Birds Books

Laura and Bill Riley's book is a unique directory and guide to the best wildlife reserves around the world. It is a tremendous resource for ecologists and orginary tourists like myself. The many photographs are beautiful and the detailed descriptions are suberb. The book is a valuable tool for travelers and fascinating and enjoyable even if you cannot make the trip.

Nature's Strongholds, by Laura Riley and William Riley, is a very important book for the history of life.
It is not really an encyclopedia. Nor a lesson in geography. It is not just a very practical travelog with rich inside information.
It is all of those, but what it really shows is a detailed locator, through all the continents, of the Sacred Places, indeed the Strongholds, where the evolving wildlife is guarded, protected and preserved for now and the future.
The pictures and text are brilliant and flow from their many years of exploration and devotion.

This book is a must for serious travelers who like to include visits to intereesting natural habitats and wildlife--I have given the book to a number of friends and they are all thrilled with it--Bill Etz--wildbilo@aol.com

An indispensable guide if you're thinking of going to any of the great places, but equally wonderful armchair reading if you're staying home. Marvelous photographs.

Nature's Strongholds is one of the most beautiful books I have seen in a long time. The photographs are not only gripping and moving, but also sharp, clear and very carefully printed. The layout makes the wealth of information enticing and accessible, which is a great boon to the armchair traveler as well as to the regular explorer. The information provided for each site is just what the serious traveler, amateur ornithologist, conservationist, or eco-tourist would want, too--a list of significant birds, beasts, and other features not to be missed. Most valuable of all, perhaps, is the inside information on each location that the Rileys, explorers and conservationists of many years experience, provide. Both as a record and as a call to preserve the spectacular refuges described, Nature's Strongholds is a magnificent gift to the world!

Nine Keys is a very practical step-by-step process in how to implement successful, healthy small groups into the local church.

I am a small-groups person. I have been in one small group or another, often as a leader, almost continually, for the past 30 years. I believe small groups are just about the most important aspect of a church's life.

I have read many books on this, gone to many seminars. There is a lot of good material on this topic.

But in my present role as a church consultant, this is the book on small groups that I hand to pastors who are wanting to know how to grow a small group ministry or how to better equip their small group leaders.

Why? As George explains in this book, most church small groups do a good job of promoting nurture and fellowship, but most stop there. George believes an effective small group should perform three basic functions, not just nurture. In addition to nurture, he believes small groups should be effectively engaged in small-group-based evangelism (George says that in any given year, only one small group in four does any evangelism), and he thinks that small groups should constantly be training small group leaders through apprenticeship. I agree that a small group needs all three functions. And so I use this book as the entry point for someone who is new to these ideas about small group life.

After this introduction, I point churches to further training or more in-depth printed materials about various aspects of this approach to small groups, but in my opinion, there's not a better starting point than this one.

We have used this tool since it came out. I've found that this tool is best for easily organizing the 'how to' stuff of small group leadership. It does not cover the ministerial philosophy issues. A good book for that is 'Master Plan of Evangelism' by Robert Coleman.

As the title for this book says, it covers nine keys for effective small group leadership. Each key really has four or five sub points...so in reality it is nine times about five...or forty five keys if you will. But George has organized them into nine groups...or keys.

We've found that leaders who study this material are easier to work with and easier to build a vision with for a local church ministry. There are a lot of books on Small Group Leadership that will help you. This one is very practical. It's so well written you can use it even if all you do is read the paragraph headers. Everything is well explained and easy to find or follow.

So even for leaders who don't like to read or who you suspect will not read everything you ask them to read, this book still might get through to them. I recommend it as a curriculum text for a course in a local church/ministry for leading small groups.

Enjoy it!

The best two things about this book are: 1) it helps the small group leader coordinate with the pastor, and 2) it includes shepherding, building community, discipleship and evangelism as part of the small group experience. It is the best balanced book available today!

Carl George effectively communicates the essential basics. This book does a good job of highlighting the difference between being a facilitator of small group time and being a leader (someone who is a disciple-maker). I have used this book as the main text for training small group leaders. It provides great material for interactive discussion and presenting a wholistic picture of all that small groups can be.

Olive Parrot Shares her Birthday is a real find. It is one of those rare children's books that combines clever humor with a compelling and exciting storyline, allowing an adult to enjoy it as much as any child. It serves to bring out the child in an adult while challenging a developing youngster with its clever puns and twists of fate. The book is also beautifully illustrated and bound with such high quality materials, that it looks and feels as good as any coffee-table glossy. Olive Parrot would make a truly magnificent birthday gift, but it is also a fantastic gift for any occasion. A classic in the making.

