The Shorebirds of North America - by Pete Dunne & Kevin T Karlson (Hardcover)

About the Book

"A lavishly illustrated, large-format reference book by two preeminent experts on North American shorebirdsMore than half a century has passed since the publication of The Shorebirds of North America, Peter Matthiessen's masterful natural history of what is arguably the world's most amazing and specialized bird group. In the intervening decades, our knowledge about these birds has grown significantly, as have the threats to their populations and habitats. Pete Dunne and Kevin Karlson celebrate Matthiessen's classic book with this updated and expanded natural history of North American shorebirds. This elegantly written book begins by introducing readers to the unrivaled splendor of shorebirds and goes on to cover topics ranging from their biology and habitats to courtship and breeding, flight, the perils of migration, and conservation. Detailed family accounts convey the richness and variety of the five family groups, with incisive, fact-filled descriptions of all 51 species of shorebirds known to breed in North America.Featuring hundreds of Karlson's breathtaking photos and drawing on the latest science, The Shorebirds of North America is a worthy tribute to Matthiessen's enduring work and an indispensable reference for bird lovers everywhere"--

Book Synopsis

A lavishly illustrated, large-format reference book by two preeminent experts on North American shorebirds

More than half a century has passed since the publication of The Shorebirds of North America, Peter Matthiessen's masterful natural history of what is arguably the world's most amazing and specialized bird group. In the intervening decades, our knowledge about these birds has grown significantly, as have the threats to their populations and habitats. Pete Dunne and Kevin Karlson celebrate Matthiessen's classic book with this updated and expanded natural history of North American shorebirds. This elegantly written book begins by introducing readers to the unrivaled splendor of shorebirds and goes on to cover topics ranging from their biology and habitats to courtship and breeding, flight, the perils of migration, and conservation. Detailed accounts convey the richness and variety of the five family groups, with incisive, fact-filled descriptions of all 52 species of shorebirds known to breed in North America.

Featuring hundreds of breathtaking images by Karlson and other photographers and drawing on the latest science, The Shorebirds of North America is a worthy tribute to Matthiessen's enduring work and an indispensable reference for bird lovers everywhere.

Review Quotes

"This book is an answer to my dreams! . . . An engaging and detailed text, wonderful and informative photographs, embellished with [the authors'] rich personal experiences in shorebird biology and conservation."-- "Ibis"

"This terrific addition to birding literature not only gives a wonderful overview of the lives of shorebirds, it provides specific accounts of all the shorebirds likely to interest you. That makes this book a wonderful, highly readable reference for both beginning and advanced birders."---Sneed Collard, FatherSon Birding

"An American Birding Association Best Bird Book of the Year"

"Some of the individual photographic portraits on display here are up there with the best. . . . An eye-catching volume, hefty. . . [and] informative."---Bo Beolens, FatBirder

"A MUST-HAVE for anyone with an interest in the shorebirds of North America!"---Ian Paulsen, The Birdbooker Report

"Pete Dunne and Kevin T. Karlson have rendered homage to Matthiessen's original work in ways that I have no doubt Matthiessen would approve. He too would rejoice in the amazing array of photographs that grace every page and illustrate every species account. . . . [Dunne and Karlson] are people who love these birds, unabashedly, unashamedly and completely. And if you don't already, you will too after you read this book. It is just that good!"---David M. Gascoigne, Travels with Birds

About the Author

Pete Dunne is retired director of the Cape May Bird Observatory. His books include Pete Dunne's Essential Field Guide Companion. Kevin T. Karlson is an accomplished birder, tour leader, and wildlife photographer. His books include the Peterson Reference Guide to Birding by Impression, The Shorebird Guide, and, with Pete Dunne, Gulls Simplified (Princeton).