Wisconsin Birdlife: Population and Distribution Past and Present [Hardcover]

Samuel D. Robbins (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 15, 1991

As initially planned in 1939 by Owen J. Gromme, then curator of birds at the Milwaukee Public Museum, Wisconsin Birdlife would not only describe and document every species of bird known to have visited this state, but would also depict each species with his own original paintings. During the next two decades, Gromme concentrated primarily on the latter, resulting in the separate publication in 1963 of his now classic Birds of Wisconsin. Work on the present volume was assumed in the late 1960s by Samuel D. Robbins, whose labors of more than 20 years give us a veritable encyclopedia of the state's ornithological knowledge. A complement and supplement to field guides, picture books, and recordings, the book is designed to enlarge the reader's understanding and appreciation of statewide history, abundance, and habitat preference of every species reliably recorded in Wisconsin.
     The volume opens with a summary of the ornithological history of the state and an exposition of its ecological setting. The heart of Wisconsin Birdlife ensues: detailed accounts of nearly 400 species, with information on status (population and distribution), habitat, migration dates, breeding data, and wintering presence, followed by extensive discussion and commentary. Dr. James Hall Zimmerman, Senior Lecturer in Landscape Architecture at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, provides a special discussion of bird habitats for the book.  In addition, Wisconsin Birdlife features a comprehensive status and seasonal distribution chart, a detailed habitat preference chart, and an exhaustive bibliography.
     The ultimate resource, Wisconsin Birdlife belongs within easy reach of everyone from armchair appreciators and casual birdwatchers to ardent birders and professional ornithologists.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Samuel D. Robbins Jr. has been an active leader of the Wisconsin Ornithological Society for fifty years.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 720 pages
• Publisher: University of Wisconsin Press; 1 edition (May 15, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0299102602
• ISBN-13: 978-0299102609
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.5 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,427,595 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars natural & birding history of every bird seen in WI in 150 yr, March 12, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Wisconsin Birdlife: Population and Distribution Past and Present (Hardcover)

Habits, habitats, migrations, nesting behavior of every bird ever recorded in the state. When and where each rarity has been seen. Wisconsin itself: climatic regions, vegetation communities, progress of spring south to north by date. History of Wisconsin birding. Extensive bibliography. An encyclopedic and timely work of value to any Wisconsin birdwatcher.

4.0 out of 5 stars Great resource, July 13, 2010

By 

M. Duchek - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Wisconsin Birdlife: Population and Distribution Past and Present (Hardcover)

First, the caveat. This book is from 1991 and as of when I write this almost 20 years old.

That said, this has (as of that date) all birds recorded in Wisconsin, and has range maps and information for every species including winter visitors, etc... So unlike the breeding bird atlas, this also has birds that may only pass through on migration, be here accidentally, are extinct/extirpated, or are usually only here in winter. Gives a history of the bird in the state and lots of info on the bird in Wisconsin. A lot has changed in 20 years, but a lot of this is still reasonably accurate. Would recommend this in conjunction with a more recent bird guide. I hope this gets updated some time - now with the internet and digital photos it would be really cool to have an updated version. Unfortunately the author passed away and I don't believe there are plans for a new edition right now. Until then I'd recommend the Atlas to the Breeding Birds of Wisconsin, which is more up to date and will be updated periodically.