Petrels, Albatrosses and Storm-Petrels of North America – Book Review

Petrels, Albatrosses and Storm-Petrels of North America

 A Photographic Guide by Steve N.G. Howell

“For some people, even if they are involved to the hobby of birding or bird-photography_ the title of this guide might not sound  very impressive just being only three kinds of birds which are not entirely well known, you might think it wouldn’t amount to much ado, however, you’d be surprised about how misinformed you’ve been about this:

From the 140 known tubenoses species in the world, 50% of them occur in North America.

Mr. Howell has compiled the most informative guide in both text and visual form into a book, 483 pages of detailed and intelligent descriptions, Geographic variations, field identifications, scientific data, comparisons, Conservation, Migrations, Oceanic currents maps, strategies of migrations, habitats and behavior. And the list would be too long to mention in a paragraph. The photographic plates are impeccable and they visually self describe the intended textual description or observation made by the author. This is a guide well structured as much as well written. It had all my attention and educated me about those magnificent birds of the sea. This guide will be happily added to my Book Library!”

Review made by: H.J. Ruiz – Avian 101 – January 26, 2012

Birds are starting to show up!

Last Wednesday I went food shopping with Lucy and Tyler to the super market. There were a lot of cars in the parking lot so I decided to park a little farther instead of looking for an empty space closer to the market’s entrance. This way we have a chance to give Tyler some space to walk. We all need the exercise! I turned  my head and I saw a large bird flying toward us and then perched up on top of the lamp post near us. I’m almost sure it was an Osprey. I called Lucy to take a look and she was surprised to see one so close. Then the bird took off flying away toward the woods nearby.

Since the weather has improved some and got slightly warmer I’ve seen a lot of birds flying in my backyard, birds such as:

  • C. Crows
  • N. Mockingbirds
  • H. Finches
  • C. Chickadees
  • M. Doves
  • F. Sparrows
  • N. Cardinals

Then I placed  bird seeds  in clay dishes on my deck table and I had the opportunity to shoot some pictures from inside my kitchen, through the glass door. I felt good to use my camera again.

Here I’m posting some of them.

Field Sparrows

House Finch and F. Sparrow

All photographs are © H.J. Ruiz – Avian 101