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.
ReplyDeleteI don't know much about the fossil record of birds, and so this was a great glimpse into that. They do look familiar in so many ways. I'm going to add this to my list since I realized there's a whole group of animals that somehow (other than archaeopteryx) escaped my "education". Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteArchaeopteryx was archetypal because it was first, and a wonder to all of us. But there have been so many discoveries in recent years. It is fascinating stuff, Erika.
DeleteSounds like a really fascinating book! Would make a perfect holiday gift for some bird fans.
ReplyDelete...this is an interesting look back.
ReplyDeleteYou're right -- there are some great similarities of the birds then and now. This looks like another beautiful book.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely an interesting and fascinating book David.
ReplyDeleteWould make a nice Christmas present.
Greetings Irma
More than interesting, from the illustrations you show us, they are really similar to our birds.
ReplyDeleteThe cover illustration is great.
Thanks David
More than interesting, from the illustrations you show us, they are really similar to our birds.
ReplyDeleteThe cover illustration is great.
Thanks David
the drawings you have shown are very good and very interesting. I have often wondered just how many books you have. I think you are the only person I know that has more books than my brother. his dining room/library is floor to ceiling books on all 4 walls, its a library with a table and 8 chairs in the middle. nothing else in the room. and the 3rd bedroom where his computer is is the same...
ReplyDeleteAt a very rough guess, Sandra, I would estimate around 1,500 - maybe a few more. On your next visit to Canada you'll have to come and count them!
DeleteThe evolution is certain, the beauty of birds remains...
ReplyDeleteThanks for your visits and comments David !
Have an interesting day !
Anna
What an amazing book. And downright fascinating.
ReplyDeleteAnother fabulous and very interesting book. Thank you for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteQuerido David me parece un buen libro para leer ahora en invierno en los que los días son muy cortos, me parece muy interesante y con preciosas ilustraciones.
ReplyDeleteMe encanta tu foto de cabecera. Un fuerte abrazo para ti y para Miriam.
Thank you for the nice review, David. I'm sure it's an interesting book. Hugs and kisses, Marit
ReplyDeleteMuy interesante, me ha gustado mucho. Besos.
ReplyDeleteFrom the illustrations, one can see what our modern birds have evolved from. Fascinating.
ReplyDeleteThe similarities are really striking.
DeleteQue tal, amigo mio! interesting book. It's beautiful to see birds that we ´d never have imagined seeing, almost as if we were travelling back in time just by turning its pages.
ReplyDeleteThe history of life on Earth continues to inspire us.
Hugs and kisses, dear friend.
It looks like a very interesting book!.....Abrazotes, Marcela
ReplyDeleteSeems a good book to have and read, David.
ReplyDeleteSuper interesante, gracias por compartir David!!!! Un fuerte abrazo desde el norte de España.
ReplyDeleteP.D. Me encanta la nueva foto de la portada de tu blog.
Definitely a fascinating book to read.
ReplyDeleteYou're making me wish I could go for a forest ramble and catch a glimpse of one of these ancient mesozoic birds up high in the trees. Or even just notice an unusual feather on the ground.....
ReplyDeleteThat would be exciting, wouldn’t it?
DeleteThe fossil was remarkably preserved.
ReplyDeleteKiitos postauksesta David. Todella mielenkiintoista!
ReplyDeleteAnother interesting book !
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting field guide , the illustrations are wonderful. I see some birds that look similar to our modern birds. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a wonderful weekend. PS , thank you for leaving me a comment..
ReplyDeleteSuch an interesting book!
ReplyDeleteFascinating too!
DeleteInteresting book! Since I live in a tiny cottage, I generally just visit the library for my reading and enjoyment. My father and brother had extensive libraries.
ReplyDeleteMy son has a degree in Paleontology and has quite a few cool books on the subject.
Is he a working palaeontologist?
DeleteI would not be surprised if I saw those birds and I would have no idea that they were prehistoric.
DeleteDoubtless, you are not alone, Linda.
DeleteInteresting. Their heads in some cases, almost dinosaur-like. Thanks for sharing this, David.
ReplyDeleteBirds, in fact, are dinosaurs.
DeleteOn my list now thanks to you. Looks like another fascinating read, and those illustrations are superb.
ReplyDelete