United States
£ GBP
Every wild place and urban area in North America hosts an owl or a woodpecker species, while healthy natural places often boast representatives of both. The diversity of these two families of birds, and the ways in which they define and enrich the ecosystems they inhabit, are the subject of this vivid new book by photographer and naturalist Paul Bannick.
The Owl and the Woodpecker showcases a sense of these birds' natural rhythms, as well as the integral spirit of our wild places. Based on hundreds of hours in the field photographing these fascinating and wily birds, Bannick evokes all 41 North American species of owls and woodpeckers, across 11 key habitats. And by revealing the impact of two of our most iconic birds, Bannick has created a wholly unique approach to birding and conservation.
"[...] Before reading The Owl and the Woodpecker, I was aware that many owls nested in woodpecker-produced cavities. But when I first saw this book’s title, I still thought it was an odd pairing. Their association just didn’t click with me. But now, this book has given me a much better understanding of not only the relationship between these fascinating birds, but also the wider roles that they play in their environment. One of the author’s stated purposes in producing this work was to give readers a greater appreciation of these birds and their habitat. That is a worthy goal, and one that has been achieved."
– Grant McCreary (31-10-2008), read the full review at The Birder's Library
"The Owl and the Woodpecker is a monumental work of photojournalism by one of North America's top wildlife photographers. The images you'll encounter in this book are the result of an encyclopedic knowledge of birds and their habitats, an intense love of nature, and endless patience. For anyone who appreciates wild things and wild places, each of Bannick's stunning photographs is worth ten thousand words."
– Ted Williams, Audubon magazine
"Readers will gain a better appreciation for the complex lives of these birds."
– The Bellingham Herald
"What a glorious book! Paul Bannick's photographs reveal the startling beauty and complex survival strategies of the owl and the woodpecker, North America's most charismatic – and crucial – cavity-nesting birds. These are images to savor again and again."
– Bruce Barcott
"I find it hard to pull my eyes away from the absolutely stunning photography [...] This book will appeal to any birder, and really anybody simply interested in nature and how it's inhabitants' affect, and are affected by it. But if you are a fanatic about either or both families [of bird], this is definitely a book that you will want to add to your library."
– Picas Blog
