Whenever I lead bird walks for novices, at some point I am inevitably asked, "How did you see that?" I am quick to point out that knowing the habitat of the species is key to finding the bird. It is equally true of course for the salamander, weasel, pimpernel or sedge. Habitat recognition is critically important.
Princeton University Press has produced another title in the "Habitats of..." series, and I think it is apparent to any serious student of nature, that guides such as this should be a standard part of a well-stocked library.
Like all others in the series, Habitats of Europe is extremely well done, filled with a cornucopia of information and an incredible (and I mean incredible) suite of images. Every single page is loaded with full colour illustrations pertinent to the chapter at hand, complementing the text in superb fashion.
In fact, before starting to read the book I would recommend carefully going through it, page by page, to really absorb the overall impact of the work. You will quickly grasp just how perfectly text and image mesh and you’ll be already yearning for more.
Permit me the liberty of just one example. On page 344 there is a picture of a White-headed Duck. The caption to the picture states, "White-headed Duck, a scarce species found in s. and e. Europe, favours complexes of smaller ponds and reedbeds." There, in one brief sentence you know the name of the species, its conservation status, where it might be found, and its habitat preference. Brilliant!
The introductory sections are comprehensive and informative. I would urge everyone not familiar with the Köppen Climate Classification system, to become familiar with it. It is easy to understand, easy to use, yet precise.
The biomes of Europe are covered as follows: Conifer Forests; Deserts; Temperate Broadleaf Woodlands; Savannas; Grasslands and Steppes; Mediterranean Shrublands; Tundra; Freshwater Habitats; Saline Habitats; Anthropogenic Habitats. Each classification is broken down in great detail. Everyone needs to understand the mechanisms of each habitat and how they are in many instances inter-related. For example, how do ground-nesting birds on the Tundra exploit other habitats during the non-breeding season?
If I am waxing effusive in my praise of this book, it is because I think it deserves no less.
Don't hesitate to get your hands on a copy right away - and you will be effusive too!
Paperback - US$35.00 - ISBN: 9780691245171
432 pages - 5.875 x 8.25 inches (14.69 x 20.625 cm)
465 colour photographs - 52 illustrations - 70 diagrams - 43 maps
Publications date: 02 December, 2025
I can feel your joy and excitement over your new book. It really is amazing and if I were a traveler, I would want to have this. I will content myself with your travels and enjoy what you enjoy from my sofa, in our Florida Habitat of which I have 81 years of knowledge. I love photography and my two most favorite photographers are Ansel Adams and "Ansel Adams of the Everglades, Clyde Butcher. They would love this book like you do.. if you have never seen Clyde Butcher's photos, check him out.. My son and I went to Ringling Museum about 20 years ago to Ansel Adams display and we wound Clyde Butcher and spent hours sitting in front of the wall sized photos in total amazing of our habitat here in Florida.
ReplyDeletei will go and check Clyde Butcher, Sandra.
DeleteThis seems like a really nice book, David.
ReplyDeleteI wish you a wonderful weekend.
Best regards Irma
Gracias por la información, David.
ReplyDeleteHoy en Segovia la nieve está dejando estampas de cuento.
Un abrazo y feliz día.
Cierto, amigo David, las aves al igual que la flora se la reconoce mejor cuando se conoce su hábitat natural y se presta un mínimo de atención.
ReplyDeleteMuy interesante este libro que voy a tener en cuenta, gracias.
Muchos besos.
That's right, David, birds, like plants, are best recognized when you know their natural habitat and pay a little attention.
This book is very interesting; I'll keep it in mind. Thank you. Lots of love.
For someone like me who goes to Europe infrequently it is valuable. For someone who lives there it is essential!
DeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteYour reviews always do great service to the books being read and entice the potential reader! YAM xx
...Europe must have many diverse habitats!
ReplyDeleteI think there should soon be a trip to Europe to put all these principles in to action. It looks like a gorgeous book.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a great book to discover all the beauties of Europe's habitat !
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing !
Bon weekend au chaud ! Toujours pas de neige à ma porte ;)
Anna
I don't know this classification system. I'm going to go check it out. It's looks like a great books too, and I can say I wish was heading to Europe right now, although with this Greenland debacle I don't know how welcome I would be in some places. Have a super weekend. hugs-Erika
ReplyDeleteJust me again. I'm totally surprised I never heard of this before-or don't remember hearing about this before since it's not anything very new, is it? Thanks for introducing this to me.
ReplyDeleteNo, it has been around for a while. It is simple and effective and facilitates communication it two people are exchanging information. There is a "Habitats of North America" in this same series that I find equally useful.
DeleteHabitat is everything when searching for flora and fauna. I purchased a book called Wildflowers of Wisconsin and the Great Lakes region which is very specific about the habitat and areas of where to find Wild Flowers.
ReplyDeleteGood books with good info are invaluable for learning.
This looks like a wonderful book.