human suffering, and extraordinary danger. These, as much as the challenges of the natural world, confront any scientist doing field work in the Congo. Venomous River is the harrowing story of a biodiversity scientist's successful quest to discover several new amphibian and reptile species in the remotest heart of Africa, a wilderness where he encounters friendly peoples, a cook who is revealed to be a dangerous killer, highly venomous snakes and scorpions, deadly tropical diseases, and troubling echoes of the Congo's colonial history.
A Naturalist's Guide to the Mammals of Southeast Asia
This easy-to-use introductory identification guide to 129 species of mammal commonly encountered in the Southeast Asian region (covering Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam) is perfect for resident and visitor alike. High quality photographs from some of the region's top nature photographers are accompanied by detailed species descriptions, which include nomenclature, size, distribution, habits and habitat, as well as interesting snippets of information about the mammals. The user-friendly introduction covers details on habitats, advice on mammal watching, notes on taxonomy and information on threats to the wildlife. Also included is an all-important checklist of all of the mammals of Southeast Asia encompassing, for each species, its common and scientific name, and IUCN status. The third edition features completely updated taxonomy, new species and a revised checklist splitting Peninsular and East Malaysia.
The Book of Birds
The Book of Birds is a field guide with a difference: It shows readers not just how to identify birds, but also how to identify with them. Robert Macfarlane and Jackie Morris conjure the unique spirit of nearly fifty once-common species: avocet to yellowhammer, kestrel to kingfisher, skylark to nightingale. In lyrical and incantatory essays, Macfarlane describes each bird's habits and habitats, their patterns of flight and patterns of song, how they hunt or fish or scavenge or gather, how they nest and raise their chicks, the myths that attend them, the threats that shadow them--and how their lives intersect with our own. On every page we encounter Morris's exhilarating artwork, painted from life in watercolor and gold leaf, and animated with an extraordinary attention to detail. The Book of Birds is a love letter to the thrilling variety and mysteries of birdlife, and a clarion call to halt the rapid depletion of our skies.
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve
Produced with the assistance of Alaska Geographic, this 12-panel laminated folding guide introduces visitors to one of the world' s premier wildlife viewing areas. Glacier Bay is known worldwide for its contiguous, intact ecosystems, still dominated by natural processes.
The Last Cows
Told from the unique perspective of a woman, mother, environmentalist, cowboy, and rancher, this work of literary nonfiction conveys the joys, challenges, heartbreaks, and qualms of contemporary ranching in the American West. On nineteen thousand acres of combined public and private land in Southwest Colorado, Kathryn Wilder and her son, with the help of additional family members, run Criollo cattle, a heritage breed that originated in Spain. Smaller by hundreds of pounds than other European breeds, these cows are uniquely adapted to the desert. In The Last Cows Wilder considers whether the integrity of her program--Criollo cattle, holistic management practices, and organically raised, grass-fed-and-finished beef sold through local markets--is enough to support a regenerative relationship between cattle and desert. And as Wilder approaches seventy, she considers how long she can maintain the demanding physical labor and complex schedule that have been part of her life's work. In this engaging and thoughtful narrative that blends biology, geology, natural history, and human history into her personal story, Wilder offers an intimate view into the inner workings of a rancher's heart.
Secrets of the Octopus
Take an illuminating journey into the life of the octopus, one of nature's most intelligent and complex animals. Come closer than ever to these elusive creatures, thanks to insights from an international bestselling author--working with the founder of OctoNation and the world's top octopus researchers--all enhanced with vivid National Geographic photography. The companion to the popular National Geographic Disney+ special Secrets of the Octopus, narrated by Paul Rudd, this beautifully illustrated book explores the underwater world of the octopus--a creature that resembles an alien lifeform, but whose behavior has earned it a reputation as one of the most intelligent animals on the planet. This journey into the world of the octopus will reveal how the large and capable brain of these creatures occupies their whole body-not just their heads--and they can actually adjust their genetic makeup to respond to the demands of the environment. It will allow readers to watch them change shape and color in order to camouflage themselves more effectively than any other species. And it will divulge how octopus mothers give their all in order to bring forth a new generation. With this offering, acclaimed author Sy Montgomery--known, thanks to her bestselling book, as the "octopus whisperer"--returns to the species she knows and loves, offering current and compassionate stories about the scientists on the front lines of octopus research and conservation. Working with her is Warren Carlyle--founder of OctoNation, the world's largest octopus fan club--who add 16 "octoprofiles" to this beautiful book. For all animal lovers--and especially those drawn to this magical marine being--this will be a book to relish, for both its fascinating imagery and its charming storytelling.
