In addition to being one of the most prolific nature writers of our time and the world's greatest expert on Central American birds, Alexander Skutch was an inspiring moral philosopher and original thinker in the tradition of Henry David Thoreau and John Muir. Alexander Skutch: Selected Writings of an American Naturalist include selections from Skutch's writing spanning his 70 years of contributions to ornithology, travel, nature and philosophy.
"This very readable book by one of the world's distinguished ornithologists reviews the existing literature on bird sleep, and also provides a wealth of new information based upon 50 years of observation in the American tropics and elsewhere. The resulting text is always interesting, often charming, and sometimes poetic. . . . A unique and important book. Highly recommended." --wildlife activist "Abundant anecdotes . . . reveal the author's patient attention to detail and fondness for his subjects, attributes that have made Skutch one of the greatest of twentieth-century bird naturalists." --natural history "The black-and-white line drawings by Schmitt are exquisite . . ." --quarterly review of biology Even though birds spend up to half their lives sleeping or resting, little is known about these behaviors. In Birds Asleep, Alexander Skutch draws on his own observations, as well as the reports of other birders, to offer the first comprehensive survey of the sleeping habits of the world's birds. A longtime resident of Costa Rica, Alexander Skutch is a widely respected ornithologist and philosopher of natural history. His many publications include Origins of Nature's Beauty, Birds of Tropical America, and A Bird Watcher's Adventures in Tropical America, all published by the University of Texas Press.
Western Books Exhibition, Rounce and Coffin Club Antbirds and ovenbirds, two of the five largest families of birds found only in the Western Hemisphere, have been among Alexander Skutch's favorites for more than six decades. In this book, he draws on years of observations to describe the life cycle of these fascinating birds, which inhabit Latin America from tropical Mexico to Tierra del Fuego. Skutch covers all aspects of the birds' lives, including the various species in each family, food and foraging, daily life, voice, displays and courtship, nests and incubation, and parental care. He also recounts anecdotes from his own experiences, creating vivid pictures of antbirds foraging for the insects Skutch stirs up on walks through the rainforest and of ovenbirds repairing the observation holes that he opens in their elaborate nests. As some of tropical America's least studied birds, antbirds and ovenbirds surely merit the extensive treatment given them here by one of our most distinguished senior ornithologists. Over fifty line drawings by noted bird artist Dana Gardner make this book a delight for both armchair and field naturalists.
A new, updated edition of the only compact, portable, and user-friendly field guide the novice or experienced birder needs to identify birds in the field in the diverse habitats found in Costa Rica. -- "Biology Digest"
A must-have guide to more than 300 birds that visitors are most likely to see in Costa Rica, includes 464 color photos, including many taken in the wild, and 308 range maps. Original.
Alexander Skutch--world famous ornithologist, philosopher and author of over 30 books--believed that to build a satisfying moral edifice we need an ample and firm foundation. Moral Foundations brilliantly lays out for the reader the ways in which we are products of harmonization, a process that unites the crude elements of the world in harmonious patterns, A tour de force of analysis and critical thinking, Moral Foundations is also an important contribution to the study of ethics and philosophy.
Costa Rica, a country of no larger than West Virginia, hosts more than 830 species of birds, more than in all of North Amerian north of Mexico. It may well be the only country in the world with as many bird species and habitats to be found in such a small area. Within two hours' drive from San Jose, one can see quetzals in highland forests, antbirds in lowland forests, or shorebirds and ibises in mangrove swamps. This lavishly illustrated book is the most comprehensive treatment of a rich tropical avifauna ever presented in a single volume suitable for its use in the field. With is full coverage of waterbirds and migrants as well as resident tropical species, and its coverage of such topics as plumages, vocalizations, food habits, nesting, and distribution, it is truly a guide to the birds themselves, not merely a guide to their identification. Gary Stiles and Alexander Skutch first set the stage for the birds by briefly describing the landforms, vegetation, and climates of Costa Rica. For those who want to take "that second long look" to interpret what they see, the authors discuss some aspects of evolution, ecology, and behavior of Costa Rican birds, and report on the costly and courageous conservation efforts the country is making in face of discouraging odds. The family and species accounts that follow, covering some 400 pages, make up the bulk of the book, with 52 magnificent color plates illustrating virtually ever species of Costa Rican bird, migrants as well as residents. There are also practical tips for trips in the field and descriptions of good birding locations, with specific directions for travel by car, public transport, and on foot, as well as three maps. A highly readable, portable encylopedia to the fascinating, ever-surprising birds of Costa Rica, this book will be welcomed by birders and other naturalists, professional and amateur ornithologists, ecologists, travelers, and conservationlists throughout the northern Neotropics.
Alexander F. Skutch (1904-2004), born and raised in the United States, became famous for his life history studies of tropical birds in Central America. He also gained wide recognition for his unique contributions to botany, nature writing, and environmentalism. In addition, he developed a highly original and profound philosophy of life (as highlighted, for instance, in Roy May's Alexander F. Skutch: Life's Thinker, 2015). The present book - the third volume of a trilogy - comprises selections from his unpublished work (Skutch Archive, CCT, Costa Rica), specifically relating to his early philosophy (including his thoughts on science, animals, freedom, morality, human existence, international politics, faith, God, nature religion, and immortality).
Alexander Skutch lived 70 years in Central America and Costa Rica and contributed important knowledge of botany, ornithology, and philosophy. His life histories of Neotropical birds are models for field research. His reflections about the significance of life are contributions to the philosophy of biology. His legacy offers elements to confront the environmental crisis.
