Birdwatching in Colombia

Birdwatching in Colombia

by Beckers, Jurgen and Pablo Florez

2014, 274 pp, ISBN: 9789090277851

BASICS: softcover; a highly informative and detailed summary giving instructions on how to find and what to see at 127 birding locations in Colombia;  85 maps show routes and landmarks to find each site; an account for each site outlines information on lodging, transportation, costs, contact information, directions, and target species; shows 164 small to medium-sized color photographs of birds and 70 more of habitats; arranged into 12 chapters that focus on a specific eco-zone in the country

REVIEW: This is a very welcome book for a bird-rich country with relatively little published for the traveling birder.  If you are thinking about a birding trip to Colombia, you will absolutely want a copy of this book to prepare for your visit and, to use while venturing around the country.  This is not a field or identification guide.  Instead, it is a location guide on where to go birding, how to get there, and what to expect in terms of both birds and accommodations.

A total of 127 specific sites are each reviewed in 1-3 pages.  This information is often very rich in detail and will be useful to help you select which sites you want to visit and how to arrange that visit in advance.  Besides providing a short list of target birds expected for the site, a fair amount of logistical information is given.  This includes recommendations about transportation to the area; key details on the costs and types of lodging; contact information such as phone numbers and addresses to arrange lodging; restaurants or local eating establishments; and, comfort levels of the facilities and grounds.

The information offered for finding birds at each site is often very detailed, especially when used with the adjoining map.  As an example for Rio Blanco: "…even better birding is to be found above the lodge.  After climbing about 150 metres, you reach the ridge 'B'.  The flat walk to the left 'D' takes you through secondary scrub with bamboo".  These directions from first-hand experience will help make a birder's searching a little bit easier and more efficient.

One nice, handy touch is the inclusion of 12 different icons that show the various amenities or conditions at the birding site.  These small icons immediately inform the reader if birding at a specific site is possible mainly along the road; or, if walking trails are available; if rubber boots are essential; the presence of cell phone reception; electricity or showers at the lodge, etc.  One other small touch is a 4-star scaling of each site.  These stars help one determine the "worthiness" of visiting a site.  This worthiness is based on the number of species or specialties to the difficulty of reaching that site.  A 4-star rating means "top site (many key species)" while a 1-star rating means "interesting site if more time available".

Each site is accompanied by 1-4 nice photographs that show both birds and the habitat of the surrounding area.  Of the 240 total photos in the book, 164 show birds (8% of the country's total), 70 show habitat, and 6 are of other animals or people.

The sites are organized into 12 distinct chapters, each representing an eco-region within Colombia.  A map printed inside the back cover shows how these regions are situated in the country.  Each chapter begins with a short summary of the associated endemic birds plus notes on other specialties found in that region.  A few other comments are made on the region's culture, its people, or on how to get to that area.

The 29-page introduction in this book is well worth reading for three reasons.  One, is a 15-page section that gives an update to the myriad of taxonomic changes for Colombia's birds.  This covers splits, lumps, name changes, and important subspecies.  This book presents the most up-to-date listing of changes in the country, other than private postings one might find with multiple internet searches.  Two, there is a simple map showing the travel times by bus between cities.  This will be very important for managing the flow of your trip.  Three, helpful information offers tips and advice on accommodations, safety, health, resources to bring with you, and general logistics. 

You will definitely be better off with this book if you go birding in Colombia, especially if you are the independent birder not part of a guided tour.  As a caveat, you should keep in mind information in this book can and will change over time; ergo, make note of what year you plan on going to Colombia versus when this book was written, which was 2013.  -- (written by Jack at Avian Review with sample pages, April 2014)

Hummingbirds: A Life-Size Guide to Every Species

(4205)

Hummingbirds: A Life-Size Guide to Every Species

by Fogden, Michael; Marianne Taylor, and Sheri L. Williamson

2014, 400pp, ISBN: 9780062280640

Basics: hardcover; attractive photo collection for 262 (78%) of the world's 338 species of hummingbirds with brief summaries for the other 76 not shown; of the 262 species shown most (75%) are by only the male and 12% by only the female; text for each bird covers a general description with notes about favorite flowers, the nest and eggs, and about the bird's status and conservation concerns; not a field or identification guide but a small-sized artwork

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REVIEW: The focal point of this attractive book (8 x 6 x 1.3 inches) is the set of life-sized photographs for this diverse family of birds. However, it must be noted only 262 (78%) of the 338 known species of hummingbirds are shown. This conflicts a bit with the book's sub-title stating "Every Species". The other 76 (22%) of the species are mentioned at the back of the book with the same material and range maps given for the illustrated birds. These non-illustrated hummingbirds are typically the rarer or lesser known species, even including the extinct Brace's Hummingbird. However, some of these missing birds have been well photographed such as the Plain-capped Starthroat and Green Mango.

