One of America's most influential ornithologists, Ludlow Griscom (1890-1959) ushered in the shift to modern birding with binoculars with his conviction that "one need not shoot a bird to know what it was". Drawing on the writings of Griscom and his contemporaries, this biography reveals the complex man who popularized birdwatching as a more democratic, less aristocratic alternative to hunting and influenced a generation of notable future "birders", including Roger Tory Peterson, Joseph J. Hickey, and Allan Cruickshank. During the ten years he was a curator of birds for the American Museum of Natural History, Griscom set forth principles of field identification that revolutionized birding as a hobby and a sport. He also became an international authority on the birds of Central and South America, as well as the local authority on avian populations in the New York City and Boston areas. Davis vividly portrays this odd, often abrasive, man whose brusque and assertive manner tended to polarize associates into pro- and anti-Griscom factions. He follows Griscom's involvement with such groups as the National Audubon Society, National Wildlife Federation, and Ducks Unlimited. Griscom eloquently fought for the establishment of federal preserves at Plum Island and Monomoy in Massachusetts. He also spoke against tendencies toward petty competition among different environmental groups. This first biography of America's first birder captures the tenor of an almost maddeningly active life.

Designed to appeal to expert and backyard birdwatchers alike, this comprehensive guide reveals where, when, and how to watch and enjoy birds in New Hampshire. It not only offers the latest information about the seasonal status and distribution of birds in New Hampshire but also features a thorough introduction to the art and practice of birdwatching, including equipment, ethics, migration, conservation, and most of all, finding that "good bird." The heart of the book is the detailed descriptions and maps that outline more than 120 birding sites across the state, from the Connecticut River Valley to Jeffreys Ledge and Cashes Ledge far off the coast. Drawing upon his extensive knowledge of the habits and habitats of New Hampshire birds, the author has divided the state into six regions, each with a rich diversity of birdwatching destinations. The guide also features informative accounts of the more than 300 bird species regularly seen in the Granite State, including their preferred habitats and graphs illustrating when each is most likely to be encountered. In addition, Masterson also provides a useful guide to rare and accidental bird sightings. The essential guide to birdwatching in New Hampshire for beginners and accomplished regional birders.

The Birds of Panama will be an essential tool for the new generation of birders traveling in search of Panama's spectacular avifauna.

Birders in Central America have long known that Nicaragua is one of the best birding locations in the world, and with tourism to the country on the upswing, birders from the rest of the world are now coming to the same conclusion. The largest country in Central America, Nicaragua is home to 763 resident and passage birds, by latest count. Because of its unique topography—the country is relatively flat compared to its mountainous neighbors to the north and south—it forms a geographical barrier of sorts, which means that many birds that originate in North America reach their southernmost point in Nicaragua, while many birds from South America reach their northernmost point in the country. There are few places in the world where you can find both a Roadrunner and a Scarlet Macaw. Birds of Nicaragua features descriptions and illustrations of all 763 species currently identified in the country, along with information about 44 additional species that are likely to appear in the coming years. Range maps, based on years of field research, are color-coded. Other features include a richly illustrated anatomical features section, a checklist, a visual guide to vultures and raptors in flight, and a quick-find index.

A new, updated edition of the only compact, portable, and user-friendly field guide the novice or experienced birder needs to identify birds in the field in the diverse habitats found in Costa Rica. -- "Biology Digest"

Publisher description: The definitive source for Oregon ornithology, "Birds of Oregon" is a comprehensive reference to the 486 bird species now known to occur in the state. It combines what is known today about the population status and distribution of each species with current knowledge on their habitats and life histories. "Birds of Oregon" provides interested citizens with a basic understanding of Oregon's rich bird life and serves as an invaluable reference for birders and wildlife professionals.