Nebraska Ornithologists' Union

 

Authors

Date of this Version

12-1982

Citation

R.G. Cortelyou, "Book Review," from Nebraska Bird Review (December 1982) 50(4).

Comments

Copyright 1982, Nebraska Ornithologists' Union. Used by permission.

Abstract

The Kingfisher, David Boag, 120 pp. 6 ½ x 9 ½, Blandford Press, England, Sterling Publishing Co. Inc. New York Hardbound, indexed. $17.95.

This is a handsome book -thick paper, 66 color photographs (of various sizes) by the author. It is about the Kingfisher, Alcedo atthis, of Europe, about half the size of our Belted Kingfisher, and much more colorful. The text is interesting reading, giving the life history of the bird; description and distribution; territory and aggression; courtship and nest-building; eggs and young; food and feeding habits; mortality; myths and legend. And an appendix on photographic techniques, which will be of interest even to non-photographers, since it explains how he was able to take pictures of the birds in the nest cavity at the end of the tunnel. And it explains how he was able to picture them diving, and catching minnows under water, involving problems which the non-photographer would not think of until they are explained. Knowing the problems makes the subject pictures all the more interesting.

The Living Bird Quarterly. Cornell University Laboratory of Ornithology, 159 Sapsucker Woods Road. Ithica, N.Y. 14850.

The initial issue contains articles on reproductive success in songbirds, the International Crane Foundation, the restoration of nesting Atlantic Puffins to Eastern Egg Rock, Maine, and other items and color illustrations to fill out a 24-page issue, 8½ x 11. This quarterly will replace the annual The Living Bird, which the laboratory previously issued. The annual was, and the quarterly is, sent to members of the Laboratory. Membership classes start at $25.00 per year.

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