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This page lists the books about birds, or which include sections on birds, published by Greystone Books. The books are arranged by publication date with the most recent at the top.

Best Place To Bird in British Columbia

Russell Cannings and Richard Cannings

2017

"In this unique guidebook that will appeal to novice and experienced birders alike, the authors of acclaimed Birdfinding in British Columbia explore their 30 favorite birding sites in the diverse landscape of Canada’s westernmost province. More detailed and more personal than the Cannings’ previous books, and illustrated with more than 30 color photographs of birds and locales, and 28 maps, Best Places to Bird in British Columbia introduces some sites that will be familiar favorites for readers, while others may come as a surprise. Readers can choose their destination by species—each chapter has a list of "Specialty Birds," the ornithological highlights of a trip to the area in question - or by geography - each chapter is named for its region and includes detailed information not only on how to get there but also on how to make the most of being there. Personal anecdotes, historical background, and ornithological information make this an indispensable guide to exploring the best birding sites B.C. has to offer and learning more about its bird population."

Birdfinding in British Columbia

Russell Cannings and Richard Cannings

2013

"From Canada's top birding team comes the definitive guide to finding birds in British Columbia. Veteran naturalist and birdfinder Richard Cannings and his son, Russell, a gifted birder in his own right, use their combined knowledge and expertise to guide readers to the best birding sites in the province. Birdfinding in British Columbia is divided into eleven regions, from Vancouver Island to the Far North, providing bird lovers with detailed information about how to reach the best sites to look for birds, when to look for them, and what they might find. Packed with descriptions of the natural history, ecosystems, and diverse landscapes of British Columbia and accompanied by numerous maps, this thorough guide is enhanced by Donald Gunn's charming line drawings and the authors' infectious enthusiasm, making it a must-have for novice and expert birders alike."

The Endangered Species Road Trip

Cameron MacDonald

2013

"Crammed into a minivan with wife, toddler, infant, and dog, accompanied by mounds of toys, diapers, tent, sleeping bags, and other paraphernalia, Cameron MacDonald embarks on a road trip of a lifetime to observe North America's rarest species. In California, the family camps in the brutally hot Mojave, where he observes a desert tortoise - "the size and shape of a bike helmet and the colour of gravel" sitting motionless in the shade of a scrubby sagebush. In Yellowstone, after driving through unseasonal snow, he manages to spot a rare black wolf and numerous grizzlies, which, unfortunately, call forth a crowd of "grizzly gawkers." The journey takes the MacDonald family from British Columbia, along the west coast of the U.S., through the Southwest and Florida, up the east coast of the U.S., and finally to eastern Canada and then back home to BC."

On Rare Birds

Anita Albus

2011

"Weaving together natural history and investigative reporting with mythological and cultural material, On Rare Birds tells the compelling stories of ten rare or extinct bird species - from the tragic demise of the once-abundant Passenger Pigeon to the shooting death of the last Carolina Parakeet in the wild, and from the startling natural defences of the wilful Nightjar to the diverse cultural significance of the Kingfisher. Some stories bear sad witness to precious species we have lost, but they are all fascinating and often heartwarming or humorous depictions of the unique lives and loves of birds. On Rare Birds is a visually stunning volume illustrated by author Anita Albus's own superb artwork and by images ranging over five centuries. It will delight anyone who loves birds, laments the depletion of their populations by human hands, and cares about the survival of those species that still stand a chance. With knowledge, devotion, and a true artist's eye, Albus explains in graceful, precise prose why the decline of these bird species is a great loss both to the natural world and, unavoidably, to culture. With each species lost, a world is lost to human understanding-to our arts, our mythology, and our environment."

The Atlantic Coast: A Natural History

Harry Thurston

2011

"Filled with stunning photographs, the book includes chapters on the geological origins of this region, the two major forest realms, and the main freshwater and marine ecosystems and also describes the flora and fauna within each of these habitats. Finally, it looks at what has been lost but also what remains of the natural heritage of the region and how that might be conserved in future. Written by the Atlantic region's best-known nature writer, Harry Thurston, The Atlantic Coast draws upon the most up-to-date science on the ecology of the region as well as the author's lifetime experience as a biologist and naturalist. It is both a personal tribute and an accessible, comprehensive guide to an intriguing ecosystem."

Prairie: A Natural History

Candace Savage

2nd edition

2011

"Authoritative, detailed, and scientifically up-to-date, Prairie: A Natural History provides a comprehensive, non-technical guide to the biology and ecology of the prairies, the Great Plains grasslands of North America. This edition has been updated to include new information about declining bird species, enhanced protection of bison, the effect of industrialization on the prairies, and the effect of the increase in coyote numbers on red foxes and swift foxes. The book also includes an entirely new preface. Illustrated with spectacular full-colour photographs and elegant black-and-white line drawings, this authoritative reference and easy-to-read guide is a must for anyone who wants to know more about the dazzling natural variety of the prairies."

The Great Lakes: The Natural History of a Changing Region

Wayne Grady

2011

"Ever since French explorer Samuel de Champlain's first taste of what he called "la mer douce" - the freshwater sea - the Great Lakes have been admired, exploited, and renewed. This vast region is a study in contrasts: a hub of industry that's the resting spot for billions of migrating birds. 40 million residents, immense untamed forests. Ninety-five percent of North America's fresh water and a dumping ground for poisonous wastes. The Great Lakes is an authoritative, accessible look at an ecosystem in eternal flux. Written by one of North America's most acclaimed science and nature writers, the book explores the area's geological formation and its role in human history; its diverse plant, bird, and animal species; and its significant physical, climatic, and environmental features. This captivating tribute to the Great Lakes region is also an essential guide to the challenge of preserving the natural world."

Flights of Imagination: Extraordinary Writing about Birds

Richard Cannings

2010

"Many of the world's greatest natural history writers have penned eloquent, informative and profound essays about these alluring creatures. This timeless evocation of our passion for birds features 20 works from such esteemed writers as Barry Lopez, Terry Tempest Williams, Jonathan Weiner, Barbara Kingsolver, Richard Mabey, and Candace Savage. Included in this diverse selection are excerpts from popular books as well as articles from science and natural history magazines, about birds from all over the planet, and the birders, pishers, twitchers, and listers who love them. Illuminating, entertaining, literary, and intimate, the varied writing reveals the numerous and often unexpected ways in which birds - spiritual messengers, mythic symbols, personal obsessions, even harbingers of environmental catastrophe - connect us to the natural world."

Arctic Eden: Journeys Through the Changing High Arctic

Jerry Kobalenko

2010

"In this intimate portrait, Jerry Kobalenko describes a series of journeys he has taken over the past twenty years around the Canadian High Arctic by foot, skis, kayak, and ship that provides a multifaceted view of this most beautiful and most vulnerable part of the Arctic. Combining natural history, exploration, and personal experiences gathered during twenty years of Arctic travel, Arctic Eden explores the ice caps and glaciers of Ellesmere Island; introduces us to Axel Heiberg's magical fossil forest of cypress trees and its population of endangered Peary caribou; follows the author's seven-hundred-kilometre journey on skis from Devon Island to Alexandra Fiord, punctuated by near-fatal encounters with polar bears; and comments on changes in climate he has witnessed throughout the High Arctic."

Bateman: New Works

Robert Bateman

2010

"Robert Bateman is one of the world's greatest wildlife artists and most committed naturalists. This exquisite collection of recent works, all reproduced here for the first time in book form, features more than one hundred full-colour reproductions depicting both North American and international mammals, birds, and other wildlife, as well as black-and-white details and sketches. This glorious edition features an introduction and eleven short essays by Bateman in which he shares his wisdom on nature, environmentalism, education, and the role of art in the preservation of wilderness. The text also includes commentary on specific works. Bateman: New Works is an essential addition to every Bateman collection or a satisfying introduction to the work of this revered and iconic artist."

Creative Bird Photography: Essential Tips and Techniques

Bill Coster

2010

"Bill Coster carved out a niche taking photographs of birds in flight and has become one of the U.K.'s top wildlife photographers. In this inspirational guide, Coster shares the secrets of creating memorable images of the birds one meets, going about their often complex and fascinating lives. Creative Bird Photography shows how to photograph specific aspects of birds' lives, such as eating and drinking, courtship and flight. The author gives examples, demonstrating approaches for taking great shots of these daily bird activities as well as taking "mood" photographs at dawn and dusk. Each shot comes with detailed technical data, information about locations, and advice about overcoming challenges to achieve the perfect shot."

