Book Review - Seashells: A Compendium of Five Thousand of the World's Species - Princeton University Press

 

     Who among us who has visited the seashore has resisted the urge to collect shells to take home? Very few, I am sure.  Shells are beautiful, varied in form and colour, and speak to us of a realm hidden from our view, a world of mystery, a kingdom of wonder, and a link to the very early days of life on Earth. What else fills all these niches? And shells are free, and available equally to everyone, no matter their status in life. A pauper can amass a collection equal to that of a millionaire.

     There is a bit of an addiction to shell collecting that only kicks in when collecting is possible. In the Bahamas in February I could not resist searching for conch shells and bringing them home. In a house where space is at a premium I need more shells like the proverbial hole in the head, but I can gaze at them now as I compose this review. And they make me happy!

     This fabulous book, covering a staggering five thousand species, will enable you to go beyond the purely aesthetic appeal of shells, to an understanding of their origins, their geographic distribution, and their ecosystem functions. You will become acquainted with molluscs from the shallow waters of tropical seas, to coral reefs, to frigid polar shores, and shells cast up from the deepest parts of the ocean.

 

     For the serious shell collector or conchologist a great deal of useful information is provided on collecting and storage techniques, with up-to-date taxonomy and systematics. 

     There is general agreement that the most satisfying way to build a collection is to visit beaches where you can find your own specimens. An alarming, yet all too familiar caveat from the book: "Nowadays, many beaches are sadly adorned with mounds of trash, and a good pair of gloves has become a necessary part of a beachcomber's outfit."

     We do know how to ruin a good thing, don't we?

     There is an excellent glossary of the terms used in the book, and a guide to the families that I found exceptionally useful.

     The pages that comprise most of the book are nothing short of phenomenal. 

     Not only are they a feast for eyes, essential information is encapsulated in so scant a space. There is a picture of the external and internal views where applicable, the measurement to the nearest millimetre, the original taxonomic authority and the location. This will often be enough, but if you are serious about knowing more, here is the starting point.

     I am already looking forward to a few cold winter's nights sitting with my shell collections, organizing and identifying them in ways I have never done before. Precision, accuracy and knowledge will be my reward!

     Thank you Paul Callomon and Gary Rosenberg for a job very well done.

Seashells: A Compendium of Five Thousand of the World's Species - Princeton University Press

Paul Callomon and Gary Rosenberg

Hardcover - US$49.95 - ISBN 9780691265285

336 pages - 9 x 12.5 inches (22.5 x 31.25 cm)

5,400 + colour photographs

Publications date: 22 September, 2026

Book Review - The Language of Bees - Princeton University Press

 

     I was delighted when I noted that Princeton University Press had published yet another title in its unrivalled coverage of bees over the last several years.

     A veritable who's who of the world of bees has been included - Chitka, Grozinger, Packer, Seeley, Tautz (and others), and they are now joined by James C. Nieh.

     This fascinating book is both a personal account of Nieh's ascendancy in this select group, and an insider's glimpse into research hitherto not undertaken - or pursued minimally. In the classic way of good scientists, Nieh writes about events that initially seemed like failure, or conditions that developed to thwart his carefully staged experiments, turning them into first rate opportunities for other avenues of research. 

     It was Karl von Frisch, of course, who discovered the now famous waggle dance, whereby foraging bees direct their sisters to food sources, but much additional knowledge has been gained over the years (see, for example, Tautz (2021). The means of communication among bees are diverse and multi-faceted, involving scent, movement, vibration and sound. 

     In a series of elegant experiments Nieh explores the intricacies of communication among bees in myriad ways. A really helpful tool is the provision of a QR code to take the reader to a series of YouTube videos showing the signals and behaviours discussed in the book.

     This is a commendable use of technology to improve the learning experience.

     A series of full colour plates also enhances the text.

     Nieh's prose is not without humour. I chuckled mightily over his description of riding a bicycle after being stung on his tender parts!

