With more than 900 different kinds of birds in the United States and Canada, birdwatchers bear witness to some incredible species. From the world's smallest owl to the fastest of all animals, America's bird population is both impressive and diverse. Stan Tekiela has been studying and photographing these birds for more than 30 years. Here, the award-winning author and naturalist showcases 28 of the most astonishing species in North America. His incomparable photography captures the birds in action and depicts behaviors that are sure to surprise and delight, while the book's headings and small blocks of text make for easy yet informative browsing.
- Our Extraordinary North American Birds
- Spoon-at-the-Ready Stalker: Spoonbill
- Ancient Visage for 10,000 Years: Wood Stork
- Diver, Dipper, Bobber, Blinker: American Dipper
- Watch Out--Sprinter Approaching!: Greater Roadrunner
- Rare, but Too Huge to Miss: California Condor
- Master Carpenter, Building with Sticks: Bald Eagle
- Rushing and Weed Dancing on the Water: Western and Clark's Grebes
- The Fastest Animal, Bar None: Peregrine Falcon
- Meat-Eating Songbirds That Don't Sing: Loggerhead and Northern Shrikes
- Tiny Champion of Flight: Ruby-throated Hummingbird
- The Best Show on the Lek: Greater Sage-Grouse
- A Raptor Smaller Than a Sparrow: Elf Owl
- Incredibly Funny-Looking Seabirds: Atlantic, Horned and Tufted Puffins
- Timberdoodle Sky Dancing: American Woodcock
- Apartment Nester with a Landlord: Purple Martin
- Lays a Quick Egg--Then Leaves!: Brown-headed Cowbird
- An Owl in a Burrow?: Burrowing Owl
- Scavenger Falcon, Hunting on Foot: Crested Caracara
- Apple Snail Aficionado: Snail Kite
- Percussion Performance on Logs: Ruffed Grouse
- Skimming Along the Coast: Black Skimmer
- A Panoply of Color: Painted Bunting
- Camouflaging at Its Finest: American Bittern
- Smart, Sociable and Popular: Harris's Hawk
- The Embodiment of Diversity
About the Author
Naturalist, wildlife photographer and writer Stan Tekiela is the author of more than 175 field guides, nature books, children's books, wildlife audio CDs, puzzles and playing cards, presenting many species of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, trees, wildflowers and cacti in the United States. With a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural History from the University of Minnesota and as an active professional naturalist for more than 25 years, Stan studies and photographs wildlife throughout the United States and Canada. He has received various national and regional awards for his books and photographs. Also a well-known columnist and radio personality, his syndicated column appears in more than 25 newspapers and his wildlife programs are broadcast on a number of Midwest radio stations.