Synopses & Reviews
Raptorsand#151;the charismatic group of birds that includes hawks, eagles, and falconsand#151;evoke power, swiftness, and grace. Raptors, or birds of prey, gaze calmly about while at rest, exuding confidence and nobility, and, while soaring aloft, they are absolute icons of the California landscape. Featuring descriptions of every diurnal California raptor, this state-of-the-art, beautifully illustrated guide is the first to combine identification of these important birds with a comprehensive discussion of their natural history.
Raptors of California notes well-established field marks in addition to introducing several new pointers that help distinguish especially difficult species. More than a field guide, the book also includes information on raptor anatomy, foraging, reproduction, movement, where and how to observe raptors, human-raptor interactions, raptor conservation, endangered species, caring for injured hawks, falconry, and more. Of special interest is the inclusion of previously unpublished descriptions of raptor behavior and many fascinating anecdotes and vivid observations from the field that provide new insights into the lives of these captivating birds.
* Covers 27 species, with range maps for the 18 species regularly occurring in California
* 104 color figures include photographs and wash drawings illustrating habitats, anatomy, field marks, and behavior
* 12 full-page color plates show the various plumages of each speciesand#151;including raritiesand#151;as well as their appearance in flight
* Highly readable and accessible, even when covering complicated topics such as flight and evolutionary adaptations
Synopsis
"Although written for California, this book will be prized by raptor watchers from around the US for its insightful and descriptive notes on behavior and ecology and its gorgeous and accurate paintings."and#151;Allen Fish, Director, Golden Gate Raptor Observatory
"This is actually two books for the price of one; the introductory chapters stand-alone as an excellent natural history of North America raptors, and the species accounts and spectacular plates make this one of the best state raptor books available."and#151;Lloyd Kiff, Science Director, The Peregrine Fund
About the Author
Hans J. Peeters and Pam Peeters have spent all their lives in the field bird watching. Hans J. Peeters, Professor of Biology/Zoology emeritus at Chabot College, is coauthor, with E.W. Jameson, Jr., of Mammals of California (revised edition, 2004) and American Hawking (1970). His illustrations have appeared in many bird guides including The American Bird Conservancyand#8217;s All the Birds of North America (1997), Book of North American Birds (1990), and the Smithsonianand#8217;s forthcoming Birds of India. An award-winning painter, two of his depictions of Golden Eagles have appeared on Mexican stamps.
Table of Contents
Preface
Introduction
What is a Raptor?
Raptor Names
A Hawkand#8217;s Body
Hawk Identification
Pitfalls of Identification
Field Marks
A Hawkand#8217;s Life
Hunting and Eating
Territoriality and Reproduction
Dispersal and Migration
Finding and Watching Hawks
How to Find Hawks
Where to Look for Hawks
Finding Certain Species
Finding Raptor Nests
Circumstantial Evidence
How to Watch Hawks
Reading a Raptorand#8217;s Mind
Binoculars and Spotting Scopes
Cameras and Photography
Hawk-watching Etiquette
Hawks and Humans
Attitudes Past and Present
Conservation Laws and History
Threatened and Endangered Species
Species of Special Concern
Conservation Methods
Disturbance by Humans
Caring for Injured Birds
Falconry
Recreational and Educational Activities
Species Accounts
Color Plates
Vultures
Osprey
Kites
Harriers
Accipiters
Buteos
Eagles
Falcons
Glossary
References and Works Cited
Index