The Birds of Kaua`I (Latitude 20 Books) [Paperback]

Jim Denny (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

For anyone planning to look at birds on Kauai, this is the volume you need ... Here are wonderful, detailed closeups of some of the rarest birds in the world. -- Honolulu Advertiser, 4/24/99

In "Birds of Kauai," Denny shares his knowledge, passion and photographer's eye. The book is a comprehensive reference and a must read for anyone interested in Hawaii's avian species. -- Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 3/30/99

From the Back Cover

Kaua'i is the place for birdwatching in Hawai'i. Let The Birds of Kaua'i be your guide!

Written in an appealing, informal style, The Birds of Kaua'i offers readers an enjoyable look at the avifauna of Hawai'i's oldest island. Two of the most important and impressive sites for birdwatching in the State are located on Kaua'i: Kilauea National Wildlife Refuge and Alaka'i Wilderness Preserve. Kilauea, on the island's windward shore, boasts substantial populations of seabirds, which can be viewed up close; Alaka'i is the most pristine native rain forest in the Islands and until two short decades ago, it's valleys still echoed with the songs of every native bird historically known to reside there. Today many species continue to thrive in the lush ancient forest.

Superbly illustrated with more than 80 color photographs, The Birds of Kaua'i covers every avian species that can be seen on the Garden Island. The author's knowledge and enthusiasm are evident on each page as he describes native forest birds, seabirds, alien birds, and migratory visitors. One of the world's rarest birds is the Kaua'i O'o, the victim of predation and extensive changes to its environment. These and other threats to the Island's fragile bird populations are discussed.

Jim Denny received bachelor degrees from Louisiana Tech and the University of Hawai'i. His photographs have been exhibited at the Bishop Museum and Kaua'i's Koke'e Natural History Museum and have appeared on Discovery Channel On-Line and in Smithsonian Magazine and National Geographic. Denny frequently lectures in Hawai'i's schools and to visiting tour groups about Kaua'i's precious birds. He is a medical technologist at Kaua'i Veterans Memorial Hospital.

Product Details

• Paperback: 102 pages
• Publisher: Univ of Hawaii Pr (May 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0824820975
• ISBN-13: 978-0824820978
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #508,338 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting text, excellent photographs, July 10, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Birds of Kaua`I (Latitude 20 Books) (Paperback)

Jim Denny's excellent photographs complement his excellent text. The book is neither a field guide (for that, use Douglas Pratt's Field Guide to the Birds of Hawai'i and the Tropical Pacific) nor is it a site guide (use Pratt or Sohren for that), but something else: an accurate and fascinating review of the birds of the island and how they fit into the marvelous land. Bits of interesting history are interwoven with the descriptions, and Denny's relation of the tragedy of the lost birds of Kaua'i can make you weep. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has or will look for birds on this remarkable island. My one complaint is that the paintings Denny chose to illustrate those birds he could not photograph are not the most accurate depictions available, though they are of historical interest.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An absolute "must" for every bird lover!, June 29, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Birds of Kaua`I (Latitude 20 Books) (Paperback)

This book is essential for anyone planning to visit this beautiful island, and if you have no plans to go there... look through this wonderful guide, and you may change your mind! The glossy pages are filled with photos of the most illusive and rare birds of Kaua'I. These colorful creatures are found nowhere else on earth. They are photographed in their native surroundings, which are as unique and bold as the birds themselves. Jim Denny did a wonderful job describing each species in detail. Wonderful photos, great reading! I highly recommend this book for lovers of birds, and lovers of beauty. Thumbs up!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Color Photos, April 12, 2008

By 

James H. Denny "Jim Denny" (Kauai) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Birds of Kaua`I (Latitude 20 Books) (Paperback)

This book has color photos. A few copies were mistakenly printed in black and white. The error has been detected by the publisher and the faulty copies have been recalled. If you have already purchased a book that does not have color photos, please contact the editor at the UH Press for a replacement: [e-mail]

Thanks,
Jim Denny, Author