Bøger af Richard Cannings

Bird-watching is one of the most popular recreational activities in North America -- North American birders are estimated to spend as much as $32 billion annually. Many of the world's greatest natural history writers have penned eloquent, informative and profound essays about these alluring creatures. This timeless evocation of our passion for birds features 20 works from such esteemed writers as Barry Lopez, Terry Tempest Williams, Jonathan Weiner, Barbara Kingsolver, Richard Mabey, and Candace Savage. Included in this diverse selection are excerpts from popular books as well as articles from science and natural history magazines, about birds from all over the planet, and the birders, pishers, twitchers, and listers who love them. Illuminating, entertaining, literary, and intimate, the varied writing reveals the numerous and often unexpected ways in which birds -- spiritual messengers, mythic symbols, personal obsessions, even harbingers of environmental catastrophe -- connect us to the natural world.

In this unique guidebook that will appeal to novice and experienced birders alike, the authors of acclaimed Birdfinding in British Columbia explore their 30 favorite birding sites in the diverse landscape of Canada’s westernmost province. More detailed and more personal than the Cannings’ previous books, and illustrated with more than 30 color photographs of birds and locales, and 28 maps, Best Places to Bird in British Columbia introduces some sites that will be familiar favorites for readers, while others may come as a surprise.Readers can choose their destination by species—each chapter has a list of “Specialty Birds,” the ornithological highlights of a trip to the area in question—or by geography—each chapter is named for its region and includes detailed information not only on how to get there but also on how to make the most of being there. Personal anecdotes, historical background, and ornithological information make this an indispensable guide to exploring the best birding sites B.C. has to offer and learning more about its bird population.

Discover a whole new dimension to taking a car trip with this fascinating guide to the roadside ecology of the major highways in British Columbia. Each of the 13 chapters covers one highway in the province. Beginning with an overview of the highway (the area it covers, the general characteristics of that area, and the changes in climate and vegetation), each chapter then provides a detailed description of the land-forms, vegetation, and animal life in each section of that highway, along with tips for how to identify different species. Sidebars inform on various species, such as the huge, endangered sturgeon and the Great Basin spadefoot toad, which spends most of the year underground. Full-color photographs and black-and-white drawings illustrate the plants and animals that make their homes along the roadsides of British Columbia, and maps show the route of each highway discussed. In addition, the book offers suggestions for where to stop and look for crayfish, enjoy a swim in summer, or have a picnic lunch. An appendix provides a brief field guide of tree silhouettes and hints for identifying trees and shrubs.

This revised and expanded edition of an award-winning book not only explores British Columbia's stunning ecology but also features an increased focus on climate change. With expanded sections on the province’s geological history, updated information on the mountain pine beetle and the future of B.C.’s biodiversity, and fresh information on many other topics, this edition includes new illustrations, photos, sidebars, and new and revised maps.Both an authoritative reference and an easy-to-read guide, this revised edition is a must for anyone who wants detailed and up-to-date information about British Columbia’s dazzling natural world.