It's hard to criticise anyone who manages to convey as much enthusiasm for his subject as Sir David Attenborogh. I have seen him as almost a fixture on BBC TV in England for forty or more years. He is the voice of so many nature programmes, and to each he brings his insatiable curiosity and his desire to inform the viewer.

This book, so rich in both photographs and text, is outstanding. It's interesting, readable, amusing, detailed and just plain well-written. It's one of those books I pull out of my bookcase occasionally, just to read a chapter or two, or to look at the stunningly good photographs.

Worth every penny of it's purchase cost. Well done to the BBC for making this TV series

Sir David Attenborough, veteran of many major book/television series combinations, has knocked them for six again with 'The Life of Birds'. This book is the perfect companion for learning more while watching the series, and yet stands alone admirably for those who haven't seen the series.

Sir David examines all aspects of the diversity of the community of birds. He begins with a discussion of what is considered the prime difference between birds and other animals -- flight. He starts by examining the archaeological record, and then proceeds to examine reasons why flight might have come to be developed in the first place. One of the early fossils of flying animals is the Archaeopteryx, which Sir David states 'could not have been the first backboned animal to have taken to the air. Its feathers have such a complex structure that they must be the product of a long evolutionary process...'

Of course, flight is not a requirement of birds. 'Giant flightless birds, however, do still stalk the earth,' says Sir David, who then proceeds to examine flightless birds and the reasons why they abandoned flight. 'Flying is very expensive in terms of energy and birds do not travel by air if it is safe for them to do so by land.'

Sir David examines the life cycles of several species of bird, from egg to death, which includes the feeding habits, the mating habits, and the limits of endurance. Here you will learn the different nesting and parenting problems. 'Most birds of prey lay more eggs than they can raise, feed the eldest preferentially and allow it to harry its younger sibling so unrelentingly that it dies. The winner will then usually eat the loser, so the nutriment invested by the parents in the extra egg and the food they have given to the nestling it produced, is not wasted. The macaroni penguin has a strange variant of this practice. It also lays two eggs, but the first is smaller than the second, hatches later and seldom survives.'

You will learn about different feeding patterns, including those birds which nose-dive into water to catch their dinner. 'Entering the water in order to find food clearly presents greater problems than making brief dips with the beak. Because birds are warm-blooded, they run the risk of getting seriously chilled.'

The European dipper relies upon oils and air pockets between feathers to keep itself warm during such dips. Of course, many birds live on or in the water. This points out the diversity apparent in birds. Obviously penguins, ducks, geese, etc. have no problems in the water, even very cold water.

Mating habits include such things as bright plumage, interesting movements and feather patterns that change, songs and signals, and even intricate dance/flight patterns. For instance, the blue-footed booby of Galapagos tends to display and dance to attract a mate (very human of it, in fact!). Some mate more easily than others -- 'The male European wren expects to provide her with a nest and a male may build up to a dozen nests in different sites before he produces one that convinces a female that he will be an adequate partner.' The photographs in this section of the book are very interesting, many are humourous and some even romantic.

The limits of endurance show that birds have adapted themselves to every climate on earth. Emperor penguins have no trouble with the antarctic cold. The sandgrouse has adapted itself to desert climates. And of course, several birds have adapted themselves to the environments of humanity, thriving on the food production methods and refuse of our society.

A fascinating tale, a great life to be read. 'The Life of Birds' is essential to any armchair birdwatcher, and anyone interested in nature, and will be enjoyed by many more.

The Life of Birds is another fascinating read from David Attenborough. I chose this book solely because he wrote it, not because I was looking for a book about birds. When I came across the book I knew it would be beautifully written and extremely interesting:and it is. Anyone who read and savored The Living Planet will find The Life of Birds to be equally fascinating. The photographs are of the highest caliber. This book can be read and re-read and it will always be interesting. It is a wonderful book to share with children as well. Young one's can benefit from looking at the pictures and having an adult simplify the text. This book is an excellent addition to the home library.

I have both the big version and this version. Without doubt you need both. One for back at camp reading and the Field Version for, well, the Field. This is quite packable and the layout makes field Identification pretty easy.

A sign of environmental health and richness of biodiversity is the number of birds that a given area supports. Kenya then qualifies as a rich ecosystem with over 1,000 different species of birds.

This book was not around when I was a youngster living in Kenya but thumbing through it as an adult has brought back some fond memories of days out in the bush in Amboseli and Masai Mara or at lakes Nakura, Naivasha, and Victoria. Kenya is a birders paradise whatever your interest. There are fairly familiar Eurasian visiting seabirds and shorebirds and unique and beautiful East African sunbirds, weavers, rollers and bee-eaters. There are multitude birds of prey including the unmistakable tiny-tailed Bateleur Eagle and the most impressive hunting bird i've ever seen - the African Crowned Eagle. I can recall like it was yesterday watching one pluck a male colobus monkey right out of the tree tops. All of the birds are here in splendid color with the most appropriate profile presented to assist in making identification easy. You'll find the underside views of the birds of prey very useful.

