Book Description
Identifying hawks in flight is a tricky business. Across North America, tens of thousands of people gather every spring and fall at more than one thousand known hawk migration sites--from New Jersey's Cape May to California's Golden Gate. Yet, as many discover, a standard field guide, with its emphasis on plumage, is often of little help in identifying those raptors soaring, gliding, or flapping far, far away.
Hawks from Every Angle takes hawk identification to new heights. It offers a fresh approach that literally looks at the birds from every angle, compares and contrasts deceptively similar species, and provides the pictures (and words) needed for identification in the field. Jerry Liguori pinpoints innovative, field-tested identification traits for each species from the various angles that they are seen.
Featuring 339 striking color photos on 68 color plates and 32 black & white photos, Hawks from Every Angle is unique in presenting a host of meticulously crafted pictures for each of the 19 species it covers in detail--the species most common to migration sites throughout the United States and Canada. All aspects of raptor identification are discussed, including plumage, shape, and flight style traits.
For all birders who follow hawk migration and have found themselves wondering if the raptor in the sky matches the one in the guide, Hawks from Every Angle--distilling an expert's years of experience for the first time into a comprehensive array of truly useful photos and other pointers for each species--is quite simply a must.
Key Features:
- The essential new approach to identifying hawks in flight
- Innovative, accurate, and field-tested identification traits for each species
- 339 color photos on 68 color plates, 32 black & white photos
- Compares and contrasts species easily confused with one another, and provides the pictures (and words) needed for identification in the field
- Covers in detail 19 species common to migration sites throughout the North America
- Discusses light conditions, how molt can alter the shape of a bird, aberrant plumages, and migration seasons and sites
- User-friendly format
Customer Reviews:
Hawks.......2007-03-14
The illustations make it much easier to identify hawks in the sky and on the ground. It will be a valuable companion on my bird walks in the Audubon and to ID the hawks soaring overhead and through the woods by my home.
Libbie
Extremely informative, with excellent photography.......2006-10-03
I though this was an excellent resource for identifying hawks in flight. The photos are very informative, and attractive as well. The guide is, in my opinion, very comprehensive and extremely well written.
Hawks from Every Angle.......2006-04-18
A super-useful reference guide that goes well with HAWKS IN FLIGHT -- and actually I would probably look at this one first. Photographs and text both contain a lot of helpful information to assist in raptor identification -- though the "pitfalls" shots make it clear that not every bird will be identifiable.
Mileage obviously varies, but as a Californian I don't feel shortchanged by this book and have used it particularly for Sharpie/Cooper's differentiation.
another mistitled hawk book.......2006-01-13
If you're looking for a book that covers all the raptors that regularly occur in North America, forget it. A more honest title would've been 'Raptors of Northeastern Hawkwatch Sites.' Even then, northeastern hawkwatchers won't find Harris' Hawk in the book. The raptors Liguori does cover are done well, by and large, and I was particularly impressed with the treatments of both Harlan's Hawk and the Northern Harrier. But if you live in the West, as I do, you'll find the book less useful than the title suggests. Get yourself a Clark and Wheeler--it'll serve you much better. I'm looking forward to that frabjous day when hawkwatchers will escape their eastern bias, and discover that we have hawks in the West too.
A useful guide........2005-12-26
Having read other books on the same subject, I hastily read through this book. Had I not read other books on this subject the text might have been more useful that it was. I did enjoy reading another author's ideas on hawk watching. This text references other books that I have read that are also very informative about hawk watching.
Amazon.com
Considered the definitive raptor identification guide for North America, this essential resource for birders includes photos and text for distinguishing between hawks, falcons, eagles, and vultures in the field, paying careful attention to plumage variations in juveniles and adults.
Book Description
Whether soaring or perched, diurnal birds of prey often present challenging identification problems for the bird enthusiast. Variable plumage, color morphs, and unique individual characteristics are just some of the factors bird watchers must consider when identifying the different species. In this authoritative reference, two of the world's top experts on raptors provide an essential guide to the variations in the species, allowing for easier recognition of key identification points. All the distinguishing marks described have been exhaustively tested in a wide range of field conditions by the authors as well as the colleagues and students who have learned from them.
