Field Guide to Marine Mammals of the Pacific Coast - (California Natural History Guides) by Sarah G Allen & Joe Mortenson & Sophie Webb (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

From gray whales giving birth in the lagoons of Baja California to sea otters nestled in kelp beds off California to killer whales living around Vancouver Island--this spectacular stretch of the Pacific Coast boasts one of the most abundant populations of sea mammals on earth. This handy interpretive field guide describes the 45 whales, dolphins, seals, and otters that are resident in, migrate through, or forage from Baja in Mexico to British Columbia in Canada. The guide's rich species accounts provide details on identification, natural history, distribution, and conservation. They also tell where and how these fascinating animals can best be viewed. Introductory chapters give general information on the ecology, evolution, and taxonomy of marine mammals; on the Pacific Coast's unique environment; and on the relationship between marine mammals and humans from native cultures to today. Featuring many color illustrations, photographs, drawings, and maps, this up-to-date guide illuminates a fascinating group of animals and reveals much about their mysterious lives in the ocean.

Review Quotes

"This field guide is a 'must have'."-- "Wildlife Activist" (6/27/2011 12:00:00 AM)

"An excellent compact reference book . . . . you won't have any problem identifying the many mammals you encounter along the coastline or off shore."--Robert Walch "Salinas Californian" (3/25/2011 12:00:00 AM)

"Detailed and well-illustrated sections devoted to each species."--Bob Walch "Coastviews" (6/5/2011 12:00:00 AM)

"For the person who enjoys watching the creatures that inhabit our coastline, the mariner who might travel with pods of whales, or the beachcomber who shares the sand with seals and sea lions, this is a field guide that should be tucked into every day pack or sea bag."-- "North County Times" (2/27/2011 12:00:00 AM)

"Handy, [with] rich species accounts. . . . A must have for anyone interested in marine mammals!"-- "The Guardian" (2/13/2011 12:00:00 AM)

"Indispensable for naturalists, both professional and amateur."--Paula A. Olson "The Quarterly Review Of Bio" (9/1/2012 12:00:00 AM)

"Like an expert, chatty companion at one's elbow, this is a splendid guide to the subject for both amateurs and professionals."--K. B. Sterling "Choice" (6/29/2011 12:00:00 AM)

"This comprehensive guide is all you will need when you head for the coast for a day of whale watching or just to enjoy some offfshore boating."--Bob Walch "Bookloons.com" (4/13/2011 12:00:00 AM)

"This is an excellent compact reference book for anyone who would like to know more about marine mammals."--Robert Walch "The Californian" (3/25/2011 12:00:00 AM)

About the Author

Sarah G. Allen, a scientist with a federal environmental agency, has studied marine birds and mammals from the Gulf of the Farallones, California, to Antarctica. Joe Mortenson, formerly of the Farallones Marine Sanctuary Association, is the author of Animal Behavior: Theory and Research and Whale Songs and Wasp Maps. Sophie Webb, a director of Oikonos, is the illustrator of several field guides including A Guide to the Birds of Mexico and Northern Central America.