While you probably won't see a Crowned Eagle on a casual birding visit to Kenya, any guided trip into the game parks will guarantee you at least 100 different species - probably in a single day! In the right locations, prepare to have your head on a swivel as the variety of birdlife you will behold has to be seen to be believed. You will find yourself regularly flipping through the pages of this book. This book is absolutely essential for your Kenyan trip.

I live and work in East Africa, and this is the book the park rangers all carry in their open Land Rovers. They cover it with canvas so it won't get beat up too fast, and it gets marked with brown circles from the thermos of coffee on the 06:30 game drive. Go to Masai Mara Game Reserve in Kenya for a long weekend with this book, and you'll come home with 150 species. Don't worry about the weight of the book, I started with the Collins field guide and had to buy my copy of Zimmerman in the middle of my first stay because I outgrew it. Buy Zimmerman to start with, you won't regret it.

i had to read this book for my ecology class in college. it was probably the first text outside of literature class that i actually enjoyed reading; it didn't seem like homework. it made me laugh too. i don't even like science that much, but i really enjoyed reading this.

David Quammen's Song of the Dodo led me in search of his other writings. The first reward of that quest was this book. A collection of essays from an illustrious writer with keen perception, Quammen casts his perceptive eye on a range of topics from arachnids to zoology. While an anthology lacks Song's comprehensive view, these articles are timeless. Quammen's writing evokes many levels of emotional and intellectual response.

The Introduction sets the tone: "A Mouse Is Miracle Enough". From this opening we tour the wonders of nature, with a couple of side trips to observe that strangest of animals, Homo sapiens. Quammen's gaze never ceases surveying the landscape in presenting us with things we didn't know or aspects of viewing we've not considered. While the very squeamish may balk at close examination of black widow spiders, spoon worms or scorpions, Quammen is adept at taking us gently to these confrontations. As he does, he asks us to reconsider our viewpoint of these and other creatures. We must learn to deal with "faces unlike ours" and shed prejudices even if shedding the fears is more difficult. Changing fear into respect is the first step in acknowledging our sharing this planet with other creatures and stepping back from the destructive role we've adopted.

Respect for life is the underlying theme of all Quammen's nature writings. His "sidelong view of nature" takes us along remote jungle and desert paths to watch and record life's activities. While we like to set ourselves apart from the rest of life, Quammen, with facile pressure, pulls us along with him to observe our cousins. And ourselves. Deserts, it seems, are a haven for more than scorpions and Beaded Lizards. Among the many nocturnal animals hiding from the desert sun is a bipedal hominid. In this instance, the animals are groups of refugees seeking sanctuary in a hostile environment. Quammen's account of Guatemalan refugees and their mentors, also intelligent chimpanzees risk much to support and succor them. It's not a pleasant story, nor one any American can read without remorse. Quammen has made a sharp turn here from his usual investigations of nature's secrets. Refugee running is every bit as much a secret as nature offers, but with what humans are pleased to call a "moral issue". Quammen relates how well we've addressed that issue.

These personal essays are a delight to read. Quammen takes some serious scientific information and then filters it through his humorous perspective and draws some interesting conclusions. All the essays are short but they are provocative and well written. Gee, how come I never had a biology teacher like this!

I liked this book enough. I was disappointed that it focused so much on identical twins and same-sex twins. (My twins are boy/girl...there is only one vignette in the book.) I haven't found myself reading it over and over. The pictures are lovely and the stories are fine. I give it a B or maybe B+.

This book truly touched my heart. I am a twin and felt that it honestly portrayed the many complex and deep emotions and issues that twins experience. I can't wait to share this book with my twin and family! And there are so many amazing people in the book. I didn't realize Muhammad Ali and Jane Seymour had twins. And how different each relationship can be, yet also have such commonalities. I absolutely love this book and find myself opening it up often to read an essay and look at the beautiful photos.

Not only do the "twin authors" provide a first-hand glimpse into the world of "being a twin"...but through the plethora of inspiring interviews with "real-life" twins, they gave me the "real-life" gift of stopping to think of "being human!"

This is the first review I've ever written on Amazon. This book made such a difference in my life, I had to comment on it. Six months ago I decided I needed to do something to get in better shape. I was in decent shape, I played raquet ball a few times a week, but I couldn't run more than a mile and really didn't have any interest in doing so. I came across the book title on Amazon and decided to check it out. I read the book while on vacation and decided I was going to run a marathon. I did the pre-training for a week and then began the program. Then the most important part, I started telling friends and family I was going to run a marathon.

