Master Bridge humourist David Bird tackles an almost new scenario with this book. Almost new in that his earlier book "The Abbot and The Sensational Squeeze" included a short section in which the famous Bridge playing Abbot spent some time as the host on a bridge cruise.

In this book, we are introduced to a completely fresh cast of characters lead by the cruise host Mr Knight. He is usually known as Rupert Knight though the poor standard of proof reading common to Bird's recent works causes him to become Ralph on occasion. As with Bird's rather weak Robin Hood books, many of the hands are the work of Tim Bourke but happily in the case of this book, the bridge content is rather more interesting.

The bridge described alternates between ship board duplicate sessions and on shore rubber bridge with an unlikely cast of characters enountered by the cruise passengers. This allows reasonable variety and provides scope for the wit for which David Bird is highly regarded.

The real test has to be: how does this book compare to the "Abbot" books? Certainly this book is closer to the mark than the "Robin Hood" books and it will not disappoint his fans.

If you have not read any of Daid Bird's books before, I suggest that you try to get hold of some of the earlier books in the "Abbot" series. You really cannot go wrong with the ones that were co-authored with Terence Reese.

'Avian Molecular Evolution and Systematics' provides students and researches alike with an unparalleled review of avian molecular techniques in sytematics and phylogenetics. David P. Mindell has compiled an authoritative collection of contributions from ornithologists and molecular biologists that cover both theoretical and practical applications. The chapters trace the theory behind the altered gene order of avian mtDNA and provide informative reviews of the utility of mtDNA genes in systematics, phylogeny, phylogeography and deciphering patterns of avian evolution. In addition to covering mtDNA a chapter is included on the theory and application of microsatellites, a relatively new technique to molecular biology. It is however unfortunate that there are not more avian microsatellite examples besides that which covers relatedness between cooperative displaying male manakins. However the author does include other applications of microsatellite data (quantitative gene flow and genetic variation) using gray seals and bighorn sheep as examples. This book ends with a chapter on ancient DNA that reviews some of the more commonly used extraction procedures for ancient DNA and again provides examples covering systematics and paleoecology. Although the chapters do cover some molecular procedures the book does not serve as a laboratory guideline to working with avian DNA, rather it covers the more interesting theoretical aspects of avian speciation and evolution. In general 'Avian Molecular Evolution and Systematics' is indispensable for the avian molecular biologist who is interested in phylogenetics, systematics and the evolution of behavior.

Likes it's predeccessors eyewitness has come up with another miracle. Bird. This book shows feathers, skulls, eggs, birdhouses, nests, beaks in detailed explanations. Very good book.

Unlike regional or national bird identification guides, this book contains very targeted information about how and where to observe birds in the Chicago area. It includes maps of numerous suggested areas for effective birdwatching around the city (downtown, as well as suburban areas to the north, south and west, and even into NW Indiana). It also has information regarding local birdwatching and ornithological groups.

For example, it may say that one bird can be observed "over the Des Plaines river in springtime." Or that others are generally found only in the suburbs or rural areas fringing the city, though local colonies may establish themselves in the lakefront parks. A nice touch.

Additionally, each bird description a time-graph that charts the relative frequency of sightings for a given species in the Chicago area over the course of a year. Together with the visual identification chart and the descriptive text, it helps the beginning birder judge whether s/he really just saw a female "English Sparrow," as opposed to a "Song Sparrow," or a "Field Sparrow," etc.

Bird identification is by way of paintings, and not photos. The paintings are not as detailed or reliable as some other volumes (e.g. Sibley's Guide), but they are sufficient for the book's limited purpose which is as a local/regional supplement to these larger and more detailed tomes. Recommended.

This is an excellent source of information, particularly for birds of the upper midwest. This book, first published by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, is intended for the novice...it's something to be taken along on walks in the country, or peeks out the kitchen window, and to be scribbled in. Well-organized, beautifully illustrated, and informative, the birds are described in entertaining prose by John Gillette, an inveterate birder, raconteur, and "real" human being. Much of what he writes is affective in nature, as well as cognitive-- this book will teach you but leave you wanting to learn more. It will confirm the excitement/feelings you have when you first discover the avian treasures encountered along the way. Dave Mohrhardt's superb illustrations are true works of art; not simple sketches but along the lines of Audubon.

First published in 1984, and republished in subsequent batches, I have been without my first copy for two years and I miss it! John Gillette was my uncle, and passed away as the book was finished. Spending time in this book is a good way for readers to meet a great man, a patient teacher, and a curious and studied birder.

This excellent book is bang up to date, packed with information and full of interest. It features two photographs of wild budgerigars amongst its attractive illustrations, and its chapter on 'Budgerigar Health' stands out from the crowd. It is ideal for the person who wants to set up an aviary or start breeding, but, in a book this size, there could be more on making friends with your first pet.

Recommended reading.

This book encapsulates the best possible groundwork for the beginner to still leaqrning softbill fan. Comprehensive care and breeding "how to's"
I enjoyed this book immensely and learned some breeding tips even.Thanks

This is the last book in the series of humourous pieces about the Bridge playing monks of St.Titus to carry the name of Terence Reese as a co-author. The series continued later with David Bird working alone after the death of Reese. The pieces here all appeared in various bridge magazines in the years immediately before publication in the book form. The original articles were the sole work of David Bird and Terence Reese helped to enhance them for publication in book format.

As is the case with the other books in the series, the book contains a series of chapters each dealing with a particular fictional bridge theme with the characters that have been established over the years. As well as being the last book with Reese's involvement, it is the last in the series to feature the fictional missionary outpost in Africa. Political correctness having finally quashed a very funny setting.

All of the hands pose an interesting play problem and, as well as showing the solution, the authors describe the analysis process by which the players arrive at the correct (or wrong) line of play. The post mortem discussion for each hand, as well as being amusing, gives a further picture of the way that a hand might have been played. It's a little frustrating that this section varies quite a bit in detail. On some hands, all that is said is something like "leading a spade would break up the squeeze" with no real clarification of the position. That's fine for some readers but more detail might make the position clearer for others.

Reading this book, I got the feeling that some of the characters are getting a little stale and that has cut into the humour factor to an extent. From a Bridge point of view, the problems posed and the exposition of the way in which they are solved are as good as ever. My recommendation is that you do not buy this book as an introduction to the series. Any of the earlier books in the series, particularly "Miracles of Card Play" or "Unholy Tricks", would make a better introduction.

When a crow steals a hen's (Ethel) egg and drops it in an eagle's nest, a chick (Dylan) is hatched to an eagle alongside two eagle chicks. Named E-awk, Dylan, like a vegetarian born to a carnivorous family, eats corn while his siblings eat fish, bugs, and snakes. Dylan proves his mettle by saving his mother, like a chicken-hawk-eagle, from the clutches of a fox, proving that not all chickens are chicken. The illustrations are clear and enjoyable, but the text has peculiar asides, such as twice mentioning that the mother eagle's name is too hard to pronounce (is this some sort of hip inside joke?)

The simple, yet accurate, graphics of this little book are a favorite in my Kindergarten classroom. The mysterious , invisible growth inside the egg is presented as a link in the life cycle of the chicken. Children delight in the transparent pages and return to look again and again. Non-readers can recall/retell the simple story with the help of the pictures. Older children quickly absorb the facts illustrated and want additional information. FROM EGG TO CHICKEN is a great book to share with a youngster.