Key Features:
- The only complete photographic guide to North American diurnal birds of prey
- Includes all species, common and rare
- Written by well-known experts
- Contains 365 photographs, each with an explanatory caption and supporting text describing all 43 species of diurnal raptors found in North America
- Features 14 discussions of specific problems in practical identification
- Complete set showing every plumage
- Raptor I.D. problem section showing similar species side by side
Species List:
Turkey Vulture. Black Vulture. California Condor. Osprey. Hook-billed Kite. Swallow-tailed Kite. White-tailed Kite. Snail Kite. Mississippi Kite. Bald Eagle. Northern Harrier. Sharp-shinned Hawk. Cooper's Hawk. Northern Goshawk. Common Black Hawk. Harris' Hawk. Gray Hawk. Red-shouldered Hawk. Broad-winged Hawk. Short-tailed Hawk. Swainson's Hawk. White-tailed Hawk. Zone-tailed Hawk. Red-tailed Hawk. Ferruginous Hawk. Rough-legged Hawk. Golden Eagle. Crested Caracara. American Kestrel. Merlin. Aplomado Falcon. Gyrfalcon. Peregrine. Prairie Falcon. Crane Hawk. Roadside Hawk. Hawaiian Hawk. Red-backed Hawk. Steller's Sea Eagle. White-tailed Eagle. Collared Forest Falcon. Northern Hobby. Common Kestrel.
Customer Reviews:
Finally, a useable book for raptor id.......2007-03-10
Being a naturalist from the age of seven or so, I have long been a keen observer of birds with particular attention paid to the raptors and soaring birds. All the books I had previously owned or seen about raptors stop far short of giving the info necessary for identifying the hawks and eagles of various ages and genders, as many of them will resemble another breed at various levels of maturity and in different seasons. This book almost eliminates those problems, giving excellent photos and descriptions that enable positive identification provided the observer gets a good enough look at the bird. It also provides useable field id pointers that will eliminate many questions with only a "sketchy" look at a flying or sitting raptor.
A good book that should sit on the front seat of any raptor friend's car; one that will be used time and again in the field.
Soar With the Falcons!.......2007-01-18
This masterpiece is one of the best field guides for raptors in North America. Readers are treated to several pictures of each type of bird. Raptors are shown perched and in flight, face on and in side view. Readers also see the field markings on the birds which are fully explained in a clear, direct way. A guide to helping readers identify the differences among the raptors is also provided. This is an excellent, outstanding work.
Hawks and Birds of Prey.......2006-02-25
This is by far the very best book I have ever seen. The photos and details are just Great. I would advise anyone that watchs for these beautiful birds to have this as a guide!!
A Photographic Guide to North American Raptors.......2003-03-11
This is the best photographic guide to north american raptors available. The photos are very clear so you can see details on plumage. It also includes multiple photos of the species that have morphs, which is very helpful in the field. This is not a book I would recommend if you are using it for written reference. But I give it 5 stars for a field reference guide!
Useful field guide, shows variability of morphs.......2001-10-21
This is simply the best field guide for North American diurnal raptors that I have seen. Unlike some other photgraphic guides, it provides several images of each species in poses that one is likely to see in the field: perched and soaring from above and the side (showing field marks of top of wing and tail). It shows several examples of different morphs and ages for most birds. This is critical in understanding the variability in markings within a species. In addition, it has a section on field identification problems, detailing differences between similar looking birds. To my knowledge, there is no substitute.
However, the paperback version is somewhat cheaply produced. The publisher should improve the binding and the quality of paper for this book. Try not to get it wet.
Average customer rating:
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The Raptors of Arizona
Manufacturer: University of Arizona Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
 General
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ASIN: 0816513228 |
Book Description
This guide shows how to recognize hawks the way we recognize friends at a distance: by body shape, movements, and locale.
Customer Reviews:
Hawks in Flight Review.......2007-01-11
Excellent book. Great black and white drawings of adults and immatures of many species as well as different "phases" of the same species. No colour drawings are provided as hawks in flight are often seen in conditions that render them in shades of gray. Excellent text with even some humour thrown in. Highly recommended for those looking for a specific hawk book beyond the standard "all birds" guide.
