"a well-researched book packed with information. It should appeal to all shorebird enthusiasts, as well as anybody concerned with the ecology of Arctic regions."
-Martin K. McNicholl in NORTH AMERICAN BIRD BANDER (September-December 2000)
"Everything known about these birds is summarized in a very readable way, and the numerous appendices and tables testify to the massive amount of information, with great attention to detail, that has been researched. ...Birders will appreciate the very detailed discussions of variation, plumage, and molt in the four species. I recommend
Tunda Plovers highly, especially to birders with a serious interest in shorebird biology."
-Dennis Paulson, University of Puget Sound, in BIRDING (August 2000)
"...there is plenty for the statistically-minded, and the serious researcher, as well as for the general wader-watcher. If you can't buy it, request it from the library!"
-Geoff Gibbs in ESSEX BIRDING (Winter 1999)
"
Tundra Plovers is an ambitious and rewarding comparative treatment of the four species in the genus
Pluvialis.
Tundra Plovers is an extraordinarily attractive book for one so filled with hard ornithological information."
-Peter G. Connors in THE AUK (October 1999)
"Byrkjedal and Thompson, research scientists from Norway and Scotland, respectively, have melded their specialties of ecology and animal behavior to produce a thoroughly comprehensive analysis of four species of closely related northern hemisphere shorebirds. Although a scholarly work best suited for research libraries that serve programs in ornithology, ecology, and animal behavior, it can be easily understood by nonspecialists and those who disdain charts and graphs."
-H.N. Cunningham in CHOICE (June 1999)
"It is becoming something of a cliche to say 'another excellent Poyser monograph' but it is hard to argue with."
-Gordon Hamlett in BIRDWATCH (June 1999)
"Although this book is packed with hard data, in no way did I find it difficult to read as it's full of interesting facts. Make no mistake, this is another quality Poyser book and one which I warmly recommend."
-Wendy Dickson in BIRDWATCH (April 1999)
"This is a highly informative book, well presented and in an attractive format. The authors should be congratulated for producing such an easily readable, yet highly informative text which, I believe, will be the key reference for these birds for many years to come."
-Mark Whittingham in IBIS (1999)
"It is a deeply inspired book, the labour of love from a gifted Norwegian/Scottish duo. The book is beautiful for its many original drawings by Ingvar Byrkjedal and for its text, and it provides an incredible, worldwide, compilation of data on the birds' morphology, distribution, population sizes, breeding schedules, breeding behaviour, migration patterns and schedules and diets. If you love, or even just like, plovers and the habitats in which they occur, this is a book for you."
-Theunis Piersma in ARDEA (1999)
"...a comprehensive review of ecology, behaviour, migrations and biogeography of the genus. The large format and the usual Poyser technique of including extensive detail in appendices and tables at the back of the book allow a wealth of information to be presented; the text is well supported by the numerous photographs and drawings. Arctic and mountain regions fascinate many people; so do shorebirds; not only such specialists but many other birdwatchers will get much use and pleasure from this book."
-Jeremy J.D. Greenwood in HABITAT (December 1998)
"Written by two authors with over 50 years experience studying tundra plovers between them, this book is as complete an account of their biology as the current state of our knowledge will allow. Every aspect of the ecology of the four species involved is considered in detail. ...a treasure to students and researchers alike. ...All in all a very nice book. Highly recommended."
-THE EARTHLIFE WEB
There are four species of tundra plover: the Grey Plover, and the Eurasian, Pacific and American golden plovers. They breed only in the northern hemisphere, principally on tundra, and migrate far south to coastal mudflats, saltings and agricultural landscapes. They have attracted avid interest from birdwatchers and researchers worldwide, not least the authors who have studied all four species. The Eurasian Golden Plover has a special claim to fame as questions over its flight speed first prompted the compilation of the world best seller
The Guinness Book of Records.
This ground-breaking book on shorebirds (waders) examines the taxonomy, appearance, behaviour, ecology and conservation of the Golden and Grey Plovers, and compares and contrasts their natural history and biogeography. There are detailed accounts of all aspects of lifestyle including feeding, mating, parental care, moults, migration and avoidance of predators. The personal touches in this book add immensely to its value, not least the authors' first hand experiences of the birds and their haunts. Most of their work presented here has not been published before, adding to the significance of this highly original book.
Long-awaited considerations of differences in plumage, vocalizations, habitat use, breeding, movements and food are included. The links between phylogeny, biogeography and behaviour are bound to excite interest. The comparative approach is highly detailed and refreshing, and marks the book as a classic.
Ingvar Byrjedal has also contributed all of the wonderful colourful and line illustrations. Over fifty-five photographs, over one hundred and twenty tables and figures, and many other embellishments complete this definitive book.
