Book Review - Snakes of Australia - Princeton Field Guides

      It might be argued that Australia is best known for its kangaroos and koalas, its parrots and cockatoos, even the Sydney Opera House, but it undoubtedly has also gained a reputation for its snakes. 

      They are numerous, many are highly venomous, but nowhere near the omnipresent threat to life and limb presented in scurrilous journals and sensationalized TV shows, some of which rival print tabloids for utter nonsense. Rather, they are an essential part of the ecosystems in which they have evolved, no more and no less than their prey and their predators. Balance is always the key, and left to its own devices Nature has a wonderful way of regulating it. It is when humans start interfering that equilibrium goes awry. 

      I am far from an expert on Australian reptiles, but Scott Eipper and his wife Tie are names that I know, and they are pre-eminent in their knowledge of, and experience with, Australian snakes. Seeing their name on the cover of the book I felt I was in good hands. 

     As is always the case with Princeton Field Guides, this is an excellent work, comprehensive in its coverage, and superbly illustrated.

      The introductory sections follow a standard format, comforting and useful by its very familiarity; unusual, however, in that the glossary is at the beginning of the book instead of in its usual position at the end.

      Snakes bites engender serious concern, as they should, but few events are more overhyped than the consequences of being bitten. With proper care and access to medical intervention, complete recovery is often the outcome with no long term effects. Death sometimes occurs, but you are far more likely to be hit by a car than killed by a snake. Important sections are devoted to snake myths and fallacies, prevention, first aid and correct care of the victim. If you live in Australia, or are planning a visit, read this information carefully.

     The reality is, however, even for those anxious to see a snake, you are unlikely to encounter them.

     The bulk of the book is devoted to species accounts with informative text, a range map and full colour pictures.

     Many of the species are cryptic, nocturnal and very difficult to spot, so to have pictures of all the snakes is an achievement in itself. Most of the photographs have been taken by the Eippers, but other committed herpetologists have contributed also.

     These Princeton Field Guides have, in my opinion, become the hallmarks of excellence in works of this genre, and Snakes of Australia takes its rightful place on the bookshelves of naturalists and herpetologists the world over.  

      A job well done!

Snakes of Australia - Princeton Field Guides 

Tie Epper and Scott Epper

Hardcover - US$45.00 - ISBN: 9780691269931

364 pages - 6 x 9 inches (15 x 22.5 cm)

Publication date: 11 February, 2025

Book Review - California Reptiles and Amphibians - Princeton Field Guides

      It seemed absolutely appropriate that hot on the heels of the review of a book on deserts and drylands that I should receive this work on California reptiles and amphibians. The desert environment looms large in California, and of course drought and wildfires have plagued the state for several years. 

     Over the past twenty-five to thirty years I have made several visits to California. My arsenal of natural history resources would have been greatly enhanced by this impressive work. It covers all 209 species of amphibians and reptiles found in the state, with meticulous detail and informed facts. 

     Many species are endemic.

     Generally, for each species, a standard format is used, with information on identification, similar species, habitat, range/elevation, activity/behaviour, diet, reproduction, and conservation/remarks.

     As might be expected, many species are facing threats of various kinds, generally related to habitat loss, environmental degradation, fragmentation, roadkill, and human indifference or hostility. Wildfires are eliminating coastal chapparal and other habitats, which are replaced by grassland. Climate change - or climate breakdown as Adam Welz terms it - is affecting populations of many species with ever decreasing options in the face of rising temperatures. Increased aridity is a challenge on the one hand and cataclysmic floods a potential death sentence on the other.

     The illustrations are first rate from an ID standpoint, with plain, morphologically accurate depictions on a white background, unadorned by details of vegetation or other habitat features.

     Each species account provides a link to the plate where the species is displayed and another link to a map. This I find quite cumbersome. It would have been far better to have the range map and image opposite the text in the common practice of modern field guides.

     When seeking information on a given taxon one has to refer to the plate in another section, and the map in yet another. Obviously one cannot have the book open at all three positions at the same time. This unwieldiness is compounded when comparing two species with each other; then one is at times compelled to juggle two species accounts, two maps and two plates - and that's just about impossible.

     If while performing this dexterous operation the species account has been closed, there is no cross reference back to the text on either the map page or the plate, so the only solution is to refer to the index again - yet another step. Be sure to have two or three bookmarks in use! 