     

     Life on Earth is threatened by the climate crisis; bees no less than other living things. Global warming is significant in this regard, with the potential disruption of plant cycles. This has the ability to hit bees that utilize one plant especially hard. The principal function of honey bees has ceased to be the production of honey; rather they are used as pollination tools, shipped over vast distances to facilitate food production for humans. The California almond crop, for example, would fail without this intervention. There are indications that this practice may be harming bees in ways unthought of. Rampant (and in some jurisdictions almost uncontrolled) use of pesticides, especially neonicotinoids, has the potential to seriously impact the foraging efficacy and breeding success of bees.

     We tamper with natural cycles at our peril - yet we keep doing it. We seem to lack will when it is needed most.

     This book is an important addition to the canon of literature on bees. It should be essential reading for everyone concerned with our future life on Planet Earth.

The Language of Bees - Princeton University Press

James C. Nieh

Hardcover - US$29.95 - ISBN 9780691204895

288 pages - 6.125 x 9.25 inches (15.31 x 23.125 cm)

16 colour and 31 black-and-white illustrations

Publication date: 15 September, 2025

Recent Sightings in Benjamin Park, Waterloo, ON

 

     This park is a mere five minutes away from our house, so we go there often. 

     What follows is a random selection of a few highlights of the past couple of weeks, not ranked in order of importance.

     Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is probably the bird we see more than any other at this location.

     Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) has also been extremely common this year. There seems to be a cohort of unattached males, a dozen or so birds, and they are heard constantly.

     They take advantage of the fully leafed-out trees for concealment and are difficult to photograph.

     An Eastern Cottontail Rabbit (Sylvilagus floridanus) is capable of driving a gardener off the deep end, but on the trail, harming no one and trying to stay one step ahead of the numerous predators who would make a meal of it, it is charming.

     American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis), a late breeder, takes full advantage of the bounty of seeds in late summer.

     A Red-banded Leafhopper (Graphocephela coccinea) is a very attractive little insect.

     Locust Borer (Megacyilene robiniae) is a significant pest of Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacia) trees.

     Ironically, I know of no Black Locusts in the area, but this species is known to favour the pollen of goldenrods (genus Solidago) as a food source, which is where I located it.

          Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) is very common and finds protein to feed its growing young.

     Soon, as the weather becomes cooler, they will revert to their habit of soliciting food from their human friends.

     An Eastern Wood-Pewee (Contopus virens) is a charming little bird, subdued in colour, but no less beautiful.

     This bird, one of three I saw, is undertaking southbound migration to its winter quarters in northwestern South America.

     Surely, one of the delights of late summer/early fall in southern Ontario, is New England Aster (Symphytrichum novae-angliae).

     Asters and goldenrods are often found together.

     Northern Paper Wasp (Polistes fuscatus) is an impressive insect.

     It is sometimes referred to as Imposter Wasp because it mimics many other species.

     Mexican Grass-carrying Wasp (Isodontia mexicana) is a large wasp with a menacing appearance.

     It derives its name from its practice of carrying long pieces of grass to partition and close its nests.

     I know that you are all in love with wasps so here is one more to make your day complete!

     Common Aerial Yellowjacket (Dolichovespula arenaria) has outnumbered all other wasp species by a good margin over the last little while.

     It is an important pollinator species.

     I hasten to point out that I have never been stung while photographing bees or wasps. They seem to be totally indifferent to my presence.

     As best as I recall, I have only been stung twice by a wasp, both times while eating outside where sugars in food or drink may have lured them in. I bore them no ill will!

     Let me finish with a couple of much-loved birds for those of you who are getting over the wasp heebie-jeebies!

     Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) is much loved by everyone. I doubt whether I could get a single word of demurral on that score.

     If a poll were taken to identify the most recognized bird in North America, American Robin Turdus migratorius) would be a serious contender!

     I am very lucky to have this park so close to home. I might go for a stroll there this afternoon!

Book Review - Common Lichens of the Upland Southeast: Appalachia and the Piedmont - Princeton Field Guides

 

     It is probably a broadly accurate statement that lichens are familiar to everyone, but understood by few, and identified by almost no one! This is the book to rectify this serious shortcoming in your life as a naturalist.