I must also be a bird since I just loved reading the book, looking at the illustrations, and laughing at so many references to adult culture. The idea is so clever and so well written that it's fun over and over again, not to mention the brightly colored and detailed pictures. What a fun gift for a birthday at any age.

I recieved this book as a birthday gift from a very good friend that always has great taste in gifts. He hit his peak with this purchase. I enjoy this book every time I pick it up. The story made me feel good and enjoy an adult birthday. The art work is fabulous and comical. If you have a big friend or little friend with a birthday this will be the perfect gift.

Received as a gift from a bird-lover friend, I read this wonderfully funny and witty tale to my small children and my dog Jegs. They love the characters and the whimsy of the tale. They usually laugh at loud (especially Jegs).

Like Bugs Bunny cartoons, it appeals at all levels of development - arrested or not - with sophisticated charm. My wife and I have shared it with our family on multiple occasions and it remains fresh and funny.

We give it maximum stars (Jegs too).

This book has it all. Kids will love the gorgeous illustations, the "happily ever after" tale that is neither trite nor too predictable, and most of all, the lyrical flow of the prose. Grown-ups will enjoy the jokes thrown in just for them and will find a story that wears well with each and every reading. Olive is definitely NOT (just) for the birds!

A great book exposing the fairy tale that ACLU and liberals have adopted.

This two volume set is by far the best apologetic resource that I have ever come across. From a neutral point of view, Mr. Bird, a lawyer, presents the cases for both theories of Evolution and of Abrubt Appearance. The first volume deals with the scientific issues and arguments. The second deals with the moral and philosophical issues. For anyone who is curious about the origin of life, matter and the universe, these books are a MUST to have. And, needless to say, the theory of evolution does not come out smelling like roses...

This is certainly a comprehensive collection of evidence against evolution and for "abrupt appearance", covering a wide range of issues. Vol. 1 deals entirely with the science, and my favorite was the biochemical evolution and abrupt appearance chapters, about the origin of life. Vol. 2 deals with religious, legal and philosophical issues. I found the sections on the law of excluded middle (i.e. creation and evolution are the only real alternatives), and it is also very important to see the religious nature of evolution.

This is one of the most comprehensive treatments of heretical Darwiniana ever penned and a must for anyone attempting to review the considerable underground legacy of second opinions about Darwinian theory. Too often one stumbles on a Darwin critique by accident. This work contains a massive bibliography of some 5000 items, with extensive quotations.

For the serious layman, advanced student, educator, and those in high academic circles, as well as those who make policy, these 2 volumes serve as a superlative foundation (a primer for all) for understanding what science is, and in contrast of what science has become and how it is promoted in the media under the heavy indoctrination of "evolutionistic" thinking and its impact on our western educational system as well as society as a whole (especially in the case of United States) in the last (20th) Century. And what it could potentially be in the realm of true science, access to all available information of alternative scientific theories without censorship at the appropriate levels of education. The benefits being that of a more enlightened population capable of greater critical thinking abilities as well as the proper attitude of an open minded and sharing atmosphere for all concerned with the advancements in all sciences. And the overall benefit to society as a whole... the nation, neighbors... the world. Bird has set a very balanced tone which is typical of those desiring only that all the relevant facts be known to everyone. It is a book that definitely needs more exposure as well as consideration for going BACK into print. Volume 1 deals with definitions and evidence, and Volume 2 deals with law and education. Textbook material indeed, reading BOTH volumes has given me a very satisfying complete picture of such an important topic that neither should be left out. And the dilemma we face if this information is ignored or intentionally brushed aside without careful inspection. Thanks to "The Theory of Abrupt Appearance", I now have one more cornerstone upon which to build a more complete and sound world view. I believe this book can still be bought NEW at (WWW)ICR(ORG) and almost impossible to find in any public library (too bad).

I have studied owls for years and this one is the finest book I have read on the subject, Not only are the pictures fantastic but the text is very informative. Buy with confidence that you will enjoy this book.

this was a gift for a friend, that is into birds. He said he loves it.

This is another wonderful book by a real naturalist and consumate photographer. The images are just stunning photographically and from a naturalist's standpoint. Dr Lynch writes in a conversational tone that makes reading a pleasure, it's more like a conversation with him than anything else.

I highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in either nature photography or birds, but especially if you like both.