I finished my first marathon yesterday( 10/28/01) in Mystic, Connecticut, in four hours and 51 minutes. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and I learned that the marathon was the reward and the training was the goal. During my training I read a number of marathon books, they all had helpful advice, but none were as important as this book. It was a guide, a reference and logbook. Its no longer just a book, its a memoir of the journey to my first marathon!

This is my first book review ever. I found this book while browsing for a book about hockey. I always had in the back of my mind that someday, someday I'll run a marathon. I've run fairly regularly the past few years, but never more that 2-3 miles. This book does exactly what it says - prepares you to finish the race, nothing more. Once you realize a marathon is 85% mental training, then the training runs just become reinforcement for your motivation. In September 2002 I ran my first marathon, the Air Force Marathon in Dayton, OH, and I finished in five hours flat.

There is little in life that can compare with crossing the finish line of your first marathon. I had been told that before the run, but had to learn for myself that it is very true. If you apply the techniques in this book, and stay focused on your goal, you WILL complete the run.

This book was exactly the right kind of help at the right time. I recommend it to anyone starting their own personal quest for the 26.2!

I ran a few miles several times a week before I bought this book but really didn't think my knees or lungs could go much farther than about six miles. I had been talking about running a half-marathon for years. Finally I was talking to a runner who said if I was serious about it I should buy a book and start training. So I upped my goal to a full marathon, bought this book, read it, followed it, and 16 weeks later I finished a marathon. Other than a commitment to do it, it was almost that simple. The book's approach to staying healthy, staying positive, and finishing the marathon was right on the money. As I trained alone, the stories by other runners really helped. Most amazing was the timing of advice. Often I would get off track or start to set unrealistic goals and about that time, the book would get me back focused on my goal - stay healthy, stay positive, finish. The four day per week approach is also a big plus. With my travel schedule I don't think I could have stuck to a more aggressive schedule. If you follow the plan, four days a week is all you need. Amaze your friends. Commit to this and do it.

This well done book fills in the gaps that field guides and bird identification books create. It is a logically laid out, valuable tutorial on each bird family. While the chapters are not highly detailed with species-level information, you get a general flavor of each family of birds. I highly recommend this work to birders and to those who are interested in learning more about our beautiful, feathered friends.

As denoted in its title, this book aims to enrich the popular study of North American birds--it is a layperson's access to avian biology, rather than an identification guide. It is an authoritative effort by almost 50 authors and three editors. The first part of the guide reviews five major themes, each deemed basic to an understanding of the group Aves: avian flight, evolution, behavior, habitats, and populations. Throughout, principles are nicely illustrated with Sibley's colorful artwork. The second and major part of the book reviews each of the 80 bird families found in North America. This natural organization by families (e.g., "owls," "wrens") is very familiar to birders and allows for accessible overviews of selected subjects: features that distinguish the family, taxonomy, plumages, ecology (habitat and foods), behavior (including migration), and conservation concerns. Where appropriate other subjects are included (such as vocalizations), and again the work is enhanced throughout by Sibley's art. This guide will be well praised. All levels

This is the content that was lacking from the Sibley Field guide. Want to know if that little brown bird with a slightly red head was an American Sparrow or a finch? Well was it in a field, your back yard, was it eating seeds or bugs. These sort of questions are answered by this book so if you missed the red or black eye stripe you can make a better guess as to the species of bird.

This is the book you must have if you are even casually interested in wild mushrooms. I am replacing a copy that some cretin stole from me. It is a reader's digest version of the big book by David Arora that is also indispensable. Great photographs and very good descriptions of the most commonly encountered species. A nice touch of humor to make it more than just a reference. Don't miss this one!

What can I say, but wow! It took me about three weeks and better than 12 hours of reading time to put it down. It has been indespensible on my hikes and has expanded and enriched the lives of myself, my husband and four children. Even if you don't think you love mushrooms, you will. An essential for any outdoor enthusiasts library!

A handy guide that easily fits in a fanny pack or raincoat pocket. Chock full of colorful pictures and interesting anecdotes along with David's easy to use identification key. For the beginning explorer to the veteran who doesn't want to lug the tome Mushrooms Demystified in the field, this book is a great buy.

When David Mas Masumoto describes how his "old-fashioned" Sun Crest peaches look and taste, the reader's mouth waters and the grocery store peaches of today become flavorless by comparison. When Masumoto is unable to find buyers for his peaches he describes them as "homeless" and the reader's heart grieves. This book strongly conveys the small family farmer's ties to the land and his crops, his lack of control before the forces of nature and the whims of market dynamics. It also taught me a few things about the hard work involved in farming. However, when I look back for a "soundbite" impression of this book, I get a series of poetic pictures: Masumoto's obaachan (grandmother) walking through the farm at sunset, cruel bulldozers ripping out an orchard, graceful egrets fishing in the irrigation canals. A great read for a taste of connection to the land!