     There are perhaps production reasons why this method is used, but it is not readily apparent to me, My misgiving is in no way related to the information provided, but concerns the awkwardness in accessing all the components for each species.

     The section on amphibian larvae (which is superb) is better treated, because the species description is on the left page and the plate on the right. One still has to go to a different section for the map, however.

      May I repeat, the quality of the information is impeccable - detailed, informative, laudatory, complete, from the introductory segments to the taxonomic notes, from the discussion of threats to the last page of the index.

      Whether your interest is as a professional herpetologist or as a novice embarking on the study of a realm of nature previously unexplored you will derive great benefit from this book.

     Arm yourself with patience and forbearance and you will be in for a treat as you explore the exciting world of reptiles and amphibians, some of which may not be extant for much longer. 

     This is a book for its time. Let us earnestly hope it is not a requiem for too many species.

California Amphibians and Reptiles - Princeton Field Guides

Robert W. Hansen and Jason D. Shedd

Paperback - US$49.95 - ISBN: 9780691249070

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

Publication date: 14 January, 2025

Book Review - Birds of the Mesozoic - Princeton Field Guides

 

     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

Book Review - Birds of Greater Southern Africa - Princeton Field Guides

     An important part of the library of any naturalist is a series of field guides, essential tools for a complete understanding of different taxa, so the publication of a new field guide is always a cause for great celebration. A new book covering the charismatic avifauna of Southern Africa is especially enchanting, and I looked forward to it with great anticipation. The book now in my hand affirms that my expectations were entirely reasonable, the pleasure of anticipation being exceeded only by actuality.

     Modern field guides are almost without exception of outstanding quality and this guide does not buck the trend. It is well laid out, filled with information, and is authored by people with a long and distinguished association with the birds of the region. It is especially appealing that it covers Greater Southern Africa, encompassing the countries housing exceptional avian richness in the region. Many visiting birders cover two or three countries in one trip to this part of Africa, and it is very useful to have a single guide covering all the birds found there.

     The illustrations are extremely well done and accomplish what a good field guide is intended to do - it enables one to identify the bird. The well-established, almost universal format is followed with a range map and description on the left and the corresponding pictures on the right. 

     In the introductory section, a brief description is included of the different habitats where one is likely to encounter given species, and this terminology is linked back in the species accounts. For example, for Cape Sugarbird, it is stated ...."in patches of flowering Proteacae on montane escarpments, moving when these whither (sic)....."

   

     A depiction of bird topography is a standard component of every field guide, but even this familiar aspect is enhanced by using different families of birds to illustrate feather tracts and anatomical characters.

     Appendix 4 is very useful. It contains a map of each country encompassed by this guide, with the location of important bird areas clearly marked. Just studying these maps ahead of a trip will fuel enthusiasm.

     The human population of Africa is increasing at a frightening exponential rate and it can only be hoped that land will be set aside so that there is still habitat for Southern Africa's scintillating birds, including many species endemic to the region. You can do no better than to take this field guide to identify and appreciate them. 

     

    It will serve you very well.

Birds of Greater Southern Africa - Princeton Field Guides

Keith Barnes, John Fanshawe, and Terry Stevenson

Paperback - US$45.00 - ISBN: 978069123267

640 pages - 5.5 x 8.5 inches (13.75 x 21.25 cm)

3,000 + colour illustrations

Publication date: 06 August, 2024

 

Book Review - Ferns, Spikemosses, Clubmosses, and Quillworts - Princeton Field Guides

 

     I am quite sure that for most naturalists the vascular plants encompassed by this field guide, collectively known as "pteridophytes," are difficult taxa to deal with. As a consequence they receive short shrift from many otherwise keen observers, and Emily B. Sessa does a masterful job in convincing us that we should put our trepidation aside and jump in with both feet; gleefully even, with the expectation that we will learn and become entranced.

     That has certainly been my reaction to the book.

     The science is impeccable, the narrative superb, the pictures magnificent.

     Ferns, mosses and their allies are all around us, and on every continent, present even on the frigid barrens of Antarctica, so it really does behoove us to to develop a more intimate acquaintance with them.

     This is not to say that getting to know them is easy, but worthwhile things seldom are, and after all who does not relish a challenge - especially one where the rewards are so great.