The Magic of Birds
Exploring the magic and folklore of feathered beings of both air and water. A fallen white feather that speaks of a loved one. Two magpies promising joy. The haunting call of an owl in the deep night, hinting at dark omens. For centuries, we've looked to the birds of air and water for answers in the form of divination, folklore, superstition, and legend. In this book, The Magic of Birds, you'll discover the supernatural side of songbirds like the robin, waterfowl like ducks and swans, and more well-known magical creatures like ravens and crows. With beautiful illustrations by Kay Savage, this book gently introduces the reader to the magical world of birds, in modern Paganism, ancient myth, and even local beliefs. Learn how to integrate bird magic into your spiritual practice, what certain birds in your dreams might mean, and even hold a seasonal ritual that honours our feathered cousins. Step into a wondrous realm that connects Earth, Sea, and Sky via the marvels of birds - and expands the horizons of the meaning of magic.
Oh My Goat!
Just how intelligent are the animals we call food? Have you ever stared at a steak, peered at a pork chop or glanced at a goat curry and wondered about that animal? Where did it come from, and how was it raised? Did that creature think, play, dream, or have feelings? Or was it simply a mindless creature destined for the dinner plate? " Oh, My Goat " takes a rollicking adventure through the history of how we have viewed, judged, treated, sacrificed, mummified, deified and - fried animals. Blending science, history, and humour, this book exposes the uncomfortable realities of modern factory farming - from towering hog hotels to chickens that grow so fast they fall over - and challenges the idea that these animals are simply products. Wild animals currently make up only 4% of Earth's mammalian biomass, with livestock dominating the rest. This sheds light on the importance of how we treat the animals we call "food". From the psychology of pigs, the social lives of sheep, and the cognitive powers of chickens, Gehlert reveals surprising research that shows just how much we share - biologically, cognitively and emotionally with the animals in our farms and on our forks. How much meat? Unbelievably, our love affair with meat may well have brought about the "Meatropocene", a term Gehlert coined to describe the profound impact the 360 million tons of meat we produce and consume each year has on our planet. But far from a guilt trip, the author invites us to look closer, think deeper, and make more informed choices. Whether you're a meat-eater, flexitarian, vegetarian, or just curious, Oh My Goat will challenge how you view the creatures behind your cuisine.
Pittas, Broadbills and Asities
The complete guide to these jewels of the tropical Old World undergrowth Inhabiting tropical and subtropical forests of the Old World, pittas, broadbills and asities include some of the most beautiful, elusive and sought-after birds on the planet. Pittas are medium-sized, insectivorous terrestrial birds that are rather thrushlike in their behaviour. Most are brilliantly coloured, generally solitary, and have a well-deserved reputation for secretive, skulking habits, adding to the challenge of seeing them in their often dark environment. The 52 species of pitta largely occur from Asia through Wallacea to New Guinea and Australia, with two (perhaps three) species in Africa. Broadbills are very different to pittas, being typically chunky birds with large heads, broad flattened beaks and short legs. The majority are colourful and sociable, but none are terrestrial. Three are highly frugivorous, but the others are largely insectivorous. They form a diverse group of 18 species in nine genera, of which four species are confined to Africa, with the rest in Asia. The four species of asities form an endemic Madagascan family. Two species are similar to broadbills, but the other two resemble sunbirds, even in their feeding habits. Breeding males have facial wattles (as do two broadbill species). The first monograph of these three groups was published in 1996; this book, by the same author, is its follow-up. Completely revised and updated, it draws together a wealth of material from the literature and from online and unpublished sources to provide the ultimate reference to these fascinating birds, from taxonomy and identification to habitat requirements, biology and ecology, accompanied by a stunning photographic selection, and the art of Martin Woodcock.
Mark Twain for Horse Lovers
Mark Twain's affection for cats is well-known, and no one would be surprised to hear he also liked dogs. Less well known, however, is his admiration for horses and their kin, donkeys and mules. Clearly fascinated with them, he wrote more about Equine animals than he did about either cats or dogs combined. This book offers a collection of Mark Twain's funniest and most compelling writings about equine animals. Organized chronologically within categories such as "Uneasy Rider," "Sorry Steeds," and "Eccentric Equines," the textual selections cover his early trips out west, his travels to Europe and Middle East, and his later years. The book also includes horse stories drawn purely from his imagination, including the short novella A Horse's Tale. Other equine vignettes are drawn from such Twain's classics as "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County," Huckleberry Finn, and A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court.
