There have been many fine books on gulls published in recent years, and one might be forgiven for asking, "Why another?" A close examination of the text and the incredible array of stunning photographs will answer that question for you. For those of us with masochistic tendencies who delight in poring through flocks of gulls looking for rarities and teasing apart details of aging, there can never be too many works anyway! Perhaps these distinguished authors will now turn their attention to a companion volume on terns, the neglected waifs of the Laridae.
There are those for whom gulls are an anathema to be ignored at all costs, and to these birders the authors pose the following question, "Is your hobby really birding, or is it ignoring birds?" The message is clear, don't be afraid of gulls, get out there and enjoy them, and don't be chastened by your ID failures. As in all things practice makes perfect and once you develop proficiency you will rejoice in these sublime members of your avifauna.
The question of larid taxonomy seems to have been in a state of flux for as long as I can remember, and long before that. The treatment in this book follows the International Ornithological Committee for the most part, but deviates when it comes to Thayers Gull (how many times has this bird been considered a full species or a sub species of Iceland Gull?), and Short-billed Gull (aka Mew Gull). Actually, in the case of Short-billed Gull the most recent version of the IOC List now assigns full species status to Short-billed Gull, so only Thayer's Gull remains controversial. Don't bet the farm on that species not being re-evaluated too!
Many tips are given on how to identify gulls, with comparisons between similar species, and "fail-safe" identification features. In terms of aging the authors use the concept of 'cycle' rather than 'first winter' or 'second winter' and so on. Gulls do not suddenly change from first winter plumage to second winter plumage so cycle is a more appropriate way of looking at immature gulls.
The authors embark on a useful discussion of a holistic approach versus an analytical approach; of course, one does not deny the other and operated in tandem is the best course.
The value of digital cameras is manifest in this book, with a huge number of photographers combining to provide a visual feast.
If you glance at your bookshelf and find a gap where the book on gulls should be, this is the volume to fill the space. It is a fine work indeed and merits your close attention. It will help you to become that dedicated larophile you always wanted to be!
Gulls of Europe, North Africa and the Middle East, An Identification Guide - Princeton University Press
Peter Adriaens, Mars Muusse, Philippe J. Dubois, and Frédéric Jiguet
Softcover - US$29.95 - ISBN 9780691222837
320 pages - 1,200 photos and illustrations - 6.75 x 9.25 inches (16.875 x 23.125 cm)
Publication date: 5 April, 2022
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Looks and sounds a very good book, I do like the cover, lovely photography.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
Hari Om
ReplyDeleteOh, but, but... I am still working my way through the World Gulls book - can I resist seeking out this one??? I suspect not! YAM xx
Jonathan Livingston Seagull is the only book on gulls I've ever read :) I do love watching them and chasing them on the beach to see a whole flock fly away ~ never gets old.
ReplyDeleteBarely a day goes by when I don’t see a seagull … usually just one species of gull so this book would broaden the scope. On windy days, they surf the wind beautifully and make haunting distant sounds.
ReplyDeleteI suspect that where you live, Maria, they are Glaucous-winged Gulls.
Delete...they are a busy and noisy bunch!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review David. Are those Ross's Gulls on the cover?
ReplyDeleteYes, they are Ross's Gulls, Carol. Gorgeous, huh?
DeleteI like all birds, but I draw the line at the gull that knocked my fish and chips out of my hand and into Wells Harbour. I hope he's not in that book!
ReplyDeleteI think that humans trained gulls to take food from the hand a little too well! I have actually witnessed people buy chips (at Rhyl in Wales) and hold them out for the gulls to sweep in and take them from the hand. Sorry about your fish and chips though!
DeleteHi David - well you know what I'd like to find ... 'salmon gulls', 'chip gulls', 'sandwich gulls' - all stolen by the birds converted to thieving and not fishing!! Bet they don't appear?!
ReplyDeleteI know they're as special as any other species ... and have many quirks, which to admire ... many of our herring gulls here are now scavengers and live off the land, rubbish tips being their main landing zones ...
Cheers Hilary
Sounds like a good book. There are always lots of birds along the Rhine, and when tourists are about and eating they sometimes try to steal their food! But I love watching them and hearing their cries. Hugs, Valerie
ReplyDeleteEach author has his own style. It is impossible for one not to have something to say in addition to the others.
ReplyDeleteThe cover looks beautiful David, and I guess the photos in the book are of the same quality too. Nice review of the book as always. You must read a lot of books!
