A birder's history of one of Canada's most famous birding spots Birding at Point Pelee traces Point Pelee's story from the 1870s, to the national park's establishment in 1918, to present day, when as many as 50,000 birders visit the park in May during spring migration. The book portrays the backdrop against which the park was evolving, the scientific discoveries and changes in ornithological methods through the decades -- early specimen-collecting, bird banding, the development of binoculars and telescopes, the growth of nature photography, the shift from birding as science to birding as hobby -- as well as philosophical shifts and debates about amateur versus professional credentials, and the balance to strike between conservation and recreation. Thoroughly researched and lively, the story takes readers from the earliest days, when the birders were few but fervent, to today's international tourism phenomenon.
An insider’s guide to the best birding in Ontario, featuring thirty highly recommended sites. It’s no secret: Ontario’s rich natural landscape and diverse wildlife provides some of the most exceptional birdwatching Canada has to offer, attracting thousands of bird-lovers each year. In this user-friendly guidebook, local experts Mike and Ken Burrell show us why. Outlining thirty of their personal favorite spots at which to enjoy the province’s birding, they take readers on an avian tour from Point Pelee to Moosonee, Rainy River to Cornwall. Along the way, they draw from their extensive experience as professional birding guides and field biologists to share insider tips for spotting more than three hundred unique species, advice for exactly when and where to go for the best results, and helpful hints for finding rarely seen birds. Finally, they provide detailed instructions for accessing and enjoying each of the highly recommended sites. Ranging from beloved classics to remote hidden gems, many of these locales are within driving distance of Toronto, Hamilton, or Ottawa; some are even accessible on foot; and each is as spectacular as the last. With clear maps, beautiful color photos, and a wealth of useful information, Best Places to Bird in Ontario is an invaluable resource that will delight first-time and experienced birders alike.
A guide that teaches birders how to effectively identify eastern waterbirds in flight using a method of identification that emphasizes birds' structure, behavior, and overall color.
A field guide that revolutionizes warbler identification Warblers are among the most challenging birds to identify. They exhibit an array of seasonal plumages and have distinctive yet oft-confused calls and songs. The Warbler Guide enables you to quickly identify any of the 56 species of warblers in the United States and Canada. This groundbreaking guide features more than 1,000 stunning color photos, extensive species accounts with multiple viewing angles, and an entirely new system of vocalization analysis that helps you distinguish songs and calls. The Warbler Guide revolutionizes birdwatching, making warbler identification easier than ever before. For more information, please see the author videos on the Princeton University Press website. Covers all 56 species of warblers in the United States and Canada Visual quick finders help you identify warblers from any angle Song and call finders make identification easy using a few simple questions Uses sonograms to teach a new system of song identification that makes it easier to understand and hear differences between similar species Detailed species accounts show multiple views with diagnostic points, direct comparisons of plumage and vocalizations with similar species, and complete aging and sexing descriptions New aids to identification include song mnemonics and icons for undertail pattern, color impression, habitat, and behavior Includes field exercises, flight shots, general identification strategies, and quizzes More information is available at www.TheWarblerGuide.com
Until recently, little was known about the lives of songbirds during their travels from autumn until spring. Now scientists have documented mass migrations over the Gulf of Mexico, identified the voices of migrants in the night sky, and showed how songbirds navigate using stars, polarized light, and magnetic fields. Miyoko Chu explores the intricacies underlying the ebb and flow of migration, the cycle of seasons, and the interconnectedness between distant places. Songbird Journeys pays homage to the wonder and beauty of songbirds while revealing the remarkable lives of migratory birds and the scientific quest to answer age-old questions about where songbirds go, how they get there, and what they do in the far-flung places they inhabit throughout the year.
To the casual observer Ontario appears as an immense territory, stretching from west of the Great Lakes to the St. Lawrence, and from Hudson Bay to the southernmost tip of Lake Erie. The naturalist sees more than this vastness: he is aware of the province's great diversity in flora and fauna, and in geology and topography; he sees the province divided into zones and regions, each with its own special natural traits. Over the years some areas, and their special attractions, have become widely known to naturalists, amateur and professional. Others have not been so familiar. It has been difficult for visitors to and residents of Ontario to plan well-arranged trips which will include a number of them. A guide to Ontario, designed specifically for naturalists, has been needed, and this book will fill that need. The combination of scientific accuracy and up-to-date practical information will make it an invaluable part of the naturalist's field equipment. Along with maps and general descriptions of the flora, fauna, and geology of Ontario, this book contains over forty regional guides. Each guide lists, concisely and accurately, up-to-date information on how best to reach the regions that are of interest to the naturalist. There are also descriptions of the geology, plants, trees, birds, and mammals typical of each locale, along with information on rare or unique species, and information on local naturalists and nature clubs. Indexes of place names and names of species, and a list of reference manuals, complete the contents of this unique and valuable guide. It will be equally useful to those who pay occasional weekend visits to the countryside, and wish to know something about the rocks, plants and wildlife they encounter, and to the more serious student of natural history. The guide has been prepared by members of the Federation of Ontario Naturalists and other allied agencies in the hope that it will help encourage a wider appreciation of natural history in Ontario. Sylvia Hahn's attractive drawings indicate some of the great variety of plant and animal life to be found in the province.
