Synopses & Reviews
From gray whales giving birth in the lagoons of Baja California to sea otters nestled in kelp beds off California to killer whales living around Vancouver Islandand#151;this spectacular stretch of the Pacific Coast boasts one of the most abundant populations of sea mammals on earth. This handy interpretive field guide describes the 45 whales, dolphins, seals, and otters that are resident in, migrate through, or forage from Baja in Mexico to British Columbia in Canada. The guideand#8217;s rich species accounts provide details on identification, natural history, distribution, and conservation. They also tell where and how these fascinating animals can best be viewed. Introductory chapters give general information on the ecology, evolution, and taxonomy of marine mammals; on the Pacific Coastand#8217;s unique environment; and on the relationship between marine mammals and humans from native cultures to today. Featuring many color illustrations, photographs, drawings, and maps, this up-to-date guide illuminates a fascinating group of animals and reveals much about their mysterious lives in the ocean.
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and#8220;Handy, [with] rich species accounts. . . . A must have for anyone interested in marine mammals!and#8221;
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and#8220;For the person who enjoys watching the creatures that inhabit our coastline, the mariner who might travel with pods of whales, or the beachcomber who shares the sand with seals and sea lions, this is a field guide that should be tucked into every day pack or sea bag.and#8221;
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and#8220;An excellent compact reference book . . . . you won't have any problem identifying the many mammals you encounter along the coastline or off shore.and#8221;
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"This field guide is a 'must have'."--Wildlife Activist
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and#8220;Like an expert, chatty companion at oneand#8217;s elbow, this is a splendid guide to the subject for both amateurs and professionals.and#8221;
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“This field guide is a ‘must have.” Salinas Californian
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and#8220;This comprehensive guide is all you will need when you head for the coast for a day of whale watching or just to enjoy some offfshore boating.and#8221;
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“Indispensable for naturalists, both professional and amateur.” Bob Walch - Bookloons.com
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and#8220;This is an excellent compact reference book for anyone who would like to know more about marine mammals.and#8221;
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“Detailed and well-illustrated sections devoted to each species.” Robert Walch - The Californian
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and#8220;This field guide is a and#8216;must haveand#8217;.and#8221;
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and#8220;Indispensable for naturalists, both professional and amateur.and#8221;
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and#8220;Detailed and well-illustrated sections devoted to each species.and#8221;
About the Author
Sarah G. Allen, a scientist with a federal environmental agency, has studied marine birds and mammals from the Gulf of the Farallones, California, to Antarctica. Joe Mortenson, formerly of the Farallones Marine Sanctuary Association, is the author of Animal Behavior: Theory and Research and Whale Songs and Wasp Maps. Sophie Webb, a director of Oikonos, is the illustrator of several field guides including A Guide to the Birds of Mexico and Northern Central America.