The Quarry Fox
A poignant and modern reminder of untamed creatures so close to home. --Sam Roberts, The New York TimesThe Quarry Fox and Other Critters of the Wild Catskills by Leslie T. Sharpe is the first in-depth study of Catskill wildlife since John Burroughs essentially invented the nature-writing genre in the 19th century.A red fox stands poised at the edge of its den, ears perked for danger as two fox kits frolic nearby. A black bear and her cubs hibernate beneath a felled tree. A barred owl snags a hapless cottontail from a meadow. In The Quarry Fox and Other Critters of the Wild Catskills, Leslie T. Sharpe Trains her keen eye and narrative gifts on these and other wildlife in her observations as a naturalist living in the Great Western Catskills.In these pages, Sharpe deftly weaves her experiences with the seasons, plants and creatures with their natural history, revealing their sensitivity to and resilience against the splendor and cruelty of Nature. Written in Sharpe's signature lyric style, The Quarry Fox is destined to take its place as a classic of the genre of American nature-writing, and proves that Sharpe, a lifelong naturalist and avid birder, is Burroughs's worthy successor.With echoes of Annie Dillard's Pilgrim at Tinker Creek, Sharpe's frank, scientific observations join with her deeply felt connection to these creatures to instill in readers an appreciation of the undaunted and variegated beauty of the Catskills and camaraderie with its animals. From contemplating the importance of milkweed for monarchs to lay their eggs to reveling in the first steps of a wobbly fawn, The Quarry Fox is a celebration of the natural world and our place in it.
The Social Lives of Birds
An exploration of all the ways in which birds are social creatures--from breeding to nesting to babysitting In The Social Lives of Birds, evolutionary biologist and author of Slow Birding Joan Strassmann examines what it means for birds of a feather to flock together. Some birds sleep together. Some join the foraging groups of other species. Some are only social during breeding season, forming nesting colonies in trees, cliffs, and sandbanks. Some are altruistic, helping to rear young that are not their own. Some males perform mating dances together. Strassmann explains how flocks provide safety in numbers, roosts offer warmth and shelter, and colonies allow for protected breeding. But group behavior is not without its costs--including increased competition, tick infestations, and more. Strassmann exposes the conflicts birds face and the many ways in which they resolve these conflicts. With stories of birds from around the world--from broad-winged hawks that migrate south together in the fall, tree swallows that roost together in the thousands, and guira cuckoos that nest in communes--The Social Lives of Birds explores the different kinds of bird groups and what to look for when watching them. Above all, it reveals this fact: solitary life, it seems, is not for the birds.
Snake Day
An hourly guide that follows twenty-four snakes as they find mates, hunt, and survive a changing world. Does a snake crossing your path trigger delight or dread? The answer is clear for celebrated biologist Marty Crump, who shows us that snakes deserve our respect, admiration, and protection. In her short book Snake Day, each chapter introduces a single snake during a single hour, highlighting twenty-four different species from around the globe. In the dark morning of a Brazilian forest, we avoid stepping on a jararaca, a nocturnal viper. If she bites, her venom will make our blood pressure--and us--drop. A synthetic version of this venom is now a lifesaving drug, used to treat hypertension and heart failure. Later in the morning, in the Zagros Mountains that trace Iran's northwest border, what appears to be a tiny arachnid wiggles on the ground. When a hungry warbler approaches for a meal, realizes too late that the spider is actually a snake's tail, and an Iranian spider-tailed viper makes a meal of the bird. In the early afternoon, in a pine forest outside Atlanta, Georgia, an eastern hognose snake strikes at us--a bluff--and then rolls over and plays dead. By the end of our snake day, we'll have glimpsed the diversity of this unique group of reptiles, met serpentine friends who frighten and fascinate, and learned how humans can protect these amazing species. For each hour, celebrated artist Stuart Patience has depicted serpentine scenes in stunning pen-and-ink drawings. Working together to narrate and illustrate these unique moments in time, Crump and Patience have created an engaging read that is a perfect way to spend an hour or two--and a true gift for amateur scientists or anyone who recoils at or relishes the sight of a snake.
