Birds of the Salton Sea: Status, Biogeography, and Ecology (Hardcover)

~ (Author), Guy McCaskie (Author), Philip Unitt (Author) "WE BEGIN THE STORY of the Salton Sea with the Salton Trough, the rift extending from the Coachella Valley to the central Gulf of California..." (more)
Key Phrases: Salton Sea, Salton Sink, Whitewater River (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Astonishing new book. . . . Whether this book stands as a farewell to this rich haven or a rallying cry of support is yet to be seen, but its case and timing make it a classic."--David Lukas, Los Angeles Times, September 9, 2003 -- Review

Product Description

The Salton Sea, California's largest inland lake, supports a spectacular bird population that is among the most concentrated and most diverse in the world. Sadly, this crucial stopover along the Pacific Flyway for migratory and wintering shorebirds, landbirds, and waterfowl is dangerously close to collapse from several environmental threats. This book is the first thoroughly detailed book to describe the birds of Salton Sea, more than 450 species and subspecies in all. A major contribution to our knowledge about the birds of western North America, it will also be an important tool in the struggle to save this highly endangered area.

Synthesizing data from many sources, including observations from their long-term work in the area, the authors' species accounts discuss each bird's abundance, seasonal status, movement patterns, biogeographic affinities, habitat associations, and more. This valuable reference also includes general information on the region's fascinating history and biogeography, making it an unparalleled resource for the birding community, for wildlife managers, and for conservation biologists concerned with one of the most threatened ecosystems in western North America.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 374 pages
• Publisher: University of California Press; 1 edition (August 19, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0520235932
• ISBN-13: 978-0520235939
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 7.4 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,407,311 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb reference, July 8, 2008

By	J. Fisher (Glendale, CA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is an excellent reference for anyone interested in the birds of the Salton Sea area. Very well written and researched, there is a ton of information to be found here. One reviewer lamented the lack of good illustrations, but the illustrations are not the reason you'll want to buy this book--it's not intended to be a field guide. It's a work on status and distribution, and on that score it's superb.

3.0 out of 5 stars Informative, but not a stand-alone volume, July 15, 2007

By	thetwonky (Northridge, CA USA) - See all my reviews

There is much information here specific to the amazing variety of birds to be seen at the bizarre world of the Salton Sea in Southern California. It is a very detailed volume, listing actual occurrence dates of some of the rarer species, along with specific locations, and times of year to be spotted. The main problem though, is the lack of plates. There are just 71 total plates, all black and white photographs- very poor ones at that. In other words, you need to bring along another guidebook if you are not completely familiar with all 400 plus species that may be found there!

The book does have a nice general background of the area and how it was formed, along with a great section chronicling the biogeography of the land. A few pages are dedicated to the controversies surrounding the ecological management of the area, which has burdened local politics for nearly a century.