The Birds of Illinois

By H. David Bohlen

Stunning color plates, and easy to read text make this a welcome addition to your library! This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0253315603
• ISBN13: 9780253315601
• Release Date: November 1989
• Publisher: Indiana University Press
• Length: 221 Pages
• Weight: 3.74 lbs.
• Dimensions: 12.1" x 1.1" x 9.4"

Customer Reviews

BEAUTIFUL!

You might find this gorgeous book maddening if you're not an ornithologist. The beautiful birds of the state are listed and presented in taxonomic order (because it's written for ornithologists!). Fear not, ordinary soul! There is also an alphabetical index on the very last 2 pages. Whew! For both professional and non-professional readers, you will be happy to find that the lengthy text on each of the birds is extremely friendly and very helpful. There is much information about where they are, when they migrate, where they roost, how they sound, what they eat, where they nest, how and where they live, legends and rumors about them and more. It even includes WHEN - what month - they are likely to show up in your area and when they'll probably leave, too. Terrific for ornithologists, of course. But also for 'birders', hobbiests, nature-lovers or people who just want to know more about their home, community or state. There is a wonderful history of the birds, relative to their presence in Illinois. Many have a story that goes far back across the seas and centuries. Some were intially feared for all kinds of different reasons (disease, etc.) Very interesting. Especially since we now know how it turned out! (up to the 1989 date of publishing, of course). Includes some of the sad events (often weather) which have nearly killed off our some of our treasured bird populations from time to time. Zimmerman's beautiful paintings were clearly done with much love for the birds and also for the art of ornithology. Very detailed, often including both sexes for easy identification. If they ever reprint, I hope they will also include a geographical index. (north, south, city, country, forest, rivers, woodlands, etc. It's already in the book - just not so quick and easy to find as it could be.) I have a strong suspicion this work has inspired many others which came after it. And I bet they're not done yet! Terrific book for anyone who wants to know more about the State of Illinois and the beautiful creatures that live here. A little bit of work for a hobbyist or a casual explorer, but well worth it!