Customer Reviews

Owls of the United States and Canada: A Complete Guide to Their Biology and Behavior

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

A wonderful book. The large format and abundant photography at first suggest a coffee table book, but Lynch's contribution is much more than that. The writing is intellectually luminous, displaying a good mind and careful researching. Though the author is very up to date on current research in the field, the scholarship is unobtrusive - the text is free of footnotes and citations though these can be found at the end of the book.
The photography is in a league of its own. Lynch is a well-known wildlife photographer, and these photos show just why. The artistry and a technical excellence are breathtaking. For instance, the whiskered screech-owl on p. 16 is composed the way a painter would compose, but the photo still brings out the individual feathers, the half-closed eyes, the long beak hidden behind the whiskers. These birds are so closely observed they show more than I can see with my binoculars in a woodland walk. And add to this the field knowledge: owls are not sparrows or seagulls that one can see anywhere. To capture them on film, the photographer must spend hours in a blind, and travel to places far off the interstate. This book is one that will stay in the mind after it has been read.

This book combines the personal experiences of the author with detailed information about the owls that live in the United States and Canada. The background information given in this book can be applied to more than one species of owls, and in some cases, it could be applied more generally to birds of prey. There are comparisons between humans and owls to give the reader a better image of what the author is describing. When there is a piece of general information given, the author gives examples of which owls that piece of information might be applied. The book is filled with wonderful photos, and includes a guide of owls that is located between the first two chapters.

This is one of the best books about owls that I have read.

I have studied owls for years and this one is the finest book I have read on the subject, Not only are the pictures fantastic but the text is very informative. Buy with confidence that you will enjoy this book.

This is another wonderful book by a real naturalist and consumate photographer. The images are just stunning photographically and from a naturalist's standpoint. Dr Lynch writes in a conversational tone that makes reading a pleasure, it's more like a conversation with him than anything else.

I highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in either nature photography or birds, but especially if you like both.

Chase Hunter

The book is great. There are many stunning photos. The book is worth every penny for just the photos alone. But after you get past all the eye candy there is a lot of interesting information about Owls. For example he shatters a lot of myths about their sight and hearing. The book has 8 chapters plus an introduction explaining Owl addiction: Anatomy of an Owl which has an identification guide; son et lumiere where he talks about the sight and hearing of these birds; Haunts and Hideaways; The Owlish Appetite, Family LIfe; The Next Generation; Predators, Pirates and Pests and Owls and Humans.

This is a marvelous book that will please both the student of owl biology and behavior as well as individuals who simply wish to see gorgeous photos of intriguing birds of prey.

This is an excellent book for anyone interested in Owls. Photography is
top-notch and the information is very valuable.

My daughter is thrilled with this book, she reads it over and over again. The pictures are great and the information is very interesting. This is a book that you want to buy if you love owls. It would also make a wonderful gift. Thank you

this was a gift for a friend, that is into birds. He said he loves it.

Excellent book - very informative and wonderful pictures! Buy the book not the e book, it will double as a coffee table book.