First class.......2006-07-18
Of the dozen or so raptor identification books I own, I have learned the most from this book. The standard Peterson's guides work pretty well if you can get within 50 feet of a sitting bird, or if you use a gun as an accessory. However for most of us, you need to be able to work from a lot further away than that. Dunne takes you beyond plumage clues to descriptions of flight cadence, behaviour, posture, and relative body proportions. He discards the trivial details not visible from less than a hundred feet. He emphasizes what is still obvious in a backlit, soaring bird even miles away. On top of that he offers visual analogies that are cool 'sound bites' to help you remember features of the species. For example think of the flying 'stovepipe', the Northern Goshawk, or the 'arthritic' wingbeats of the Cooper's hawk. These clues offer the kind of practical wisdom that a seasoned birder will use.
The only minor point I would make is that I found a few of the sentences a little hard to understand. However, like most good teachers, he explains important details more than once in slightly different form, so that understanding of key points is clear. This book is definitely a winner.
Great companion book to other raptor field guides.......2005-08-19
"Hawks in Flight" is a different kind of ID field guide. Most guides feature many colored plates and or photographs of the birds. That is very useful if you are within a reasonable distance from the bird and the light is decent.
However, with birds of prey, you frequently see them from a considerable distance and from below. Most of the time you only get a good idea of their shape and flight characteristics. That is where this book comes in handy. Featuring nothing but B&W drawings (David Sibley) and B&W photos, "Hawks in Flight" shows you the bird as you will likely see it - a shape consisting of just a few colors (white, grey, black, brown) featuring some defining marks.
The authors also do a great job of describing what are the defining marks of each species and also telling you how to make a determination between similar birds (featuring B&W photos next to each other).
Highly Recommended
Good, not perfect, but good.......2004-12-28
Buteo identification has always been a challenge for me, but over the Christmas Day Birdcount I was able to get an identification I would have never gotten without the volume. The subtle parsing of the various colors, sizes, behaviors, etc. of raptors makes this more useful then a field guide for understanding on what you should be focusing when catching that 5 or 6 seconds of "flying away raptor".
Another reviewer mentioned the grainy photographs, which is dead-on. Unfortunately, I have to say that those photographs are (approximately) how I am seeing most of these birds. So, they are an odd bit of help, really.
Hawks in Flight, great source.......2004-03-26
This book is a must have for any raptor fanatic. I used to be so confused on how to tell all those buteos apart, except when it was an obvious red tail. It is definatly worth the money, it is not meant to be a "ooh look at the pretty pictures kind of bird book", it is a holistic approach to identification, you learn about flight traits of each raptor, overall impression, plumage, etc. Read the whole thing so you really get whats going on. I am much more confident and knowledgeable after having studied this book. Buy it, worth it.
Book Description
This book presents the most complete and up-to-date guide for the recognition of the diurnal raptors of Europe and the Middle East. More than 700 high quality color photographs have been specifically chosen to demonstrate the plumage of each age and sex class of every species found in Europe and the Middle East. The photographs are complemented by almost 100 line drawings focusing on particular identification details, and are backed up by a detailed text enabling birdwatchers to recognize even the most difficult species. The latest information, much of it previously unpublished, describes the plumage and soft part coloration of each category of bird, and compares and contrasts with similar plumages of species which may cause confusion. The book discusses the difficulties caused by stage of moult, variation in light conditions, and changes in silhouette arising from different flight types. Fully referenced with a list of nearly 300 key papers and articles, this book is an essential reference to the field identification of every species, age, and sex class of raptors.
Key Features:
- The first comprehensive collection of photographs of European raptors showing all plumages of species in the field
- Descriptions of every age class of each sex
- More than 700 high quality color photographs and 100 line drawings
- Valuable notes comparing difficult-to-identify species
Species List:
Osprey (Pandion haliaetus). Honey Buzzard (Pernis apivorus). Black-shouldered Kite (Elanus caeruleus). Red Kite (Milvus milvus). Black Kite (Milvus migrans). White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeeutus albicilla). Bearded Vulture or Lammergeier (Gypaetus barbatus). Egyptian Vulture (Neophron perenopterus). Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus). Black Vulture (Aegypius monachus). Lappet-faced Vulture (Torgos tracheliotus). Short-toed Eagle (Circaetus gallicus). Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus). Hen Harrier (Circus cyaneus). Pallid Harrier (Circus macrourus). Montagu's Harrier (Circus pygargus). Levant Sparrowhawk (Accipiter brevipes). Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus). Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis). Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo). Steppe Buzzard (Buteo buteo vulpinus). Long-legged Buzzard (Buteo rufinus). Rough-legged Buzzard (Buteo lagopus). Lesser Spotted Eagle (Aquila pomarina). Greater Spotted Eagle (Aquila clanga). Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis). Spanish Imperial Eagle (Aquila adalberti). Eastern Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca). Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos). Bonelli's Eagle (Hieraaetus fasciatus). Booted Eagle (Hieraaetus pennatus). Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni). Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus). Red-footed Falcon (Falco vespertinus). Eleonora's Falcon (Falco eleonorae). Sooty Falcon (Falco concolor). Merlin (Falco columbarius). Hobby (Falco subbuteo). Lanner Falcon (Falco biarmicus). Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug). Gyr Falcon (Falco rusticolus). Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus). Barbary Falcon (Falco peregrinus pelegrinoides).