Chase Hunter

This book combines the personal experiences of the author with detailed information about the owls that live in the United States and Canada. The background information given in this book can be applied to more than one species of owls, and in some cases, it could be applied more generally to birds of prey. There are comparisons between humans and owls to give the reader a better image of what the author is describing. When there is a piece of general information given, the author gives examples of which owls that piece of information might be applied. The book is filled with wonderful photos, and includes a guide of owls that is located between the first two chapters.

This is one of the best books about owls that I have read.

A wonderful book. The large format and abundant photography at first suggest a coffee table book, but Lynch's contribution is much more than that. The writing is intellectually luminous, displaying a good mind and careful researching. Though the author is very up to date on current research in the field, the scholarship is unobtrusive - the text is free of footnotes and citations though these can be found at the end of the book.
The photography is in a league of its own. Lynch is a well-known wildlife photographer, and these photos show just why. The artistry and a technical excellence are breathtaking. For instance, the whiskered screech-owl on p. 16 is composed the way a painter would compose, but the photo still brings out the individual feathers, the half-closed eyes, the long beak hidden behind the whiskers. These birds are so closely observed they show more than I can see with my binoculars in a woodland walk. And add to this the field knowledge: owls are not sparrows or seagulls that one can see anywhere. To capture them on film, the photographer must spend hours in a blind, and travel to places far off the interstate. This book is one that will stay in the mind after it has been read.

Andy Runton, Owly: Flying Lessons (Top Shelf, 2005)

Owly and Wormy meet a flying squirrel; after some false starts, Owly, who was always last in his class at flying school, befriends the squirrel and tries to get himself off the ground. Another very cute entry in the series, and just as highly recommended as the first two. ****

Bah, just go out and pick up all three (soon to be four) Owly books. You'll be glad you did. See the other positive reviews for the first three volumes if you really need a reason - or just google Andy Runton and check out the samples available on his site.

...Runton did it again. I just can't get enough. Owly is my hero and the kind of beautiful soul everyone should aspire to be.

Lovable from start to finish with its simplicity. Good for all ages.

This all-ages graphic novel is the perfect gift for a friend or for yourself! Runton uses endearing and entertaining pictures to tell his story without any words, and the adorable characters will pull on the most cynical of heart-strings.

Flying Lessons is the third adventure of Owly and Wormy, but you will have no trouble jumping into the story if it is the first time you've picked up an Owly book. Once again, Owly sets out to make a new friend in the forest, and along the way he learns about overcoming stereotypes and childhood fears.

Runton is unparalleled in his ability to capture the heart and imagination of his readers. Flying Lessons was just as enjoyable as the previous two Owly books, and I can't wait for the next Owly story to come out!

"Beautiful" another book from this author that has been well thought out, easy to read instructions, the love of what she paints shines through her pictures in this book. Money well spent on this book.

I purchased this book because of its absolutely beautiful conception of birds. I planned to paint them not in oils or in acrilics like shown, but in watercolors. The results were more than satisfactory and the directions made this painting so enjoyable. Anyone who paints in any medium would enjoy having this book added to the "artist's library" of references!

I have several Sherry Nelson books and they are the best books in my art library. They are very informative, clear and concise.
I highly recommend the books.

Sherry C. Nelson has written another great book on painting birds. Her easy to follow instructions enable even a novice to create beautiful works of art.

I love this book. The step by step pictures and instructions on painting all the different kinds of birds and the backgrounds is exactly what I was looking for.

This is a very good book. Some authors fill their books with jargons and make the books difficut to read. But Soucek writes in plain language. She makes professional knowledge of parrot breeding understandable to a parrot lover like me. Photos are clear and illustrative. I considered this book is the best one among books of similar topics.

Well being a hobby breeder I must say that I had learned somewhat through the years. I walked into a book store and took my husband's advice for once, it turned out to be most rewarding. The Parrot Breeder's Answer Book is filled with so much information which answered alot of my questions concerning my current breeding. Most of all the book is fun to read and the amount of pictuers add alot as well, far from boring like other related books. I must say taking my husbands advise did work out this time since it never ends up good. I would recommend this book to my fellow bird breeder's especially my mother in law she can really use this book as a Christmas Gift.

Yours Truly

Martha Ferrer

This is an excellent book for those who are looking into breeding parrots. It gives good information on the pros and cons for breeding, and comes with excellent pictures and illustrations. This is such a wonderful guide to breeding parrots RESPONSIBLY. It is incredibly honest and straight forward on the benefits and pitfalls of breeding. Very easy reading and informative. Also comes with a reference guide in the back. Highly recommended.

