The Complete Whale-Watching Handbook: A Guide to Whales, Dolphins, and Porpoises of the World [Paperback]

Ben Wilson (Author), Angus Wilson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 15, 2006

The Complete Whale-Watching Handbook is a spectacular celebration of whales, porpoises, and dolphins, and of the immense diversity of opportunities to view these spectacular marine mammals in the wild. Once the stuff of fishermen’s yarns and literary classics, we can all now experience the excitement of an eye-to-eye encounter with a whale, dolphin, or porpoise.

This book covers the biology of each creature listed, focusing on the species that can be seen on excursions, the behaviors likely to be encountered, and the nature of the industry. There is also a species guide, followed by a comprehensive region-by-region guide to whale-, dolphin-, or porpoise-watching opportunities worldwide. Up-to-date listings include contact information and a seasonal analysis of the species that can be expected. There are also sections explaining the study of whales, dolphins, and porpoises, examining the impact of whale-watching on whale populations, and offering practical advice on how to view, photograph and enjoy these creatures in the wild.

Editorial Reviews

Review

The Midwest Book Review, October 2006

“Blends a focus on the biology of whales and their behavior with a species guide, a regional guide to whale-watching opportunities around the world, and a seasonal analysis of species which can be expected.”

Aquatic Mammals, (UK), Winter 2006

“A most welcome addition to any whale enthusiast’s book collection and a must for anyone who has been bitten by the whale-watching bug.”

About the Author

Dr. Ben Wilson gained his doctorate in Zoology from the University of Aberdeen in 1995. He has studied the behavior and ecology of marine mammals and fish for over 10 years. He is a member of the IUCN Cetacean Specialist Group, International Whaling Commission, and the Society for Marine Mammalogy, and is a Lecturer for the Scottish Association for Marine Science. He is widely published in scientific papers, and is also the author of the popular books: Dolphins Worldlife Library Series (1998) and Bottlenose Dolphins Worldlife Library Series (1994), with co-author Paul Thompson. He lives in Oban, Scotland.

Angus Wilson is an associate professor and researcher at New York University School of Medicine. He has had a life-long interest in offshore wildlife, principally birds and marine mammals. This passion is reflected on his Ocean Wanderers web site (ww.oceanwanderers.com). During the past few years, he has traveled to all the major oceans in the world and encountered many species of whale, dolphin and porpoise. Angus is a regular leader on excursions off the mid-Atlantic states in search of birds and cetaceans. He lives in New York City.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Voyageur Press; First edition (August 15, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0760325677
• ISBN-13: 978-0760325674
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 6.8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #579,753 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Enough insights to allow whale watchers to fully appreciate and anticipate their experience., October 14, 2006

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Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Complete Whale-Watching Handbook: A Guide to Whales, Dolphins, and Porpoises of the World (Paperback)

THE COMPLETE WHALE-WATCHING HANDBOOK: A GUIDE TO WHALES, DOLPHINS, AND PORPOISES OF THE WORLD blends a focus on the biology of whales and their behaviors with a species guide, a regional guide to whale-watching opportunities around the world, and seasonal analysis of species which can be expected. Much more than just a listing of parks and outfitters, it focuses on the biology and science of the species and provides maps, color photos, and enough insights to allow whale watchers to fully appreciate and anticipate their experience.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch