Just Loons: A Wildlife Watcher's Guide

By Alan E. Hutchinson

Book Overview

Their Haunting calls drift across a misty lake at sunset, casting a spell on those who hear. We gaze in awe as they glide past on mirrored waters, the jeweled pattern of their feathers a study in complexity and beauty. Their garnet eyes reflect the span of their domain before they dive to depths unknown, surfacing such a distance away that we are left feeling abandoned by their sudden disappearance. Loons have always held a special place in our hearts and minds. They are more than a symbol of wilderness and of special places in nature still undisturbed. They are a touchstone to the natural world, to our past and things unknown. Just Loons is the ultimate guide to finding, watching and understanding loons. Providing a close look at the natural history of loons accompanied by stunning photography, this book captures the essence of the mysterious effect loons have on people. It also is a comprehensive and detailed look at the life, habits, and habitats of loons in North America, covering such topics as mating, territory, offspring, migration, and, of course, their beautiful calls. This revised edition features updated text that reflects new loon research, and a bound-in audio CD of the haunting calls for which loons are so admired and beloved. Sometimes elusive creatures that perhaps we are only beginning to understand, loons also serve as a link to our own primitive past and the untamed wilderness. By studying loons, we are able to gain not only a greater understanding of the birds themselves, but also of the care and protection necessary to ensure that wild lands, lakes, and marshes continue to provide a haven for these and other wild animals. Just Loons provides more than a look at the biology of these fascinating creatures; it also tells how to get the most enjoyment out of watching them, while at the same time respecting the habitat they occupy and need in order to hunt for fish, nest, and raise their young. You will also learn how to read their body language and understand the meaning of their mysterious calls. The authoritative text by Alan Hutchinson and award-winning photography of Bill Silliker, Jr. combine to provide a complete portrait of this "feathered fish" -- the common loon. Book jacket.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1572236876
• ISBN13: 9781572236875
• Release Date: February 2003
• Publisher: Willow Creek Pr
• Length: 123 Pages
• Weight: 1.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.3" x 0.3" x 10.5"