ReplyDeleteHugs and kisses, Marit
I know there are many beautiful and interesting gulls, but here in Denmark they take over the cities, stealing people's food from the plates if you are not careful, or while the servants are carrying plates and dishes to the outdoor tables, so my love for seagulls is low, I must admit. They are a real problem. (Their 'song' I will not even comment.)
ReplyDeleteSorry - I wish I was the kind of person who loves all living things. Oh it's not good for my self-image. Lisbeth
I am quite sure, Lisbeth, that gulls have far more right than humans to consider the other a problem.
DeleteThey have not taken over our cities, Lisbeth. We have built all over their habitat and they are adjusting to the new landscape. The fact that we don't happen to like it has nothing to do with it.
DeleteYes I know. I feel bad that I consider it a problem as I (humans) am the problem.
DeleteDidn't know there are so many different kinds of gulls.
ReplyDeleteThat's why you need this book, Angie!
DeleteI imagine there are more gulls worldwide than many other birds. And their distinctions can be very subtle. This sounds like a good birding book. I would enjoy the variety since mostly here it is Herring gulls and Black Backed gulls. Not that there is anything wrong with them, but they do say variety is the spice of life. Happy weekend. I believe I read it is a long one for you. Enjoy. Hugs-Erika
ReplyDeleteActually, when compared with most other families, gulls are mot anywhere close to the most numerous species.
DeleteHooray for gulls. They have adapted better to our presence than many other species and I applaud (and admire) them for that.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sue. If I can count on anyone to cut through the crap it is you!
DeleteUna gran reseña se deriva de tu buena explicación y como bien dices, por muchos libros leídos, siempre se encuentra algo nuevo en cualquier otro buen ejemplar.
ReplyDeleteEstimado amigo, disfruta de esa placentera isla de la que ya nos darás muestras de tu buen hacer.
Recibe un fuerte abrazo de tu siempre amigo y compadre Juan.
Il y'a sans doutes encore de très belles photos dans ce livre, on en apprend tous les jours sur les oiseaux. Bon weekend
ReplyDeleteI love watching the gulls against a shore or floating, but not very good at identifying the many different ones. I can see how someone would like that challenge, though.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great review, David! Thank you. I see you've been on a book review roll lately. I'm currently trying to cull books from my collection as part of streamlining my belongings. It is very hard, and I am approaching an irreducible minimum. I've kept my bird books though.
ReplyDeleteI walked by a creepy house in Honolulu a number of times over several years. The yard, trees, roof, every surface was covered with hundreds of seagulls. Don't ask me what species ~ lol. It freaked me out every time, because it put me right into Hitchcock's "The Birds." Walking past that house repeatedly were the only occasions when seagulls have made me uneasy. Normally I love them. The city of Honolulu finally made the owners stop feeding the birds and clean up their yard. I miss that creepy thrill!
Have a good weekend!
I chuckled at the thought of that house in Hawaii. I am sure you were not the only one to be a little perturbed by it. Right now we are visiting Grand Manan Island in New Brunswick, not quite your old stomping grounds but close by.
DeleteSounds like a good read, David.
ReplyDeleteSeems it would be a book to have on seagulls.
ReplyDeleteAre all gulls easily bribed to get photographed? :-)
ReplyDeleteA couple of French fries will do it every time!
DeleteI love gulls. Whenever I see one I know I´m near the water, which means freedom, holiday and fun. Minus the one time one pooped on me...
ReplyDeleteIf they poop on you it's good luck!
DeleteHi David!!! interesting book. I love gulls... Happy weekend
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteAnother great book review David. I love the gulls, for me they are one of the hardest birds to id. This book looks like it would be helpful, I admit I need all the tips I can get. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a happy weekend! PS, thank you for leaving me a comment.
Adults are generally no problem, but sub adult phases can be a challenge.
DeleteWe don't have a lot of different gulls here but I always enjoyed them when we lived on the coast. Being inland (where we are, anyway) we seldom see any gulls, even in bad weather.
ReplyDeleteSilver Gull would be your most common species.
DeleteI've never seen a gull. Nice to know, there are many kinds of gulls.
ReplyDeleteIt's not been so many years ago that I learned the popular name 'seagull' misses the mark: that 'Laughing Gull' or 'Herring Gull' are more descriptive, and more accurate! They're quite wonderful birds. Every year, I look forward to the Laughing Gulls' mating season, when their raucous calls set even humans laughing.
ReplyDeleteI think this is a great book.
ReplyDeleteWe also see a lot of seagulls here, they sometimes fly right in front of the windows.
Greetings Irma
We once attended a workshop on the beach in Santa Barbara about identifying immature gulls. The beach is beautiful, and it's always nice to see birds -- but the conclusion was that mostly, you can't tell the various species apart at that stage. Too bad. Maybe this book offers more ideas.
