On the face of it, it seems quite improbable, extraordinary even, that I could be looking at a field guide of birds that no human has ever seen! Not only that, it is laid out in the manner of current field guides, as though one could pick it up to go out into the field today, to find these birds. Not surprisingly, the only thing missing is a range map!
These renditions are made possible by an examination of the rich fossil record, and the skill of modern paleontologists using sophisticated equipment and analysis to reconstruct the diversity of avialans.
In many cases the reconstruction is based on a single articulated specimen, or even a single fragmentary specimen. For some species (e.g. Anchiornis huxleyi) there are "hundreds of complete or almost complete specimens preserving most of their feather covering."
The resemblance to modern birds is stunning and many of these species would not seem out of place today. Modern birds are, in fact, dinosaurs and this book makes that simple truth patently obvious.
The birds are classified into orders, or groups, and families, and there is a fascination just in examining these divisions. Explanatory notes are provided for all taxa; there is general agreement in some cases, a wide divergence of opinion in others - hardly unexpected, of course.
Pictorially the book is a paradigm of sensory pleasure. To turn the pages to see ancient species for the first time is an exercise in wonder and delight, and everyone from novice birder to proficient ornithologist will be thrilled. I found myself lingering over some images, and comparing them with modern birds, and that was both exciting and instructive. Naturally these birds do not have common names, but what fun it would be to go through and name them all. The very nature of the book holds the promise of countless hours of enjoyment.
One must surely conclude that this is not the end of the story, perhaps not even the end of the beginning. There will doubtless be new discoveries and increased knowledge that will challenge currently held assumptions.
But what an exciting journey this will be. Juan Benito and Roc Olivé deserve our gratitude for this bold step forward. Winter will soon be upon us and hours of nighttime reading await me.
I am looking forward to it!
Birds of the Mesozoic - Princeton Field Guides
Juan Benito and Roc Olivé
Paperback - $27.95 USD - ISBN: 9780691266565
272 pages - 4.75 x 7.875 inches (11.875 x 19.69 cm)
250+ colour illustrations
Publication date: 05 November, 2024
Another interesting book David. You must have a good collection that you have built up over the years. I much prefer a real book to an electronic one!
ReplyDeleteI am at the point where I am running out of shelf space so a little selective culling may be necessary. We’ll see. It’s an emotional downer to get rid of books. As for electronic books, I have never read one and have no intention of doing so. A book in my hand is like the comfort of an old and treasured friend.
DeleteCertainly an interesting and fascinating book. It's amazing how they pieced together small bits of information to recreate the photos of these birds. Long winter nights are not my favorite. I am affected by seasonal disorder.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fascinating book! You're right--it's a perfect time of year to spend time immersed in these pages.
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