Keith Hansen Bücher

"Identify and learn about over two hundred and fifty birds of the Sierra Nevada"-- Provided by publisher

An essential and richly illustrated guide celebrates California's coastal birds and the wonders of witnessing them. A birding paradise, Point Reyes National Seashore boasts a breathtaking coastline that attracts an array of winged beauties and their flightless fanciers year-round. Both a waystation for feathered vagrants and home to a wealth of native species, this coastal sanctuary is teeming with avian life, and in Birds of Point Reyes expert birder and ornithological illustrator Keith Hansen celebrates this airborne abundance. From the sparrows and cormorants to the hawks and ravens to the wild wanderers who sweep through in vast seasonal migrations, Hansen introduces readers to the wildlife that soar and swirl overhead though 25 awe-filled portraits of Point Reyes's birds. Both experienced birdwatchers and less-than-expert birders will delight in Hansen's reflections, brought vividly to life by richly realized full-color artworks that reward the reader's sustained attention and help to identify the many-splendored species of the region. With this guide Hansen invites readers to imagine the world's fastest hunt through the eyes of a cliff-dwelling peregrine, to appreciate the evolutionary complexity of the shorebird beaks prodding the sands of Drakes Bay, and to attune to the serenade of birdsong. Grab your binoculars and get ready to see these birds like never before.

The California Quail, known for its striking appearance and mellow calls, is a beloved species along the Pacific Coast, captivating bird-lovers, sportsmen, ranchers, and wildlife biologists alike. Historically significant as a food source, its populations were severely diminished by market hunting. Fortunately, restoration efforts by private landowners and government agencies are underway. This comprehensive report delves into the quail's history, biology, and management, detailing the effects of settlement on their populations. It explores their social structures, covey dynamics, nesting behaviors, and habitat needs. Notably, male quails play a crucial role in raising chicks, while the chemical composition of their food significantly impacts female nesting success. A significant portion of the text provides guidance on creating optimal environments, including food and water sources, to support quail populations for both hunting and observation. These recommendations are backed by decades of scientific research and practical management strategies. Authored by a distinguished wildlife biologist with extensive experience studying quail, this volume serves as a definitive resource on their natural history and game management, featuring numerous illustrations to aid understanding and appreciation of this iconic bird.