Customer Reviews:
All you need to identify raptors in Europe(almost!).......1999-03-09
When I heard about this book I knew that I'd end up buying it,as I am a raptor fanatic(unfortunately its use is limited here in Ireland, as only three raptor species are in any way common,and very few migrant raptors occur) All of the regular European species(plus Lappet-faced Vulture) are depicted,with the number of photos seemingly varying in proportion to difficulty of identification.The text is fairly technical,but readable enough,and there isn't an excess of jargon(thank God!)I first used it to age a Marsh Harrier this January as an adult female,and in this respect it was of great use. It also helped me to tentatively age a Buzzard in late Feb. as a 2nd-year bird.I have yet to be confronted by a raptor which I actually haven't identified to species before consulting this book, but if I do I would turn to this book straight away.Also,many of the photos are superb,and whet the appetite for species that I have yet to see (all but eight of them!)The section at the start about moult etc. is extremely interesting also.If you live in Europe and have an interest in raptors,buy this book.Now,about that trip to the continent.......
Book Description
Many raptors, the hawks, eagles, and falcons of the world, migrate over long distances, often in impressively large numbers. Many avoid crossing wide expanses of water and follow "flyways" to optimize soaring potential. Atmospheric conditions and landscape features, including waterways and mountain ranges, funnel these birds into predictable bottlenecks through which thousands of daytime birds of prey may pass in a short time. Birders and ornithologists also congregate at these locations to observe the river of raptors passing overhead (as did hunters in the United States in the past and in some countries even today). Keith L. Bildstein has studied migrating raptors on four continents and directs the conservation science program at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, Pennsylvania, the world's first refuge for migratory birds of prey. In this book, he details the stories and successes of twelve of the world's most important raptor-viewing spots, among them Cape May Point, New Jersey; Veracruz, Mexico; Kéköldi, Costa Rica; the Strait of Gibralter, Spain; and Elat, Israel. During peak migration, when the weather is right, the skies at these sites, as at Hawk Mountain, can fill with thousands of birds in a single field of view.
Bildstein, whose knowledge of the phenomenon of raptor migration is comprehensive, provides an accessible account of the history, ecology, geography, science, and conservation aspects surrounding the migration of approximately two hundred species of raptors between their summer breeding sites and their wintering grounds. He summarizes current knowledge about how the birds' bodies handle the demands of long-distance migration and how they know where to go. Migrating Raptors of the World also includes the ecological and conservation stories of several intriguing raptor migrants, including the Turkey Vulture, Osprey, Bald Eagle, Western Honey Buzzard, Northern Harrier, Grey-faced Buzzard, Steppe Buzzard, and Amur Falcon.
Customer Reviews:
Comprehensive writing on raptor migration.......2007-08-01
One of the criticisms of science is that scientists are 'preaching to the choir', that is, there is difficulty in passing scientific findings outside of the scientific community and into the general public where important on-the-ground decisions are made. In this book, Keith demonstrates the ability to take the vast body of scientific literature, as it pertains to raptors, and organize it in a way which allows the reader to feel at ease with the subject matter. A true eloquence is evident considering it was all done without the need to 'dumb down' the science which remains the foundation of the book. Each chapter, heavily cited, will be entertaining and educational to anyone interested in raptors and their conservation.