Roadside Nature Tours Through the Okanagan: A Guide to British Columbia's Wine Country

Richard Cannings

2009

"Biologist Richard Cannings, who was born and raised in the Okanagan Valley, guides the reader along his favorite road trips through this fascinating region. The Okanagan attracts thousands of visitors each year to enjoy its beaches and wine, but more and more people are discovering its natural beauty. With desert sands and deep lakes, towering rock cliffs and rich benchlands, cold mountain forests and hot grasslands, the Okanagan has an ecological diversity unequalled in Canada. The book opens with an introduction to the region's biodiversity, climate, geology, and human history, setting the stage for the route descriptions that follow. Cannings then takes us on twenty-one tours through the valley, from the arid benchlands of Osoyoos to the snowy forests east of Vernon. The routes vary from main highways to quiet roads, and along each one we're introduced to the animals, plants, and bedrock that create this national treasure. Each route also has a focal topic, ranging from owls to salmon and rattlesnakes to rock rabbits."

Lakeland: Journeys Into the Soul of Canada

Allan casey

2009

"More than 60 percent of the world's five million lakes are crammed into this one northern country. Endless pure lakes are the defining and unifying symbol of the Canadian landscape, making us the envy of a thirsty world. Casey, an award-winning journalist, takes us on a journey of these lakes, from log cabins to lakeside mansions, from the semi-desert of Okanagan Lake to the ponds of western Newfoundland, and over the language barrier to Lac Saint-Jean, Quebec. Across the sprawling, hard-to-define land called Canada, the language of lakes is spoken. Lakeland, suggests Casey, is a place, a state of mind, and perhaps even a new synonym for Canada. Despite problems of overdevelopment, these lakes remain the heartland of this country, and the place where our relationship with wilderness itself begins."

The Wisdom of Birds: An Illustrated History of Ornithology

Tim Birkhead

2008

"For thousands of years people have been fascinated by birds, and today that fascination is still growing. In 2007 bird-watching is one of the most popular pastimes, not just in Britain, but throughout the world, and the range of interest runs from the specialist to the beginner. In The Wisdom of Birds, Birkhead takes the reader on a journey that not only tells us about the extraordinary lives of birds - from conception and egg, through territory and song, to migration and fully fledged breeder - but also shows how, over centuries, we have overcome superstition and untested ‘truths' to know what we know, and how recent some of that knowledge is. It was only in the nineteenth century that the ancient belief that swallows hibernated under water (!) finally gave way to general acceptance of the facts of migration. In the same century of dazzling experimental science, even Darwin chose not to dwell on the sexual promiscuity of female birds to spare the blushes of his daughter, who was helping to correct the proofs of The Descent of Man. Conceived for a general audience, and illustrated throughout with more than 100 exquisitely beautiful illustrations, many of them rarely, if ever, seen before, The Wisdom of Birds is a book full of stories, knowledge and unexpected revelations."

A Passion for This Earth: Writers, Scientists, and Activists Explore Our Relationship with Nature and the Environment

Editor: Michelle Benjamin

Greystone

2008

"In this powerful collection of original essays, twenty of the world's most influential journalists, writers, scientists, and environmentalists lend their voices to inform and engage those who are committed to the survival of the Earth and its inhabitants. Personal, practical, political, full of wonder and rage, this book respectfully continues the conversation that the inimitable David Suzuki began more than fifty years ago."

An Enchantment of Birds: Memories from a Birder's Life

Richard Cannings

2007

"In these delightful meditations, biologist and bird lover Richard Cannings weaves stories of his personal encounters with birds into fascinating descriptions of their behavior, anatomy, and evolution. He muses over the meadowlarks' ability to hide their nests so completely that he has seen only two in a lifetime spent searching for them; the trumpeter swan, as picky as a two-year old, devouring potatoes and carrots but turning up its beak at Brussels sprouts; the northern gannet, with its snowy plumage, black wingtips, and startling blue eyes; the little saw-whet owl, which dabbles in bigamy and even trigamy; and more than two dozen other birds. Covering the entire continent, from the cacophony of a seabird colony on the shores of the Atlantic to a symphony of snow geese on the autumn plains to songbird courtship in the alpine tundra of the Rockies, An Enchantment of Birds informs and entertains, in one fell swoop."

Crows: Encounters with the Wise Guys

Candace Sherk Savage

2005

"A wide-ranging introduction to over 40 species of the crow family. these fascinating birds. Topics explored include evolution, distribution, diet and food-getting practices (including their ingenious use of tools), social behaviour (including the many crow "languages"), and impact on the human imagination, as reflected in mythology, literature, and popular aphorisms."

The Rockies: A Natural History

Richard Cannings

2005

"The Rocky Mountains are familiar to everyone in North America, yet few appreciate the true diversity of these mountains. This book covers the Rockies from sagebrush flats to icy tundra, and explores the range's geological formation; its role in shaping the West; the plants and animals that form its many ecosystems; and the complex relationship between humans and the Rockies."