The photographs do a nice job of showing the birds in a variety of positions: Flying, feeding, perching, or nesting. The color and clarity of the photos makes the book enjoyable to examine. However, some of the photographs tend to show a slightly muted or washed coloration to the birds. The color reproductions may not be perfect but, they do represent the bird well enough. A slightly different tact was taken with the photographs. Each bird has been digitally cut out of its background and placed onto a white page. I suspect this was done to help fit the bird, the map, and all the text onto the same page for easier reading; and, perhaps for a slightly different aesthetic approach.

 

These photographs, while showing the birds nicely, do not lend themselves to be fully useful for field use or identification. This is because most (75%) of the species are only of the male; and, 12% show only the female such as the Lucifer Hummingbird and Bahama Woodstar. A total of 33 (13%) of the photographed species show both male and female. As an odd note, the Green-bellied Hummingbird is represented by only a juvenile. Yes, these photos can be helpful to get a good impression of the what the bird looks like but only from the one angle shown in the photograph. An additional 26 photographs (with background included) are shown in the introductory pages.

 

It should be kept in mind this book is not designed to be a field or identification guide. Instead, it is a nice reference, or even artwork, to visually examine most of the world's hummingbirds and, to read about their natural history.

The material provided for each of the 338 species is contained within a single paragraph. A couple of sentences provide a general description of the bird and, sometimes, a few words on differentiating that bird from a similar species. A few more sentences comment on the various subspecies and their physical differences. The remainder of the bird's account gives the reader an overview of its life history such as distribution, favorite flowers, description of nests, and brief notes on status or conservation concerns.

The beginning of the book offers an informative 19-page introduction. A few pages cover each of these topics: Evolution and taxonomy, color and iridescence, flight, feeding, courtship and nesting, molt, and, migration.

Lastly, each of the 338 species is accompanied by a range map supplied by BirdLife International. The range is denoted by using three colors: Red for resident, year-round birds; green for breeding, summer ranges; and, blue for where the species is found during the winter. The maps are useful for assessing the general range of the bird; however, their small size (3x2 cm) in combination with showing a large geographic area make many of the range maps difficult to examine. The Magenta-throated Woodstar's limited range in the highlands of Costa Rica and Panama is barely visible in a small map that shows a large area from Massachusetts all the way south to Bolivia. The faintest sliver of red ink makes the range map incorrectly appear to show the bird as being found along the Pacific coast.

If you have an appreciation of hummingbirds, you will want a copy of this book. It is nice to see life-sized photos of the birds and to have so many species together in one relatively compact book. Just keep in mind this book is a general summary or overview of the birds; that not all birds are shown; and, the book is more of a beginning resource to help learn what hummingbirds exist and not as a field or identification guide.-- (written by Jack at Avian Review with sample pages, April 2014)

Rare Birds of North America

Rare Birds of North America

by  Howell, Steve N.G.; Ian Lewington, and Will Russell

2014, 428pp, ISBN: 9780691117966

Basics:  hardcover; a thick reference book with multiple high-quality illustrations for each of 262 "ultra" rare vagrants in the US and Canada; text for each bird covers normal distribution ranges, historical sightings and trends in North America, detailed field identification to include similar species as well as age and sex, and, notes on habitat and behavior

(Also available as a digital download from iTunes).  This relatively large book (10x7x1.5 inches) is an exceptional, first-of-its-kind resource for a niche of birding not well covered.  This book will be greatly appreciated - and eagerly studied - by avid birders and twitchers who've jumped in a car (or plane) to see that nemesis rarity; or, by the traveling birder trekking to Arizona and Texas in search of those borderline rarities.  However, the detailed nature of the material along with historical records might be a little dry (and overwhelming) to some people that gain sufficient pleasure and excitement from the local birds coming into the backyard feeders.

There are a four things that define the scope of this book…

One:  It is an identification guide but definitely not a field guide due to the book's size and weight; and, to the large amount of information in the book not related to identification in the field.

Two: A summary is provided of when and where the rarities were seen along with notes on the bird's status.  Additional resources are also given for further research.