Migrating Raptors of the World.......2007-01-09
In his role as Sarkis Acopian Director of Conservation Science at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, Keith Bildstein has arguably studied raptors on a more global scale than any person alive, both in person and in the literature. He has put this experience to good effect in this excellent synthesis of the research on raptor migration ecology around the world. The inclusion of information from the tropics, Asia, Australia, Africa, and South America make this book a big advancement over its predecessors. Bildstein's concise and precise text uses words economically to explain scientific phenomena and details of raptor biology clearly in a way that is accessible to amateur ornithologists and conservationists, while still being of interest and value to professionals. The references alone form a valuable body of work for anyone doing research in the field. And the migration life histories of eight species are unique and interesting, showing how individual species apply the general ecological principles of migration ecology in varying ways. Every hawkwatcher and raptor researcher will definitely want to add this to their libraries; birders and naturalists of all interests will be enriched in their understanding of the natural world by this book; and ecologists and conservationists of all stripes should own this work since it is about some of the sentinel species of earth's environment. I give it my highest recommendation and it would make a great Christmas gift for any of the above.
Good read.......2006-10-31
To me, one of the most boring topics to read about is bird migration. This topic puts me to sleep, it is that boring. This book, however, is interesting. The information is presented in a very easy manner to understand and it makes the topic of migration interesting. This book sites particular species as they migrate and provides theories and other information about the reasons for migration. Very good and informative.
Book Description
This new field guide covers all of the world's kites, vultures, harriers, hawks, buzzards, eagles, and falcons.
Based on essential sections of the widely acclaimed handbook Raptors of the World by the same authors, but with updated text, maps, and plates, it shows every species in a selection of different plumages, with concise facing texts and distribution maps.
It provides an easy-to-use and portable reference to one of the world's largest, most popular, and most challenging avian groups.
- A unique identification guide to all the world's raptors
- 118 color plates show 338 species in flight and perched
- Facing text summarizes size, confusion species, habitat, and behavioral and plumage differences
- Color distribution maps included for every species
- Ideal for use in the field, anywhere in the world
Customer Reviews:
Buono (quasi).......2007-03-21
La sovracopertina del libro si presenta parzialmente rovinata perché il libro non è stato imballato in modo adeguato. L'orribile ordine di spedizione è stato INCOLLATO sulla sovracopertina e le tracce sono andate via solo con molta fatica (e parzialmente rovinando la sovracopertina).
Per il resto, il volume è in ottime condizioni.
Beautifully done.......2006-11-06
This book contains some beautiful illustrations and I'd recommend it to anyone interested in raptors.
T.T.......2005-12-02
This book is the ultimate book on all birds of prey. There is no other book that can eclipse the effort the two authors put into this book. The Helm field guide series( which this book belongs) is the most through study of any bird gruop. This book has exhausting information from description, feeding habits, to population and movements(migration habits). This book might be exspensive, but it is worth every penny. Raptors are among the most challenging bird groups to study, and this book is need to indentify them accurately. Also, if you like studying Gulls, the book "Gulls of North America, Europe, Asia" is another good book to buy. It's said that gulls are the most challenging bird groups to identify. Buy this book with this one, and you will have a less of a hard time indentifying this two of the most difficult bird groups.
The Eagle Has Landed.......2005-02-25
I have about 1000 books on Birds and Natural History and recently added this gem to my collection.Trying to write a review on this volume is akin to trying to do one on the Bible.One could easily write 25 pages and the surface wouldn't even be scratched.
First of all, this is not the type of book one buys for a Field Guide.It covers all the 313 species of raptors scattered all over the world.That's why you'll see reviews from different countries because it is as useful to someone living in Australia as to someone in Iceland.Obviously ,it wouldn't be carried around in the field for the purpose of identifying a raptor soaring overhead.It is really an Encyclopedia for the world's raptors.When looked at that way, it is a superb book.In one book, you can look up any raptor and see excellent illustrations,descriptions,distribution,behaviour,etc.,plus a myriad of references if you want more information.With nearly 1000 pages,one might ask "What more is there to write?"Well,lots ,this book averages out to about 3 pages for each bird.Heck,for some of these birds it woud be easy to find a shelf full of books.
Living here in Toronto,over the past 18 years I have seen 22 of these species locally, and several of them only once or twice.Those being,Black Vulture,Swallow-tailed Kite,Mississippi Kite,Swainson's Hawk,Ferruginious Hawk and Prairie Falcon.On top of that,8 more elsewhere in North America.That leaves only Hook-billed Kite,that I have much hope for seeing in North America,and at that my hopes are very slim.Then again,who knows,maybe the Red -footed Falcon that showed up in the Eastern US might appear again.
However,all these other birds exist and even if I can't travel the world to see them ,it is still nice to have a book to read up on any one of them when one appears in a novel or other literature.
The Golden Eagle on the cover is an excellent choice for us here,as it is the favorite raptor seen regularly at our watches in southern Ontario.To top it off ,on the back cover there is an illustration showing what one can see at a Hawk Watch.It was on April 15,1994 that I saw an, extremely rare for here, Swallow-tailed Kite soar past in a kettle like this.Of course they are much more common in Florida where we were entertained by several last April.
Well,that's my review;Ilove this book and would highly recommend it for anyone who is "into" Birding.It would be an excellent special gift to buy for any friend who is a Birder for a birthday,Xmas,or any occasion,you can't go wrong.
As to the reviewer who lamented that owls were not included;the terms, Birds of Prey,Raptors,Hawks,Predators,etc., do get used loosely;particularly by non-experts.I once heard Roger Tory Peterson reply to the question,"What makes an excellent Birder?"He replied,"A good Birder is someone who likes birds.An excllent Birder is someone who likes birds a whole lot." It was he who did so much to make Birding popular and easy for so many people ,"novices" to "experts".
If you get too uptight over it all,just remember:
IF YOU WANT TO SOAR
WITH THE EAGLES
IN THE MORNING--
YOU CAN'T HOOT
WITH THE OWLS
AT NIGHT!
i
The Best One For Such Magnificent Bird Group.......2005-02-08
One of the best and authorative book ever since publish on the Raptors of the world. Covering 313 species of the raptors across the world. It has vast bibilography and information on each species like habitat, ecology, behaviour etc. The book contains a wealth of detailed information on identification and distribution, with a full description of each species, including reference to all recognized races.Habitat and range for all species, together with information on movements and breeding behavior, are also covered. The depictions differentiate adults, immatures, and most of the distinctive races.The detailed and accurate text and spectacular color illustrations will make this book indispensable to all ornithologists and birders. This will be, undoubtedly, the standard work on thrushes for many years to come.
* Comprehensive identification guide to all 313 species of raptors throughout the world
* Detailed text covering identification, description, geographical variation, voice, status and distribution, movements, habitat, behavior, and measurements
* Each of the 313 species is described thoroughly and accurately, and every plumage and variation is shown in more than two thousand color illustrations plus hundreds of black-and-white drawings. Both large-scale and small-scale range maps show in detail where each species has been found.
ONE OF THE MUST HAVE EDITION FOR SERIOUS BIRDERS ACROSS THE WORLD FOR SUCH A DIFFICULT GROUP OF BIRDS.
Average customer rating:
- Pornography and extreme violence under the guise of a "Historical Novel"
- Not for the Namby-Pamby, but Inspirational for the Adventurous
- A vocabulary junkie's dream
- Easily my favorite by Jennings
- mixed thoughts about it...
|
Raptor
Gary Jennings
Manufacturer: Bantam
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
Contemporary
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| Genre Fiction
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ASIN: 0553562827
Release Date: 1993-06-01 |
Customer Reviews:
Pornography and extreme violence under the guise of a "Historical Novel".......2007-07-22
I, for one, am not at all surprised that this trash is out of print. I am not a squeamish person, but enough is enough. This author seems to relish in detailed descriptions of sexual encounters and perversions as well as nauseating brutalities. Using unusual expressions "escutcheon", etc. for various body parts makes it seem as if the writer browsed through a Thesaurus - high-brow porno is still porno. Got as far as mothers raping their sons (mentioned by another reviewer) and called it quits. Don't waste your money and a warning - if you have to read it don't attempt on a full stomach. A "2" for some of the historical reseach which is correct - most of it is only the filthy imagination of this (late) writer.
Not for the Namby-Pamby, but Inspirational for the Adventurous.......2007-02-22
First let me warn romance novel readers to look elsewhere. Although this novel contains copious amounts of sex and violence from a historical perspective, it is hardly of the tame vanilla variety that makes you all warm and fuzzy inside. The variety that this novel does contain, is an intimate peek into what this author believes, to be the reality of what life must have been like in the 5th century, from a male and female perspective. To do this he uses a transgender avatar, Thorn, whom I happened to like. If you are sheepish and want your characters to follow convention and fit into categories or stereotypes, this book is not for you. For me, this book was inspirational enough to start me on an educational journey that led me through continental Europe, to hillforts, aqueducts, and monasteries like those depicted in the book (although I didn't recognize at the time that this book was the impetus). I read this book over ten years ago. Although it is fiction, it was the first book to get me interested in the Roman Empire and the first time I had ever heard of the Ostrogoths and Visigoths. When I decided to return to college, it was one of the reasons that Anthropology became my major. I have since graduated, done a study abroad stint in Switzerland, Italy, Germany, and France, and become an Archaeologist. Had I not read this book, I would not have had the passion for recreating and reconstructing the cultures contained in it. In fact, I hope Jennings writes a sequel, as there are so many other European cultures, of that period, that he has yet to give us a glimpse into. Whether you love or hate this book, you have to give credit to any 900 page volume that can keep your interest and even addict you. Much more interesting than the actual historical documents (mostly written by Romans) that give an account of those times.