     The book begins with a definition of ferns, spikemosses, clubmosses and quillworts, followed by a standard "How to use this book" segment. Eleven pages are then devoted to the techniques required to successfully identify the organisms down to the species level.

     A fine glossary follows.

     Most of the rest of the book is dedicated to a species review, grouped by family, and containing a succinct description highlighting all characters needed to clinch the ID, a range map, handily colour-coded, and several pictures.

     The author wades into the minefield of taxonomy and pays due attention to hybrids, polyploids and reticulate relationships - more grist for the intellectual mill.

     A detailed checklist enables the reader to keep track of species seen and their geographic subregions.

     Many suggestions for further reading and reference are provided, including general reference books, scientific papers, and web-based resources.

     This is a very fine treatment of a complex group of plants that command our attention; indeed our affection.

     I commend this book to all who love nature in its glorious and often prolific diversity; be sure to use it well - and often! 

Ferns, Spikemosses, Clubmosses, and Quillworts of Eastern North America - Princeton Field Guides

Emily B. Sessa

Paperback - US$29.95 - ISBN: 9780691219455

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

More than 2,500 coloured illustrations, 20 black-and-white illustrations

Publication date: 05 March, 2024

Book Review - Velvet Ants of North America - Princeton Field Guides

 

     I know what ants are - Edward O. Wilson made sure of that. I am a birder and could be forgiven for thinking they exist only as flicker food! But Velvet Ants? Well actually they are not ants, they are wasps. In the family Mutillidae. Confused? Just wait a bit.

     There - I have set the stage for what you are going to find is an exquisite exploration of these organisms, where identification of females and males of the same species can stump even the experts.  Page by page you will be introduced to these fascinating insects in a scrupulous scientific way, yet within the framework of a narrative tinged with scintillating humour. At times I actually laughed out loud, not what you'd expect  from Velvet Ants of North America, yet it only made the learning process that much more pleasurable. The three authors (it's hard not to draw a parallel with The Three Musketeers) have really shown us how to present solid science in a manner that even the most reluctant student will find appealing. Some may even fall in love with velvet ants.

     Permit me to cite just one example of the humour they weave into the text: "It is hard to characterize the gait of an entire family of insects, but to us, the locomotion of velvet ants resembles that of a sleep-deprived parent who is already 15 minutes late for an important appointment (months in the making), searching for their car keys on a LEGO strewn surface." 

     Overlaying this playfulness is a serious, compelling discussion, enhanced by exquisite illustrations throughout the entire book.

     The introductory sections will explain every aspect of velvet ant life, the chapter title telling much, "What is a velvet ant? The indestructible insect!"

     And on it goes. There is even a section dedicated to explaining how you can keep velvet ants as pets! The arcane realm of taxonomy is examined, with the challenges and pitfalls of new discoveries, sometimes only to learn that it is not new at all and has prior assignment to a previously misidentified species. Much terminology is developed around velvet ants to accommodate the unique circumstances of the taxa.  Day walkers, night walkers, day fliers, the graveyard shift are descriptive and evocative chapter titles too.  While the principal focus of the book is the velvet ants of the United States and Canada, there is an examination of the velvet ants of Mesoamerica and, indeed, of the World.

     Morphology is explored in matchless detail.

     The species accounts are a tour de force, with a picture, a range map and a concise description. You are even given a phonetic interpretation of those pesky scientific names to enable you to pronounce them. 

     This really is a gob-smacker of a book. Whether you are a professional entomologist or a rank amateur, I unequivocally recommend this work to you. It delivers satisfaction at every level, on every page, with every picture, with every word.

     If a glossary is important to you (it is for me), get ready for one of the most comprehensive you are ever likely to see. 

     So many esoteric organisms have become the subject of books in recent years and Princeton Field Guides are at the forefront of this expansion of knowledge.

      The books just keep getting better. Bravo, Princeton!

Velvet Ants of North America - Princeton Field Guides

Kevin Williams, Aaron D. Pan, and Joseph S. Wilson

Paperback - US$35.00 - ISBN: 9780691212043

440 pages - 5.5 x 8.5 inches (13.75 x 21.25 cm)

440 pages - 1,290 colour illustrations - 30 tables.

