Florida has 1200 miles of coastline, almost 700 miles of which are sandy beaches. Exploring along those beaches offers encounters with myriads of plants, animals, minerals, and manmade objects all are covered in this comprehensive guide with descriptive accounts of 822 items, 983 color images, and 431 maps. Beginning with the premise that beaches are themselves alive, this guide to the natural history of Florida beaches heralds the living things and metaphorical life near, on, and within the state's sandy margins. It is organized into Beach Features, Beach Animals, Beach Plants, Beach Minerals, and Hand of Man. In addition to being an identification guide, the book reveals much of the wonder and mystery between dune and sea along Florida s long coastline.
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About the Author
Blair Witherington is a research scientist with the FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute. He has bachelor's and master's degrees in biology from UCF and a doctorate in zoology from UF. Dawn Witherington is a graphic designer and illustrator trained at the Art Institutes of Colorado and Ft. Lauderdale.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
19 of 19 people found the following review helpful
By Jay Wherley
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I am astounded at the quality and quantity of information in this book. Every page has three or four color photos of the items being covered. These items range from beach foam, through shells, plants, rocks, seabeans, floats, coins, fossils, birds and more. I was about to say it didn't have mammals - but checked and they are there too. Each item has the scientific name, the area in Florida and season it might be found, scale information on the photo, and a "Did You Know" section with fun facts. I have seen many nature guides - Sibleys, Audubon, Peterson etc - and this ranks near or at the top - yes it's that good. See you at the beach!
15 of 15 people found the following review helpful
By H. Domke
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This is a comprehensive identification guide, but it is much more. Unlike most identification guides, it is possible to sit down and read this book for pleasure.
There are wonderful photographic illustrations, often with more than one picture to illustrate a subject. The text is clear and concise but not too concise. On every topic they have a feature called " Did you Know". This is a paragraph about some odd fact about the subject. For example, "Laughing Gulls are the beach bird most likely to steal food from your hand..."
This may be the only field guide I will bring with me on future trips to the beaches in Florida.
There are wonderful photographic illustrations, often with more than one picture to illustrate a subject. The text is clear and concise but not too concise. On every topic they have a feature called " Did you Know". This is a paragraph about some odd fact about the subject. For example, "Laughing Gulls are the beach bird most likely to steal food from your hand..."
This may be the only field guide I will bring with me on future trips to the beaches in Florida.
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
By C. Stevens
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I purchased this book for our trip to the beach as a resource for the family. Each person who looked and used this book LOVED it. In the few weeks we have had it, our daughter has gone back to this book time and time again. Also several asked where we got the book --- this book will be their next birthday or Christmas book! Great photographs and detailed explanation about everything BEACH.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Having lived in a beachside community most of my life, I fully understand the pleasure of strolling the beach and exploring all of the "treasures" that are washed up by the tides. But this book adds a whole new level of enjoyment to the wonderful pastime of beachcombing.
What makes Florida's Living Beaches so unique? With 985 color images, 431 maps and descriptive accounts of 822 items, the book is a well-researched guide that belongs in the reference department of every library.
But as soon as you open the book and start thumbing through the beautiful color photos, you will realize that the book is far too personal to lay idle with the other stodgy old tomes on the reference shelves. This book was written by two naturalists who are truly in love with the sea.
If you have ever gone to the beach and sat in a lawn chair, lain on a blanket, or taken a walk, you have probably encountered at least a few items that caught your eye and peaked your curiosity. Whatever that mystery was, this book can help you identify it.
Don't go to the beach without out!!
What makes Florida's Living Beaches so unique? With 985 color images, 431 maps and descriptive accounts of 822 items, the book is a well-researched guide that belongs in the reference department of every library.
But as soon as you open the book and start thumbing through the beautiful color photos, you will realize that the book is far too personal to lay idle with the other stodgy old tomes on the reference shelves. This book was written by two naturalists who are truly in love with the sea.
If you have ever gone to the beach and sat in a lawn chair, lain on a blanket, or taken a walk, you have probably encountered at least a few items that caught your eye and peaked your curiosity. Whatever that mystery was, this book can help you identify it.
Don't go to the beach without out!!
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Lavishly illustrated with 985 full-color photographs and 431 maps, Florida's Living Beaches: A Guide for the Curious Beachcomber is an amazing catalogue of the many treasures a beachcomber can discover along Florida's 1200 miles of coastline. Printed on high-quality glossy paper with a water-resistant dust jacket, Florida's Living Beaches describes beach features, animals, plants, and minerals at length, as well as items (and pollution!) that are the legacy of humans. Simple diagrams also reveal along which parts of Florida's coast that different individual features can be found. A one-of-a-kind guide enthusiastically recommended for Florida beachcombers and armchair beach-travelers alike.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By A. Eller
Format:Paperback
Loved this book.....Pictures and descriptions are great ..... I have two other books on shelling and beach stuff and none compare to this ... Tells the season and areas that are the best for seeing the item....a true must for beach lovers
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
...so much so that its colorful pages leap forth with clear revelations of all things beach. This guide has solved several agonizing mysteries for me already, and its guidance on "beach quests" is marvelous. The books design is pleasant. Its images are abundant and often stunning. Its depth is astounding (about 1000 items of animal, vegetable, mineral, and human origin). And its descriptions are concise, clear, occasionally philosophical, and often amusing. The book is a real joy for anyone who wants a connection to Florida beaches.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
If you love walking Florida beaches, you'll find this book to be a fabulous guide. Having lived in Florida most of my life, I'm happy at last to have a book which will help me easily identify the shells, birds, sea animals, and fish that I see on my walks. Great layout and design and beautiful photographs in addition to being a well organized and interesting book.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
FANTASTIC!
I absolutely love this book! It breaks down, in great detail and with wonderful pictures, everything about the Florida beaches. Read more
Published 15 days ago by R. Sampson
5.0 out of 5 stars
LOVE THIS BOOk!
I have always wanted to learn more about our beaches, tides, and the creatures in our area. This beautifully detailed book has collected the key points and explained our beaches... Read more
Published 15 days ago by Mark
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Witheringtons Know Their Shells
I have Blair & Dawn's other book FLORIDA'S SEASHELLS A Beachcomber's Guide. That book is a great carry about guide. Read more
Published 1 month ago by C. Partridge
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful
I really like this little manual. It covers the bases well and is very entertaining. It's easy to quickly look up your recent find.
Published 1 month ago by Sandee Dawdy
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very informative-great pictures
It has a lot of information put into easily understandable terms and the accompanying pictures were excellent. A good book to take with you whenever you go beach combing. Read more
Published 1 month ago by K. F. Nelson Jr.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great book
If you are a sheller or just enjoy the ocean this is a great book. It talks about tides and erosion and their effect on the beach and shelling. Read more
Published 1 month ago by W. Ciocco
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good Information
Another great beach book. Nice photos to identify items found on the Florida beaches. Very informative and easy to read and use. Children and adults enjoyed this tremendously.
Published 1 month ago by JUDITH T
5.0 out of 5 stars
Learning to love the beach.
Growing up in the mid-west we did't have these type of beaches to explore. Since visiting the Melbourne Beach area, I have learned a new appreciation for all the ocean and it's... Read more
Published 2 months ago by E. Jean Bednar
5.0 out of 5 stars
Florida Beaches
Great book if interested in learning about nature around the Florida beaches and what you will find while enjoying them.
Published 2 months ago by Karen Hart
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic little book
Just what it says, a guide for the curious beachcomber. Covers all kinds of flora, fauna, shells, and other goodies that the sea delivers. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Zoe Hill
Front Cover | Front Flap | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Flap | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
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