A vocabulary junkie's dream.......2007-01-01
I have always considered myself to be a relatively educated person. But I have to say the level of the English language this author uses even kicks my well educated behind. The story he tells is enthralling with all its twists and turns. The glimpse into the past he gives us is fascinating. I felt as though I received a university level education in the English language after I've read it. Though some may read this review and think that if the book is challenging that equates to lack of enjoyment. That is not the case. The challenge only lends to the enjoyment of the book.
Easily my favorite by Jennings.......2006-07-13
I loved this book. Anyone with a Europen heritage would have to find it interesting. It does give you the idea that the entire reason for the existence of human civilization is to support the sex trade though!
mixed thoughts about it..........2006-04-19
I really like books by Gary Jennings, but this one is not as good as all the others (e.g. Aztec). The writing is good, the idea of Thorn being a hermaphrodite is also interesting, but the charcters are not really explicitly defined. What I really thought to be sad is that some historic facts are just wrong: by 400something there were no convents yet, the first convent was foundet in the late 6th century. Also comparing the western roman empire with the eastern roman empire is wrong: while the west was already in its decline the eastern roman empire was still at its hight. However, being German myself, I liked the idea to write a (historic) novel about this period. Overall it is not a bad book, just not comparable to all his other writings.
Amazon.com
Few people, writes Scott Weidensaul, are apathetic toward raptors. Once you've seen a hawk or a falcon or an eagle in action, you're likely to take an interest in how these great birds of prey make their homes in the world. If that interest has seized you--and well it should--then Weidensaul's encyclopedic guidebook to the world's principal raptor species, well illustrated with photographs, maps, and charts and full of detailed information, is an ideal companion.
Weidensaul addresses a range of questions, including the antiquity of the world's raptor species and their evolutionary history. (In this matter, his text is thoroughly up-to-date and includes the results of recent genetic research by which carrion-feeding New World vultures have been reclassified as relatives of the stork, and not of predatory hawks, eagles, and falcons.) He traces the fortunes of species such as the peregrine falcon, which had all but disappeared in North America by the 1960s owing to hunting, habitat destruction, and the use of deadly pesticides, but which has returned to the wild thanks to a vigorous program of reintroduction. Other success stories await, and Weidensaul offers helpful notes on building nest platforms and boxes, aiding injured birds, contributing to conservation groups, and otherwise seeing to it that raptors flourish. --Gregory McNamee
Book Description
A full-color, indispensable, and entertaining guide.
Customer Reviews:
A great read!.......2005-12-25
This book is a great book for people who want to learn more about raptors. It is a lot of information that is very useful, and like the title indicates, this book is quite comprehensive. I would recommend this book in addition to Raptors by John Hendrickson.
Packed with fine details any avid birder will relish.......2001-03-06
This exquisite guide will find a home in any public library and many a personal library: it covers over 300 species of raptors, blending the latest natural history facts and scientific research with photos and details of the birds in nature. From population and distribution statistics to accounts of items recovered from nests and nesting habits, Raptor Almanac is packed with fine details any avid birder will relish.
A clarification from the author.......2001-01-02
Potential buyers need to be aware that this volume is a reissue of my 1996 book "Raptors: The Birds of Prey," which the publisher has released with a new title and cover art, but with no changes to the content. I am embarrassed to see that they have promoted it as though it was a new book; while I'm pleased the book is again in print, I believe they should have been more forthright in making clear that it is a reissue instead of an entirely new work -- Scott Weidensaul. (Ignore the star rating, please -- the review would not post without it.)
Average customer rating:
- Not Free SF Reader
- Raptor Red
- FUN TO READ!!!
