An ornithologist's personal look at farming practices that finds practical solutions for sustainable food production compatible with bird and wildlife conservation With predictions of a human population of more than nine billion by the middle of this century and eleven billion by 2100, we stand at a crossroads in our agricultural evolution. In this clear and engaging yet scientifically rigorous book, wildlife biologist John M. Marzluff takes a personal approach to sustainable agriculture. He travels to farms and ranches across North and Central America, including a Nebraska corn and soybean farm, California vineyards, cattle ranches in Montana, and small sustainable farms in Costa Rica, to understand the unique challenges and solutions to sustainable food production. Agriculture and wildlife can coexist, Marzluff argues, if farmers are justly rewarded for conservation; if future technological advancements increase food production and reduce food waste; and if consumers cut back on meat consumption. Beginning with a look backward at our evolutionary history and concluding with practical solutions for change that will benefit farmers and ranchers, he provides an accessible and insightful study for the ecologically minded citizen, farmer, rancher, or conservationist.

In 400 BC while SOCRATES the Greek philosopher who shaped Western philosophy and his student PLATO stroll through an enchanted fortress they encounter an extraordinary Being who possesses the key to immortality. Over 2000 years later SOCRATO SCHAPIRELLI a direct descendant of Socrates uncovers a secret competition in Boston whereby 3 courageous contestants, psychiatrist LUKE TALBOT, ophthalmologist MARNI RIVERS and performance artist JAMIE DAWNE vie to be chosen as The One. The victor will achieve the gift of immortality. To the ruthless scientist MARGOT PAYNE, head of the most powerful dynasty in America, her son JONATHAN and her daughter TARA, conquerors who will stop at nothing, the key in securing eternity for themselves and acquiring the secret to immortality lies with the capture of THE OWL, the extraordinary Being who has survived despite thousands of years of pursuit. A nefarious plan is launched to capture this wondrous Being and acquire the secret to its power; a force if unleashed threatens to change the course of the modern world. A deadly race begins in the sinister, threatening fortress known as The Tomb where nightmares come alive. Through trials by astonishing disasters and unimaginable battles, their inventive genius and relentless drive to survive bring them to a final, spine-chilling confrontation in the very heart of their domain - The Tomb with the clock ticking against devastating odds a confrontation in which Luke, Marni and Jamie gain triumph only at the last seconds as a shocking secret is finally revealed.

Long considered creatures of myth and mystery, owls actually are commonplace if one knows how and where to look--often no further than one's own backyard. The Suttons--husband and wife naturalist team--have created a lavish, full-color spotter's guide, with a thorough description of owls, their habitat, range, diet, breeding and nesting habits.

An instant New York Times bestseller! A New York Times Notable Book of 2023 Named a Best Book of 2023 by Publishers Weekly From the author of The Genius of Birds and The Bird Way, a brilliant scientific investigation into owls—the most elusive of birds—and why they exert such a hold on human imagination With their forward gaze and quiet flight, owls are often a symbol of wisdom, knowledge, and foresight. But what does an owl really know? And what do we really know about owls? Some two hundred sixty species of owls exist today, and they reside on every continent except Antarctica, but they are far more difficult to find and study than other birds because they are cryptic, camouflaged, and mostly active at night. Though human fascination with owls goes back centuries, scientists have only recently begun to understand the complex nature of these extraordinary birds. In What an Owl Knows, Jennifer Ackerman joins scientists in the field and explores how researchers are using modern technology and tools to learn how owls communicate, hunt, court, mate, raise their young, and move about from season to season. Ackerman brings this research alive with her own personal field observations; the result is an awe-inspiring exploration of owls across the globe and through human history, and a spellbinding account of the world’s most enigmatic group of birds.