Three: A plethora of multi-decade experience of identifying these birds is given (in writing and illustrations) to any eager birder who wants to learn about rare birds that are more often seen in dreams than in the field.

Four: The book illustrates what I call "ultra" rare birds recorded since 1950.  The authors define "rare" as five (5) or fewer sightings per year.  This limit (frequency and time frame) helps to keep this a one-book project versus a multi-volume effort.

This book definitely is the best source for top-quality illustrations of the North American ultra-rarities.  The artwork by Ian Lewington is, as usual, excellent.  His skills are some of the best in any bird book.  The birds are shown with near-perfect proportions, coloring, and intricate detail.  These illustrations are additionally bolstered by the inclusion of seasonal variations, plumage differences of age and sex, and - for some - comparisons to similar common species.  Many of the birds also have ID tips with the illustrations, helping to point out the key features to be noticed.  Nearly all species are shown with 3-5 illustrations.  Some, such as the Kelp Gull, Steller's Sea Eagle, or Western Marsh Harrier, have 9-11 illustrations.

Within this book, you will see the most up-to-date use of taxonomic changes and trends.  The authors refer to both the IOC and AOU for naming conventions and for referencing the many subspecies and probable future splits.  Their research into the taxonomy informs the reader of the 40 subspecies of Bananaquit that probably make up multiple species; or, Eastern Blue Bunting (of Texas note) that is probably distinct from the Western Blue Bunting.  Other newer trends are the inclusion of the Hen Harrier (split from Northern Harrier), Mexican Yellow Grosbeak (from Southern Yellow Grosbeak), and Mexican Tufted Flycatcher (from South American).  One bird I was curious to see how it would be addressed was the "Stonechat".  The newer and at-large handling of the multiple subspecies can include distinct species of European, Siberian, African, and Stejneger's.  Apparently, all North American sightings (west and east) are of the Siberian.

If you're wondering what rarities are not included in this book, some examples are Black-capped Gnatcatcher, Ruddy Ground-Dove, Bar-tailed Godwit, Shiny Cowbird, and Clay-colored Thrush.  While rare, those are found with greater frequency in the US, if not even being routine.  Other species not included are Worthen's Sparrow and Bumblebee Hummingbird, which are very, very old records.  Darn.  Those are some of the first birds I looked up.  Their records from the US are mystical to me and I see so little written or illustrated about those birds.

Another group of birds not included are vagrant European subspecies that may constitute distinct species, some of which are already considered as such by the IOC.  Some examples include the Eurasian (Green-winged) Teal, Cayanne (Sandwich) Tern, Asian and the European Whimbrels, Common (Mew) Gull, and Eurasian (Barn) Swallow.

There is very little in this book that warrants critique.  Only two petty things come to mind.  One, is the species are arranged a little awkwardly.  Instead of a pure taxonomic order, they're arranged by "Larger Land Birds" or by "Aerial Landbirds" and then further by Old and New World.  This creates a few odd assortments such as swifts being found before and after the hummingbirds; the Eurasian Jackdaw shown before the doves; or, the Common House-Martin separated from fellow swallows by both the swifts and the hummingbirds.  The thrushes are broken apart the most, being separated by 63 pages of Old World warblers, wagtails, pipits, buntings, finches, and flycatchers.

Another nitpick is the random layout of how each bird's account begins, which can be anywhere on the page.  To the extreme, the Citrine Wagtail and Aztec Thrush have their illustrations and text spread across two pages except for the bird's name and a few beginning lines.  These are found on the preceding page, tucked in the bottom right corner.  Okay, that's minor; but, I find my eyes continually darting across the pages as I look for the beginning of each bird's account.

Should you get this book?  If you are an avid birder excited by searching for a rarity; or, if you embrace the challenge of learning those necessary identification features; or, if you are intrigued by the historical presence of a particular rarity, then you must get this book.  There is no better compilation of rarities with such quality illustrations, completeness of researched records, and experienced identification.

(written by Jack at Avian Review with sample pages, February 2014)

See other birding books related to advanced identification and avid birding at this link...HERE.

Guia de Aves del Estrecho de Gibraltar

Guia de Aves del Estrecho de Gibraltar

Parque Natural "Los Alcornocales" y Comarca de "La Janda"

by  Cardona, David Barros and David Rios Esteban

2008, 328pp, ISBN: 8460745457
 

Basics:  softcover, 115 color plates of all 350+ species, monthly migration charts, maps, text on status, identification, and movements, Spanish and English

This book is a melding of an identification guide and of a migrational data reference. There is probably no better geographic and migrational area that warrants such a book as does the Strait of Gibraltar. This book has three key components: plates, identification text, and migration data.