Prairie: A Natural History

Candace Savage

2004

"Over 2 million square miles of the United States is covered in prairie and is the largest ecosystem on the continent; the prairies are the heartland of the continent, a vast, windswept plain that flows from Alberta south to Texas and from the Rockies east to the Mississippi River. This is big sky country, and until recently, one of the richest and most magnificent natural grasslands in the world. Today, however, the North American prairies are among the most altered environments on Earth. Thorough, detailed, and scientifically up-to-date, Prairie: A Natural History provides a comprehensive nontechnical guide to the biology and ecology of this fabled environment, offering a view of the past, a vision for the future, and a clear focus on the present. Sidebars throughout highlight various grasslands species, tell fascinating natural history and conservation stories, and present the traditional Native view of the prairie and its inhabitants."

British Columbia: A Natural History

Richard Cannings and Sydney Cannings

Revised and expanded edition

2004

"When we wrote British Columbia: A Natural History in 1996, we left many stories unwritten, and many that we had written were edited out for space considerations. In 1998 and 1999 we expanded and rewrote seven chapters to create four smaller books (Mountains and Northern Forests, World of Fresh Water, The Geology of British Columbia, Life in the Pacific Ocean) that addressed some of these shortfalls. Now we have added much of that new material and more into this completely revised edition. British Columbia is a large, diverse province and the natural history of British Columbia is correspondingly immense; it is simply too big of a subject for one book to cover in depth.. This book therefore, is not intended to be an exhaustive collection of facts about the natural history of British Columbia; nor is it meant to be a species-by-species guide to the plants and animals of the province. Rather, it is intended to provide and introduction to the ecosystems of the province and to tempt readers to learn and explore more by offering a few intriguing, in-depth stories about life in those ecosystems."

A Place Between the Tides: A Naturalist's Reflections on the Salt Marsh

Harry Thurston

2004

"Based upon childhood memory and his naturalist's journals, "A Place Between the Tides" is the story of Thurston's return to the beloved environment of his boyhood when he moves to the Old Marsh, a 1.5-hectare marsh on the banks of the Tidnish River in Nova Scotia. Elegantly moving back and forth in time, from the present year through the past decade and all the way back to childhood, the book describes the seasons in the life of the marsh as filtered through two decades of Thurston's living there. Blending acute analysis and a poet's lyricism, Thurston explores and examines one of the most productive and biologically diverse habitats on Earth, a habitat that has been degraded relentlessly since European settlement, making the few standing marshes precious because they are so vulnerable and vital."

Conversations with an Eagle: The Story of a Remarkable Relationship

Brenda Cox

2003

"Brenda Cox recounts her remarkable relationship with Ichabod, a female bald eagle. Cox meets Ichabod for the first time when the ten-week-old bird, blown from her nest tree, is brought to stay at the wildlife rehabilitation centre where Cox is a supervisor. Cox has been drawn to raptors since she was a child, and she watches Ichabod with fascination. One day, crab-walking into Ichabod's cage to deliver a dead quail for dinner, Cox hears a noise behind her and turns to find herself "looking into eyes that could see a fish from a mile in the sky." Ichabod's eyes are bright and curious and the colour of brown sugar-and Cox is hooked. Conversations with an Eagle is full of lore about the bald eagle, North America's most dramatic raptor. Many of us have admired eagles as they soar high overhead, their wingspans regularly stretching seven feet or more. But few people come within breathing distance of these magnificent birds. In its depiction of how two very different creatures managed to form an enduring bond, this book is the next best thing to being there yourself."

The B.C. Roadside Naturalist

Richard Cannings and Sydney Cannings

2002

"Driving along a highway in British Columbia, have you ever wondered what kind of birds those are nesting in the trees by the side of the road or why trees in some places are covered with lichens while those in other areas are not?  This authoritative and engaging guide offers a treasure trove of information about the landforms, vegetation and animal life along the major highways of central and southern British Columbia.  In addition, the book offers suggestions for where to stop and look for crayfish, enjoy a swim in summer or have a picnic lunch during your travels. An appendix provides a brief field guide of tree silhouettes and hints for identifying trees and shrubs. With this book in your glove compartment, you'll discover a whole new dimension to taking a car trip."

The Birds of Heaven: Travels with Cranes

Peter Matthiessen

Greystone

2001

"In legend, cranes often figure as harbingers of heaven and omens of longevity and good fortune. And in nature, they are an "umbrella species" whose well-being assures that of the ecosystem at large. The Birds of Heaven chronicles Peter Matthiessen's many journeys on five continents in search of the fifteen species of cranes. His telling captures the dilemmas of a planet in ecological crisis, and the deep loss to humankind if these beautiful and imposing creatures are allowed to disappear."