     Armed with a device as simple as a hand lens, the text will enable you to identify virtually any lichen you are likely to encounter. The book is devoted to the lichen-rich area of the southeastern regions of the United States, but the principles enunciated in it are broadly applicable to lichens anywhere. 

     Lichens are a symbiosis of two organisms in one. Already this should pique your interest! Lichens are fungi, but uniquely have photosynthesizing cells of algae or cyanobacteria embedded within them. They thrive on almost any surface, even under extreme conditions, from scorching desert to polar barrens, on rocks, trees, soil, the discarded junk of humankind - virtually everywhere. They are the principal source of food for the great herds of caribou eking out an existence in an arctic winter.

     The book has an extensive introductory section, mostly devoid of technical language, enabling a total novice to gain a complete understanding of lichens. The structure of the organism is fully explained and the key ways to clinch identification laid out for you. A few practice sessions with a lichen familiar to your area would boost your confidence in very short order.

     The incredible range of coloured photographs reveals the lichens of the Upland Southeast in all their glorious diversity. For people who reside in these areas, or spend vacation time there, a whole new realm of nature awaits your investigation, and the mysteries of that red growth on a glacial erratic will be revealed. Lichens abound in cities, too, so exciting discoveries and expanded knowledge are available to everyone.

     Like all other life forms on Planet Earth lichens are facing threats to their continued existence, some hitherto unknown. The Anthropocene is ushering in perils not seen before, not the least of which is rising temperatures. We need to allocate the same dedication and resources to preserving lichens as we do to other organisms. 

     In 2024, Princeton University Press published The Lives of Lichens: A Natural History, a constant source of reference for me. With the addition of this present work you will be well equipped to become the lichenologist in your group!

     And you'll have fun doing it!

Common Lichens of the Upland Southeast: Appalachia and the Piedmont - Princeton Field Guides

James Lendemer and Jason P. Hollinger

Paperback - US$35.00 - ISBN 9780691230733

496 pages - 5.875 x 8.25 inches (14.69 x 20.625 cm)

1,000 + colour photographs - 350 maps

Publication date: 29 September, 2026

Victoria, BC - Part 11 (Final)

 29 June, 2026

Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park

     We had not visited this park on any of our previous journeys to Vancouver Island. A new place is always exciting!

     A Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis) probed around the parking area.

     I doubt whether any of the trees are old growth specimens, but they appear to be mature second growth. We were left wondering whether the hole at the base of  this giant was home to an animal.

     We meandered down various paths and roads, at times alongside water. This female Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) had found a perch it liked and returned to it often.

     A Double-crested Cormorant (Nannopterum auritus) preferred a buoy out in the water.

     American Robin (Turdus migratorius) was very common.

     It seemed equally at home probing for morsels along the shore or delving into the mossy substrate of the forest. 

     Song Sparrows (Melospiza melodia) were seen and heard frequently, but proved to be difficult to photograph.

     Buttercups (genus Ranunculus) always add good cheer to the day.

     It's probably not everyone's favourite creature, but we very much enjoyed this large Black Slug (Arion ater).

     There is always something magical about waterlilies and we found it delightful to see extensive growths of Western Yellow Pond-Lilies (Nuphar polysepala).

     A family of Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) cruised by, like a human family at the Easter Parade!

     The youngsters are growing up fast.

     A local delicatessen named Tonolli's seems to be quite renowned in the area, and we stopped for a coffee and scone.

     It was a busy spot and we parked down the road a ways, but the walk back was well worth it!

     On the way home we stopped at Michell's Farm Market on the Saanich Peninsula to pick up fresh strawberries. 

     This emporium has a long history on Vancouver Island and is renowned for its high quality produce.

     We didn't do much of anything else for the rest of the day other than starting to get ready for our journey home the following morning.

     You met George and Jan in the last post. George is a prolific author and brought over a couple of his books for me, and they shared dessert with us. It was a lovely end to the day.

30 June, 2026

Victoria - Waterloo

     We went for a walk around Oak Bay with Jan until it was time to leave for the airport. Jan drove us there and we bade her farewell, filled with gratitude for a wonderful vacation.

     Our journey home was smooth from start to finish and, as always, it was good to sleep in our own bed!