Lush, fragrant peaches dangling from the branches in David Mas Masumoto's orchard long to be picked and enjoyed for the burst of nector that surrounds your tastebuds. The prose is as delicious as the organic fruit that this farm struggles to produce as we read of the everyday joys and hardships of saving a farm and a way of life. And yes, I even ran out and bought Sun Crest peaches at the Farmer's Market after reading this book!

It is rare to read a book where the author works miracles with his hands and his words. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys non-fiction but finds it dry, without humanity. David Mas Masumoto is anything but dry. His land may be at times, but his poetic prose is anything but. His relationship with his family, his family's farm and nature is a rare combination. I highly recommend this read.

"Wilma Unlimited" is a stunning blend of art and history. Author Kathleen Krull and illustrator David Diaz have done an outstanding job in bringing to life the story of Olympic heroine Wilma Rudolph, the African-American runner who overcame a disabling childhood illness and ultimately triumphed at the 1960 Rome Olympics.

Krull tells Wilma's story in a simple, straightforward way that should appeal to young readers. Her prose is accompanied by Diaz's truly memorable artwork. His full-color illustrations, which strike a perfect balance between realism and stylization, really convey the emotion of each stage in Wilma's incredible journey.

"Wilma Unlimited" is a story of working hard and overcoming adversity. Although much of the story is set in the world of sports, the message of this book is universal. If your child is struggling with some problem or setback and needs a book to renew his/her sense of hope, this might be the ideal choice. Krull and Diaz have created a wonderful tribute to a remarkable woman.

This is a wonderful true story of one woman's accomplishments. Wilma Rudolph was a bouncy child who ran everywhere as soon as she could walk. When she contracted polio and scarlet fever at the same time, the doctor said she would never walk again. But Wilma had a mother who rode the bus with her 50 miles each way twice a week, to the nearest hospital that would treat black patients. She had 21 brothers and sisters to help her exercise and practice until she could walk, first with a brace, then (finally) all on her own. Wilma had watched the other children play for years, and she wanted to play basketball as soon as she could. Wilma's long legs, strength, and determination helped her to lead her high school basketball team to the state championships, where she caught the attention of a track and field coach who offered her a college scholarship. In 1960, Wilma made the US Olympic track and field team. She wasn't expected to win any events, but it was an honor for her just to compete. And then Wilma amazed everyone. She won her first gold medal when she flew past everyone in the 100 meter race -- and then won another in the 200 -- and then she won another gold when she anchored the 4 by 100 meter relay. Wilma Rudolph did what no one else had done before, and she earned the richly deserved title of fastest woman in the world. Her story is proof that strength can overcome almost any disadvantages

i am a reading specialist in Washington, DC and chose this book b/c i love David Diaz and because, like wilma, my children have many obstacles in their lives. i simply can not finish this book without nearly crying in front of my class. i've read it so many times, but the suspenseful writing and triumphant ending never get tiring. it is a truly wonderful story and wonderfully told and illustrated by this duo.

This book is simpy outstanding. Few books can rival the wide scope offered by Animal on a vast range of organisms which include invertebrates, birds, reptiles, mammals, fish, and amphibians. The book is adorned with magnificent color photos of each organism and a compact description that provides adequate amounts of info on the organism. Although some common species are excluded, it more than makes up for this with the amount of species covered. For every common species excluded, I ran across three new species I had never heard of. This book is an extraordinary guide to the vast array of wildlife in the world. There are few books that I have found as informative and enjoyable to read as Animal. It truly is a definitive guide to the world's wildlife and I highly recommend it.

A beautiful visual book. The photography is captivating to say the least, the text though short is very informative , the layout is something else and very well designed : easy access to general information. Some have objected to the fact that there is no mention of the human species; to those I say that the book's cover does say: The definitive visual guide to the world's WILDLIFE. I do admit that since invertebrates form 97% of all the known animal species,the chapter concerning them was a bit lacking and too short. One may not find enough research material for any specific animal, but nevertheless it is nothing short of stunning, it's the kind of book the whole family will enjoy and every household should have.

"Animal" is probably THE book to have if you want to have a reference to animal life on earth. Awesomely designed, stunningly photographed, meticulously organized, this book is an absolute treasure house. Visually it's unbelievably gorgeous; the design and organization are inspired; the photographs are breathtaking; it's easy to read and fun to browse through. It's hefty (over 8 pounds)and packed with references to most of the known animal genera on this planet. As beautiful as it is, this is no "coffee table" tome designed for show; "Animal" is an extremely valuable reference that will be used and explored over and over again... And at Amazon.com's price (...) it's the book bargain of the decade. This is one book you'll want to share with your family for generations to come.