 

First, the 115 color plates illustrate all 350+ species that have been recorded either passing through or residing in the region. Most of the birds receive multiple illustrations to depict plumage variations. The artistry is good, but still a notch below the European guides by Mullarney or by Johnsson. Depending on your skill level with some of the migrating warblers, you may want to supplement this Gibraltar guide with one of the above mentioned ID guides.

 

The one paragraph of text given for each bird, in both Spanish and English, covers status, identification, and movements. The status reviews the seasonal presence of the bird along with its frequency. The identification material, ranging from 1-3 sentences, is brief but effective. In conjunction with the plates, the material will help identify all but the more difficult of species. The section on movements addresses which weeks or months a bird is expected to arrive or depart during its migration.

 

Helping to define this field guide as unique, the are three types of graphics inserted directly onto the plates and the text pages.  These provide information for many of the birds' distribution, seasonal presence, and monthly frequency.  The style of map used is typically seen in a breeding atlas.  Using a grid over a map of the region, each block of the map is specifically colored to represent one of three statuses:  Resident, summer breeder, or winter visitor.  Accompanying this map is a horizontal bar representing the 12 months of the year.  Each month is colored to denote the seasonal presence of the bird. Lastly, a bar-chart is provided for many of the birds to display the intensity or count of birds seen each month.

 

The first 60 pages of the book provide useful information on ringing/banding, key migration points, 38 photos of habitats, and migration maps. These maps help to pinpoint key spots and routes of migration.

 

If you plan on birding this notable migration route in Europe, you'll definitely want to take this book with you. The plates and the information provided within make it both useful and valuable.

Birds in Ecuador

Birds in Ecuador: A Photographic Journey

by  Bartley, Glenn

2009, 119pp, ISBN: 9780981321202 
  

Basics:  softcover; beautiful color photographs of 131 species, short captions with each photo; no   other text 
  

This is a simple book consisting of just photographs, yet the extraordinary quality of these photos makes the book so much more.  Within this book are 131 species found across four areas of Ecuador.  These areas are categorized as east, west, south, and Sierra. Other than the Sierra, these areas are loosely defined since it is possible to see many of the birds in multiple areas.  However, the birds shown are quite typical for their region. 
   

What makes these photos so special?  First, they show the highest quality of color, focus, lighting, and pose of the bird.  Each time I flip a page, I’m impressed with the vivid colors that are captured.  The printer of this book did an awesome job.  Every bird is front-and-center in the photograph and not partially hidden by vegetation or shadows.  What also makes the photographs so remarkable is the size of each bird.  Many of the photos take up the entire page of this large format book.  The pages are 9x12 inches. 
   

I thought I was a decent photographer, but this book demonstrates a new level of skill, patience, and passion.  Ecuador is perhaps my favorite birding location and I’ve taken many photos, so I can understand the difficulty the author/photographer experienced when trying to get the perfect shot to include in this book.  Of course, some luck goes with getting the active upper-canopy tanager to hold still in just the right spot; or, for that frustrating antbird to do the unthinkable which is to come out in the open.  But it also takes patience and skill to be in the right spot at the right time; and, to get those camera settings set properly. 
  

Within this book you’ll see a variety of tanagers, pittas, woodcreepers, trogons, and hummingbirds.  The hummingbirds are featured most prominently with 34 species shown.  The tanager family ranks second with 17 species.  You must see the photo of the Paradise Tanager on the last page. 
  

Each photo is accompanied by the bird’s common name along with a brief caption.  The caption may simply identify or describe the bird; or, some captions will include a short commentary about the bird’s habits, distribution, or behavior.  Other than a half-page note about conservation at the beginning of the book, no other text is included, not even an index.  I find the lack of an index to be a minor distraction.  When I want to see the Barred Becard again I am forced to randomly thumb through the pages until spotting it.  Since the hummingbirds are scattered throughout the four regions of the book, finding a specific one can take a little searching.  Come to think of it, if there is no index or table of contents, then why are the pages numbered? 
  

This book is the prototypical, high-quality "coffee table" book that must adorn any birder's or naturalist's library.  After looking through the pages - many times - this book will leave you wishing to see future works of this photographer for all of Ecuador's birds. I know I'll make note to keep track of his future works. 
  

This book can be purchased directly from the author at his website HERE for approximately $30 with discounts on multiple copies. – (written by Jack at Avian Review, December 2009)