Northern Wild: Best Contemporary Canadian Nature Writing

Editor: David R. Boyd

2001

"This provocative and illuminating collection of essays presents the most exciting contemporary voices in Canadian nature writing, including some of Canada's best-known and most distinguished nature writers as well as the most promising new talents. From British Columbia's ancient rain forests to the Miramichi River in New Brunswick to the vast expanses of the North, the relationship between people and wild places is explored with passion, wisdom, humour, reverence and a naturalist's eye for detail."

Rainforest: Ancient Realm of the Pacific Northwest

Graham Osborne and Wade Davis

2000

"With their cathedral-like trees, lush green groundcover, and swirling cloaks of mist, the temperate rainforests of the Northwest American continent have long been a source of wonder, not-to-mention source of natural raw materials. Rainforest captures the mystery and majesty of these ancient forests in an eloquent text by Wade Davis and the stunning nature photography of Graham Osborne. The result is a powerful tribute to a rare and beautiful ecosystem, as well as a compelling plea to save it."

Eagles Of North America

Candace Savage

2000

"Dagger-clawed, hook-beaked, sleek-feathered, and proud, the eagle is the king of the bird world--and a vision that awes humanity. From winged messengers in ancient times to symbols of sovereignty in the present, eagles have captured our imagination with their majesty, fearsomeness, and grace. These awe-inspiring birds have all these qualities and more. Because few people have actually glimpsed the bald and golden eagles--North America's two species--in flight, these predators have become creatures of myth. Ninety stunning and action-packed color photographs from the world's top nature photographers portray the grace and power of these birds that have vision five times superior to ours, breakneck speed, split second timing, and striking agility. They include heartwarming close-ups of a newborn eaglet's first tentative steps, gripping images of carnivorous adults ravaging their kill, and stunning aerial views of the raptors soaring through the air. An absorbing account of the everyday behavior of th ese birds of prey."

Mountains and Northern Forests

Richard Cannings and Sydney Cannings

1998

"An intimate look at this immense and important area of British Columbia. Both the mountains and northern forests of British Columbia are magical kingdoms shaped by cold and snow. They also form the landscape that covers most of the province and that offers countless spectacular destinations for campers, hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts."

The World of Fresh Water

Sydney Cannings, Richard Cannings and Robert Cannings

1998

"Fresh water is a vital part of British Columbia's landscape. Creeks, rivers, lakes, ponds, marshes and bogs not only form the circulatory system of terrestrial life in the province but are also intriguing worlds of life unto themselves. Sydney, Richard and Robert Cannings explore in depth the physical and natural diversity of B.C's freshwater habitats."

Vulture: Nature's Ghastly Gourmet

Wayne Grady

1997

"From the bald, scarlet-headed turkey vulture to the colorful king vulture with its red-rimmed eyes to the giant California condor, vultures have been reviled as disgusting, hideous scavengers that greedily feast on rotting carcasses. Here VULTURE combines a fascinating, authoritative text with 60 dramatic color photos to examine the myth and reality of this unique creature."

The Nature of Shorebirds: Nomads Of The Wetlands

Harry Thurston

1997

"In The Nature of Shorebirds, Harry Thurston, a regular contributor to National Geographic and Audubon, examines the diversity of the world's shorebirds, their feeding habits, mating habits, and their migrations."

The Nature of Penguins

Jonathan Chester

1996

"To Jonathan Chester, penguins have been a lifetime passion ever since he first encountered them as a child vacationing on the south coast of Australia with his family. In this beautiful book, the distinguished explorer and photographer takes us on a journey through the Antarctic, the land of the penguins. The Nature Of Penguins brings together Chester's firsthand observations of these endearing creatures and the amazing photographs from all of his polar expeditions. He explores the many incredible aspects of the discovery, biology, and behavior of the seventeen species of penguins around the world. Linking polar history with accounts of early expeditions, this book is as informative and insightful as it is beautiful. The Nature Of Penguins helps us appreciate why we need to protect these truly unique animals and preserve their native habitat."

The Nature of Hummingbirds: Rainbows on Wings

Harry Thurston

1996

"Portrait of the hummingbird offering a close-up view of the birds' physiology, as well as their habits and behaviours."

British Columbia: A Natural History

Richard Cannings and Sydney Cannings

1996

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