Wetland Birds

Readable and practical account of wetland bird ecology and conservation.

Never-before-seen photographs of baby birds of the marshlands from a noted birding photographer Naturalist William Burt is known for seeking out wild places and elusive birds—and none fit the bill quite so well as the creatures featured in this book. This may well be his break out book, featuring the downy young of the wetlands, whose images are full of character and appeal. Most of these birds have never been captured on film until now. From the comic-monster herons to the fuzzy ducklings and stick-legged sandpipers, these tots have personality and spunk. In the wetlands, they come together, drawn by one essential need: for water. These babies then, are birds that get their feet wet; this book is one for bird lovers, naturalists, photographers, and animal lovers. “A perfectionist whose photographs of shy and elusive birds of the wetlands are unquestionably the finest ever taken.” –Roger Tory Peterson "What really comes through, in the writing and the photographs, is his deep and sensitive appreciation of the uniqueness of each of these most intriguing birds."--David Allen Sibley

This 100,000-word monograph summarizes the distribution, abundance and breeding biology of the 183 species of wetland-adapted birds reliably reported from South Dakota, Nebraska and Kansas through 2011. These include 91 species known to breed or have historically bred in the region, 51 species that migrate through the region but are not yet known to breed or have bred there, and 41 species that are extremely rare, probably extinct, or for which evidence as to their current occurrence is questionable. Brief summaries of the breeding biology of all the regionally nesting species are provided, and information for all species is summarized as to seasonal migrations, habitats, and (in most cases) population status. There is an introductory account of the topography, climate and vegetation of the region insofar as these environmental factors influence wetland birds, six regional maps, and more than 500 references.

Bird watching is a serious business and the number one outdoor activity in North America. Wetlands, marshes, wooded, swamps, shallow lakes, ponds, and prairie sloughs are all considered wetlands and are the homes to a variety of birds that depend on wetlands for their food and habitat.In this comprehensive, fully illustrated guide to wetland birds, photographer and naturalist Scott Leslie profiles some of the most common species that novice birders may observe, including loons, great blue herons, greater yellow legs, bald eagles, warblers, sparrows, and sandpipers. Each entry provides a complete profile of a species including a description of its appearance, habitat, behaviour, calls and sounds, food, family life, distribution and migration, conservation concerns, and related species. Along with spectacular colour species photos, icons provide at-a-glance profiles of the species. Also included is a guide to North Americas most easily accessible bird-rich wetlands by region, a great resource that explains where to find some of the most fascinating natural areas on the continent.Wetland Birds of North America is the only guidebook on the market that answers questions about common wetland birds, features full-colour photographs, and is formatted to fit conveniently into a large pocket or a day pack.

Describing how 39 common water and wetland birds of eastern North America nest, mate, and rear their broods, this book takes a seasonal approach to bird study and is an appealing guide for birders of any skill level. 72 illustrations.

Results of a 5-year study of the bird populations at Storkersen Point on the Alaska Coastal plain. Based on the characteristics of the birds and their wetland resources, recommendations for the preservation of tundra wetlands are made and to minimize negative effects of petroleum development on water birds.

Distribution, abundance, and use of wetland habitats by migratory birds were studied at 2 interior and 3 outer Arctic Coastal Plain sites in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska in 1977 and 1978.