Customer Reviews

Owls of North America

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book is split into two main sections: general information on owls and species profiles. The first section deals with the general information and it is written in a way that is easy to understand and very informative. After the author discusses something generally about owls, it is often followed up with specific examples of which owls that information applies to. There is some information that can be applied more generally to birds of prey, but, of course, everything mentioned is related to owls.

I tend to read a lot about owls and diurnal birds of prey, and when I spotted this book in the store, I kept thinking, do I really need yet another book on owls? Despite that, I could not pass the book up, and I'm glad I did not. And speaking from the point of view of someone who has read extensively on owls/birds of prey, I think this book would be great for anyone, from the person who is new to the subject of owls or for someone who is more of an expert.

This is one of those books that could well be classified as a "coffee table book," but unlike so many works that fall into that category; this one actually imparts some valuable information. It is a pure joy to read and look at. In this book you will find some of the best photographs, over 70 of them, of owls that you will find anywhere. The quality, detail and settings of each photo are rather amazing. The photographic technology is rather amazing. Having photographed birds for years, I can attest to the fact that it is not easy and to get this many shots of this quality is rather remarkable.

But don't take me wrong, this is far more that just a book of pretty pictures of owls. The author has done extensive research and does know her owl stuff. The book includes a brief history of owls in North America, and owls in general and a discussion of the various families. The author discusses the habits and habitat of each separate species along with anatomy and psychology, feeding habits, nesting, breeding habits, visual displays, life cycles, migration and communication. There are also excellent distribution maps shown with each species. (A warning here: Distribution maps are fine and dandy, but must all be use with caution. Birds in general do not read maps and you find different species in places that they have no business being in. Due to various factors, including climate warming, the distribution for birds is rapidly changing at this time and the "owl watcher" needs to be aware of this).

The author gives a good species profile of each of the 23 species found in North America, and as mentioned above, gives us some wonderful photographs of each of these wonderful birds. This book is not intended to be a field guide by any means, but tromping though the woods, desert and plains is just part of the fun. Reading about and learning is another part.

This is an excellent book to have lying around. Even those not particularly interest in birding with find joy in flipping though this one. I have also found that children are fascinated with these creatures. The text is not overly technical and is easy reading.

Don Blankenship
The Ozarks

I agree with the other reviewers (so far) that this a beautiful book with informative text and amazing photographs of owls. My only disappointment with the book is that the textual information is often presented as more of a "list of facts" rather than a real synthesis of the available information on owl biology. Thus, the introductory chapters on different aspects of the life cycle of owls often reads as something like ... owl X lays on average a clutch of 5 eggs, while owls Y and Z usually lay 7-8 eggs.... It's hard to get the "big picture" from some of these chapters, and there is redundancy with some of the later species accounts in the book. Overall, though, I would still recommend this book for it's other features.

This book that I bought on Amazon is absolutely wonderful. It is worth every cent. The photographs are large and clear, the history is detailed extremely well. I am very glad I purchased this hardcover book. No regrets on this one.

This book is great. I purchased it for my son and he loves it. The price was great and the information is very good.

This book is a well of knowledge on North American Owls! The photography is amazing and the book also includes diagrams that are extremely informative; however, it is not a coffee table book of photos by any means. The book is very well written, and the chapter sections nicely placed for in-depth understanding. Anyone who is interested in learning about Owls would understand and enjoy this book.

I collect owls and this book is terrific for learning about the various types. I love it.