ReplyDeletebest... mae at maefood.blogspot.com
I would radically disagree that you can't tell different species in immature plumage apart, Mae.
ReplyDeleteDavid, I can't say I'm a larophile...I think my favourite of my philes is a turophile (a fancier of cheese), I think you may belong to that club too! ☺
ReplyDeleteCount me as a turophile for sure, Rain, as well as a larophile, preferably not at the same time. There is a local deli in Waterloo that carries a really good Danish Fontina and an excellent Pecorino Romano, to say nothing of Mushroom Oka. I can hardly wait to get home!
DeleteNie znam się na mewach. Zupełnie . Rozróżniam może 3-4 gatunki. Nie znalazłam w Polsce dobrej książki o mewach. Fajna książka i jej recenzja.
ReplyDeleteI suspect that the majority of the gulls that I see daily at our beach are also Glaucous-winged Gulls. Then again, I couldn't swear by it! Thank you for another great review.
ReplyDeleteGlaucous-winged Gull is the "default" gull in BC so I suspect that you are right.
DeleteCuantos más libros existan sobre las gaviotas y sobre otras aves, mejor, así vamos ampliando conocimientos y en cada uno de ellos siempre hay algo nuevo que nos sorprende saber.
ReplyDeleteMuchos besos y abrazos, amigo David.
Gulls, tho common, there are so many subspecies and species they soon become a favorite and sought after bird! At least for me.
ReplyDeleteWe birders enjoyed your share today and book review. Thanks for linking in and have a wonderful day!
They are fabulous birds
ReplyDeleteIt is certainly a very interesting book.
Thanks for sharing
Solo veo gaviotas cuando vamos al mar y me gusta observarlas.Parece un gran libro.
ReplyDeleteMiriam David, os deseo un buen domingo.
Abrazos.
Given life at the lake, this might actually be a book I could use! I love your reviews, David, even if the book itself might not interest me. But this one... looks intriguing!
ReplyDeleteI don't often get to see gulls anymore. When we lived on the late we had tons of them and they were always the Ring-billed Gulls. I have followed other birder's posts on gulls, but somehow that isn't the same as spotting one in real life. Your book sounds interesting ... I may venture out and buy one. Thank you as always for steering me to good reading ... always like to learn something new , it is fun and it is good for the old brain. Stay well, David ...
ReplyDeleteAndrea @ From the Sol
Learning something new is the best therapy of all, Andrea. Learning and teaching is what keeps me going!
DeleteWhat an interesting book!!....I love gulls....it reminds me of sunshine and summer....the salty wind and the beautiful landscapes during the summer.....however, I have to admit that I also remember the gulls trying to eat my fruit (peaches) while I was in the beach!....funny memory!.......Abrazotes, Marcela
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds interesting, David. I can't identify the seagulls, but I always like to see them above the waters of the Gulf of Finland. They give a feeling of freedom.
ReplyDelete:)
ReplyDeleteNo son mi el grupo de aves que más llaman mi atención, pero de todos modos tengo el de las especies de gaviotas del mundo de Olsen. Este parece interesante por tener a gaviotines y charranes, una pena que esté acotado a parte del hemisferio norte. Saludos
ReplyDeleteYou enlighten me at every turn. I didn't know there were so many types of gulls. We don't get a great variety here, although I just may not be aware of subtle differences that would distinguish one kind from another. I do know one thing about gulls - don't bring food to the beach, or they will swoop in and steal it!
ReplyDeleteTodas las aves me gustan y este libro sería precioso para mí. Nunca pierdo la oportunidad de fotografiar una gaviota. Abrazos querido amigo David.
ReplyDeleteI started a post once about the different kinds of gulls we've seen, but as I collected the pictures and began to read, I realized that what I thought was quite a variety was quite small. It's just that at home in Oregon we only ever saw California Gulls (always called, incorrectly as of course I know now, "seagulls.") I was quite surprised to learn there were more varieties. .... One thing we've seen that I still think of as sort of amazing, was a gull rookery (I guess that's what you'd call it), with many many baby gulls being fed . This was near Anchorage in Alaska. I'd never seen that before and have never since, even though we see gulls in so many different places.
ReplyDeleteGreat review. The cover of the book is also beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea there were so kinds of gulls.
Greetings:)
Maybe, just maybe, I'll overcome my fear of gull ID and go for this book, David. There's no denying that they are magnificent birds, even if they have some unattractive habits. I've been seeing rather a lot of them lately.
ReplyDelete