Publication date: 13 February, 2024

Book Review - Birds of China - Princeton Field Guides

 

     This is a remarkable field guide. From the front cover with its stunning image of a pair of Temminck's Tragopans, to the thumbnail portraits at the back, it delivers quality on every page.

     One would think that by 2024 every improvement that might be made to a field guide would have been made, but this one sets the bar yet again higher. 

     It is significant in many ways, not least of which is that it is edited by two distinguished Chinese ornithologists, supported by a cast of subordinate editors, no less competent and equally passionate about the avian diversity of their huge country.  Who better to know the bird life of China than authors of this calibre? 

     The introductory sections are useful, and in some cases unique, a brief history of systematics, for example. A brief guide to birdwatching even bears recommendations for equipment. There is a short section on bird vocalizations, and important information on bird conservation in China.

     I find the coverage of bird topography especially pleasing and useful, where detailed diagrams of a passerine, a duck and a gull are featured. For a novice birder this will be exceptionally helpful.

     The illustrations throughout are first class.

     Perhaps the most notable aspect of this field guide is that each bird is introduced first by its scientific name, a practice I have never seen in any other field guide and one which I applaud. The name is then given in Mandarin, followed by what I assume is a phonetic interpretation of the Mandarin name, and finally the English language name.

     I can hear kvetching from afar that in an English language guide, the English name should be accorded prominence, and I am not blind to the justification for that position.  It does seem to me, however, that Mandarin merits its position of prominence here - who knows maybe some of us will learn a Mandarin name or two?

      If I have one minor reservation with this exceptional guide, it is that the type is smaller than I would like, but since the guide already weighs in at 1.568 kg, and a larger typeface would necessitate more pages, it is probably a reasonable compromise.

      More birders than ever before are visiting China; rest assured that this is THE guide to take with you. You'll be very happy that you did.

Birds of China - Princeton Field Guides

Paperback - US$39.95 - ISBN: 9780691237527

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

4,000 colour illustrations

Publishing date: 16 January, 2024

Book Review - Common Bees of Western North America - Princeton Field Guides

      For two years I have been using the excellent (and by now well-thumbed) Carril and Wilson guide, Common Bees of Eastern North America, so I was delighted to note that a companion volume had been published covering the bees of Western North America. I am planning a visit to Vancouver Island in September and this guide will get its first serious workout then. In the meantime hours of pleasant study await.

     There are over 3,000 species in western North America, and it is impractical to feature all of them, but more than 200 species are covered, representing those taxa most likely to be found in the appropriate habitat. 

     Bee identification is often difficult, even for a scientist with specialized training and sophisticated equipment, so for the casual naturalist it is frequently impossible to narrow down the ID to the species level. Pages 25 to 33 provide a very useful guide to help in refining the possibilities - "Bees that are completely red," "Bees that are extremely large (bigger than the top joint of the pinky," "Bees that are miniscule" - and so on.

     What then follows is a taxonomic list of bee families with genera found within that family, with clear and detailed photographs to accompany each account. The text is excellent and will facilitate identification in most cases; range maps are key to defining the geographic range.  At the very least, it should be possible to assign a bee to the correct family, often to the genus and sometimes right down to species.

     I am quite sure that like most naturalists my aim is to experience the bee as it goes about its life, and not to capture it for close examination or pinning. A photograph will often be very helpful in identifying the bee, and with today's sophisticated digital cameras, even those on cell phones, everyone has the ability to get a good shot.

     An excellent glossary is provided and an extensive list for further reading.

     I am delighted to add this book to my ever expanding library on bees; it is bound to become a treasured reference.

Common Bees of Western North America - Princeton Field Guides

Olivia Messinger Carril and Joseph S. Wilson

Paperback - US$35.00 - ISBN: 9780691175508

416 pages - 5.5 x 8.5 inches (13.75 x 21.25 cm)

582 Colour photographs, 198 black-and-white silhouettes

Publication Date: 23 May, 2023

Book Review - Insects of North America - Princeton Field Guides

 

     One may state up front that this is a remarkable work, without fear of contradiction. It combines in one volume the 783 families of insects that are currently recognized in North America north of the Mexico/USA border, and that, it seems to me, is a remarkable achievement in and of itself. 

     John C. Abbott and Kendra Abbott come to the work with impressive credentials and their depth of knowledge, experience and communication skills are evident throughout.