- Entertaining science lesson
- A Raptor's Point of View
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Raptor Red
Robert T. Bakker
Manufacturer: Bantam
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0553575619
Release Date: 1996-08-01 |
Book Description
A pair of fierce but beautiful eyes look out from the undergrowth of conifers. She is an intelligent killer...
So begins one of the most extraordinary novels you will ever read. The time is 120 million years ago, the place is the plains of prehistoric Utah, and the eyes belong to an unforgettable heroine. Her name is Raptor Red, and she is a female Raptor dinosaur.
Painting a rich and colorful picture of a lush prehistoric world, leading paleontologist Robert T. Bakker tells his story from within Raptor Red's extraordinary mind, dramatizing his revolutionary theories in this exciting tale. From a tragic loss to the fierce struggle for survival to a daring migration to the Pacific Ocean to escape a deadly new predator, Raptor Red combines fact an fiction to capture for the first time the thoughts, emotions, and behaviors of the most magnificent, enigmatic creatures ever to walk the face of the earth.
Customer Reviews:
Not Free SF Reader.......2007-09-03
Raptor romance?
Bakker, an eminent palaeontologist has come up with a novel. Basically, a life study as he follows the travels and adventures, if you can call if that, of a female of the velociraptor species. If that sort of realistic animal tale appeals, then you will perhaps like this book a bit more than I did. I like Bakker's other work, have read his papers etc., but this was a bit blah.
Raptor Red.......2007-04-04
Simply one of the best books I've ever read! You have to read it to understand. It's written from the perspective of a living dinosaur---a raptor---by an author who loves dinosaurs and has an incredible ability to recreate the world in which they lived. Read it and you'll never forget it! Has my highest recommendation.
FUN TO READ!!!.......2007-03-10
This book is fun to read and loved by every member of my family young and old alike. The book can be read easily in an afternoon. My only complaint is that there aren't more like it.
Entertaining science lesson.......2007-02-20
A fascinating adventure about how the dinosaurs ruled the world for so long, and also how the mammals won in the end.
A Raptor's Point of View.......2007-01-10
Not everyone can write a book about a dinosaur from the dinosaur's point of view and get away with it. In fact, few have ever tried. Bakker succeeds in this undertaking for several reasons, not the least of which is because he really knows his science. The last time I read a book of this kind, in which the author attempted to evoke the life experience of another animal from the animal's point of view, was when I read Gordon Allred's great little book "Dori, the Mallard" way back in the late 60's. He's the only guy I ever knew who could describe what it was like to be a duck from the duck's point of view. Bakker's book is equally compelling.
The second reason this book works is because it resonates with a rare kind of credibility. No one really knows if Raptor Red or any other raptor was really sentient, nor does anyone really know whether the abstract ideas Bakker posits for her were actually part of her way of intepreting her life experience. No one knows because we simply can't know such things, but the very notion of it is compelling for those who have witnessed sentience in other species in our own life experiences.
The physical attributes he attributes to her, such as the size of her brain relative to her overall mass and structure, is reasonable. The conclusion he draws, that she was unusually intelligent because she possessed a big enough brain to sustain thoughtful sentience, is a product of reasonable scientific extension of known facts. The keenness he attributes to her olfactory and visual senses is acceptable because it is based on sound scientific information that is universally known and widely accepted. Her ability to reason, solve problems, recall past experiences in the context of current challenges, discriminate between one cultural norm and another, interpret scent messages, and so on, are all attributes commonly demonstrated by other highly evolved, warm-blooded creatures living in our own time. The question he asks is a reasonable one - if we find these characteristics in sentient creatures of our own time, why couldn't they have existed in times long gone by? And if they did, what was it like to experience the world of their time from their point of view?
It is Bakker's erudite and imaginative ability to explore the possible answers to these questions, without lapsing into our peculiar brand of twentieth century Disneyfication, that makes this a meaningful and valuable book. Bakker is a rare find - in the world of laudatory science fiction there are very few authors who could have made this book work. For this reason alone, if there were no other reasons, I would recommend this book to others without qualification.
Finally, I found this book not only well written in terms of its science but as a story told from the first person's point of view. It is well paced, liberally laced with explanatory science which informs without boring or overwhelming the reader. When Bakker makes a leap of faith not shared by others in his profession, he justifies his point of view by informing our own critical thinking without becoming argumentative. This is an unusually entertaining and informing book which I heartily recommend to others.
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