Very informative, I've been a breeder for 11 years and learned a few things I didn't know!

THE PARROT BREEDER'S ANSWER BOOK was written by Gayle Soucek, who has been breeding and training parrots for a number of years and maintains a flock of 70-80 birds at her Chicago home. The fact that she has been able to raise baby parrots in such a cold hostile environment is amazing, especially when she informs the reader that at times she must transport the babies to work because they require "round-the-clock"feedings, just like human babies. Of course she is hand raising the birds she feeds herself. Parent raised babies are cared for all day by mom and dad, but hand raising birds is the key to training them to be friendly animal companions. Reading this book one wonders where Ms Soucek finds the time to care for birds as she works full time for a bird supply business, is involved with a number of bird organizations and writes articles and books. Soucek says "you will never travel again" if you get into this business, and she has a point, although she undoubtedly travels to various locations to speak and lecture.

Soucek covers all the important aspects of baby-bird raising including parent nutrition and avian reproduction; preventive health care, including when to call your vet and when to "do it yourself"; baby nutrition including diets and hand feeding; housing, including cage requirements (do you know the difference between an incubator and a brooder?), air, water and light requirements; characteristics of birds reproductive systems including the difference between DNA sexing and the more invasive laproscopic sexing.

As a full-fledged bird breeder, I found this book highly informative, and recommend it to anyone who thinks bird-breeding is a "hobby."

I have read at least 5 books on parrot behavior getting ready for my African Grey to come home and this is by far the most informative. It is like going over details with a real person rather than cold and impersonal with dry facts only. I recommend for any new or experienced parrot person. Great illustrations also.

I am owned by a male Eclectus parrot. This book is written for a bird hobbiest in terms that are easy to understand. I have gained more understanding of what makes my parrot tick.

It's easy to place this book on any parront's list of must-haves. Well written, well laid out and full of the best information regarding keeping parrots as pets. If you want to set the parrot-person relationship up for success, this book gives you the tools to do it!

Chapters include: Choosing the Right Parrot, Setting Up Space, Nutrition, Adjusting to Your New Parrot and Vice Versa, Behavior and Training, as well as Caring for Your Parrot Over a Lifetime.

Another bonus to this book? It travels well! This is especially useful for behavior consultants, veterinarians and anyone else who assists people with their birds.

I've told my students that I've been waiting a long time for a book of this caliber, and this piece has delivered, plus some! It's not just for the newly bird smitten, it's for those who have lived or worked with parrots for many years as well. It is also a useful tool for animal shelter/humane society staff.

Definitely belongs on your gift giving list this holiday season for all your parrot loving friends, those who are interested in birds, and those who help the avian community. It's such a beautiful and useful tool, please consider donating a copy to your local animal shelter!

This book should come with every parrot adopted. I bought the book not only for the advice and information, but because it's filled with fun, colorful illustrations. I love the ideas for making easy, inexpensive parrot toys in the chapter called "Bringing Home Baby." Good luck with your new buddy.

I own most parrot books available and certainly all books available since year 2000. They are mostly good but very similar.....
A Parrot for Life is, not only a beautiful book to compliment your library, it is different in that it prepares you for events which more than likely will happen and for changes which are also bound to occur when you choose to share your life with one of these beautiful long lived creatures.
Not only is it a Godsend for those planning to bring a companion parrot into their life....
This book is special and unique and I feel it will help parrot owners going through that 'what have I done' stage, help them to get past that and fall in love all over again gaining a deeper relationship with the parrot they chose as their companion.
This book will help you to realise you don't have to be a failure and to make friends again with your companion.
Own this book and open your eyes.
With respect..
Jan

I ordered a book before Christmas and it came in a few days and was in excellent condition. No problems at all I highly recommend this site.

A very thorough and detail book with great pictures, ads and company product literature. I never realized so many famous decoy factories operated in Pascagoula over a 50+ year period. Highly recommend to collectors and anyone interested in the outdoor sporting industry.

Finally, a duck decoy book on the Pascagoula Factories. Highly recommend.

Excellent history of the numerous factories from Pascagoula. Great pictures, and ads. Highly recommend.

Excellent photography, chock full of details and trivia, enough to satisfy any decoy enthusiast. Pascagoula's decoy makers contributed greatly to the industry and this much-needed book tells their story.