     I derived a good deal of pleasure from the end flaps alone. At the front the various orders are depicted with a brief description indicating unique features to aid in identification, while at the rear the reader is treated to a wonderful pictorial depiction of insect morphology.

     The introductory section begins with an explanation of what constitutes an insect, followed by a section on nomenclature and classification. A pie chart diagrammatically illustrates the range of insect diversity. Unfortunately, insect populations are under threat from countless causes, graphically depicted as "Death by a thousand cuts." At every phase of their lives these organisms that are so critical to continued life on Earth are threatened  by all the well known anthropogenic actions that daily mitigate against the future of all species, including our own.

     For the insect scientist, professional and citizen alike, a comprehensive section deals with collecting and displaying arthropods, including the subtle art of photography. 

     Insects, of course, are a potentially rich source of food for humans, although we in the west have a long way to go before overcoming our aversion to eating them. There are clearly huge rewards in terms of winning the battle against climate change by switching to insect consumption, but I don't expect we are going to add crickets to our diet any time soon!

     The balance of the book is dedicated to all of the orders and families of insects, with phenomenal photographs and informative, concise text. Page after wonderfully-illustrated page is packed with the essential components of a very useful, user-friendly guide.

 

     Even if your primary interest is birds, mammals or plants, or indeed any other facet of nature, insects will play a part, whether as parasite, predator or food. They are found in every environment, and, collectively, are a keystone component of a healthy ecosystem. Insects are everywhere!

     You need this book to help you identify them more easily, and understand them in greater depth. And don't forget to ask your local library to add a copy to their shelves. Everyone should have access to it!

Insects of North America - Princeton Field Guides

John C. Abbott, Kendra K. Abbott

US$24.95. £20, ISBN: 9780691232850

600 pages, 4.5 x 7.25 inches (11.25 x 18.25 cm)

3700 + colour photos and illustrations

Publication date: 02 May, 2023 (US), 13 June, 2023 (UK)

Book Review - Birds of Costa Rica - Princeton Field Guides

     Having recently collaborated on an excellent field guide to the birds of Belize, Dale Dyer and Steve Howell have again combined forces to produce a first class guide to the Birds of Costa Rica.

     Costa Rica is one of the premier birding destinations in the world, boasting good infrastructure, excellent accommodations and food, and most importantly a wealth of birds in a wide range of habitats.

     Over the years I have made three visits to Costa Rica, and have birded just about every corner of the country. I found it interesting, and commendable, that Dyer and Howell acknowledge the development of field guides to Costa Rican birds, going back to the 1989 seminal guide by Stiles and Skutch. Each field guide has built on the success of those that have gone before and as one who has used all of them, I take great satisfaction in now possessing this newest version.

     Simply stated, it is a very fine book, meeting all the established criteria for a successful modern field guide, and in many instances exceeding them. It seems obvious that the most important component of a book dedicated to enabling observers to identify a bird, is the accuracy of the illustrations. Dyer's work is flawless, but there are added touches that give me great pleasure. Permit me to mention just two of them. On page 153, depicting those most cryptic of birds, the potoos, little cameos are added showing a bird roosting, for all the world looking like part of a tree, and another depicting the bird at night - "potoo eyes reflect like burning coals." There are those for whom Resplendent Quetzal is the most beautiful bird in all the world. Males and females are masterfully illustrated (page 189), but the crowning moment for me is the wonderful illustration below the text, of a male flying gracefully through the air, tail streaming behind him. For anyone who has ever seen a quetzal this is surely the image burned into memory. My mind  immediately evoked groves of wild avocados and  quetzals floating through the air.

     Appendix A deals with Cocos Island, a place we all wish to go to but never will, and its unique species. The very thought of this island conjures up an association with the Galápagos, and evolutionary history. 

     The field guide I have used on my two last visits to Costa Rica has been the excellent work by Garrigues and Dean. But now I have to say, "Move over guys, there's a new guide in town, and you have been dethroned." Who knows maybe you'll get busy and come up with something superior, but for now my mind is made up. Dyer and Howell it is!

Birds of Costa Rica - Princeton Field Guides

Dale Dyer and Steve N.G. Howell

Paperback - US$29.95 - ISBN: 9780691203355

456 pages - 6.25 x 8 inches (15.625 x 20 cm)

203 colour plates, 19 colour photos, 900+ colour maps

Publication Date: 23 May, 2023