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Nova Scotia

The books are arranged by publication date with the most recent at the top of the page.

Canada

Canada
North America

Birds of Eastern Canada

Editor: David M. Bird

2013

"Ideal for Canadian birdwatchers and bird lovers of every age! Each of these regional field guides are filled with page after page of magnificent close-up photographs and helpful full-page profiles of hundreds of commonly seen species. With an East / West division made at the 100th meridian (approximately Winnipeg) these handy books offer scientifically accurate and readable accounts of notable characteristics and information everything from behavior and habitat to nest construction and conservation status. Each profile also features diagrams of flight patterns and statistics of size, wingspan and lifespan. These invaluable reference guides are both detailed and accessible, with a user-friendly format that will make it easy for birders to enjoy either studying one species account at a time or browsing to make cross comparisons."

Quick Reference To Atlantic Canada Birds

2013

"This easy to use, 12-panel nature guide features the most common and interesting species in Canada's natural regions. The species are grouped and colour coded for quick identification in the field. Attractive and useful, Atlantic Canada Birds features beautiful and accurate full-colour illustrations, sizes, common and scientific names and maps. The guide is laminated for endurance in rough terrain and weather."

Marine Birds of the Eastern United States and the Bay of Fundy

Ian C.T. Nisbet, Richard R. Veit, Sasha A. Auer, Timothy P. White

2013

"This monograph reviews the distribution and numbers of 83 marine species (31 breeding species) that occur regularly along the east coast of the US, in the Bay of Fundy, or in waters of the continental shelf. It assesses trends in numbers since 1970, threats, and research and conservation needs. It compiles data from many published and unpublished sources and has a bibliography of more than 600 entries, which should make it an invaluable reference work."

Field Guide to Nova Scotia Birds

Jeffrey C. Domm

Formac

2012

"This book offers detailed listings on 200 of the top species found all around the province, at the seashore, in the Cape Breton Highlands, in city parks and around the thousands of pristine lakes in the province. Whether observing spectacular hawks in the wild or seabirds over the ocean, listening for warblers in the forest or spotting the first spring birds at the feeder, this guide is designed to allow for quick and easy identification. Original full-colour illustrations by Jeffrey Domm show prominent features that birdwatching enthusiasts can use to identify a species. Text and graphic keys give helpful tips for observing, including: habitat preference; egg identification (for in-province breeding species); months the bird can be seen in the area; preferred bird feeder types. The guide also includes a handy visual index, grouped by bird size and distinctive coloration, to help novice birdwatchers easily identify an unknown species. The birding hotspot section (with accompanying map) shows 46 locations across the province where good birdwatching is assured."

All the Birds of Nova Scotia

Ian McLaren

2012

"All the Birds of Nova Scotia aims to help observers evaluate bird sightings in Nova Scotia by focusing on the finer details of occurrence and identification. Compiling and evaluating a broad range of historical and contemporary data gathered by both ornithologists and amateur observers, Ian McLaren provides brief accounts of the status and key identification issues for all bird species, distinctive subspecies, and variations believed to have occurred in Nova Scotia up to 2010. In these accounts, readers can find answers to questions such as: Where does the bird normally occur? Is it common or rare, or becoming more, or less, common? Is it unusually late or early for the season? This book is required reading for any serious observer of Nova Scotia birds."

Nature Guide to Atlantic Canada

Erin McCloskey & Gregory Kennedy

2012

"This book features over 400 species of mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles, fish, inverterbrates, trees, shrubs and vines, as well as ferns and grasses with size, habitat, behaviour, range and natural history information and colour illustrations. Includes a full-colour map showing ecoregions, parks and natural areas."

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."

The Birds of Brier Island, Nova Scotia

Eric L. Mills and Lance Laviolette

2011

"Brier Island, Nova Scotia, Canada, at the southwestern entrance to the Bay of Fundy, has been known for years as a prime birding destination. It combines access to unu- sually rich gatherings of pelagic birds, the chance of seeing rarities in greater frequency than almost anywhere else in the province, and the spectacle of large volume land bird migrations. The island lies at the intersection of migratory routes along the east coast of North America. Because of intense oceanic turbulence in the adjacent shallow water, which is in close proximity to deeper water, rich feeding is available for nearshore seabirds and pelagic species. Of the 470+ species recorded from the Province of Nova Scotia as a whole, 355 have been recorded from Brier Island. Many of these are vagrants, mainly of western or southern origin in North America; others are common passage migrants that visit the island briefly in very large numbers, especially in autumn. Apart from possible vagrants in spring and fall, the island is noted for the abundance of passerine migrants in autumn, a striking hawk migration in September and October, late summer gatherings of phalaropes, shearwaters, and storm-petrels, and an abundance of overwintering alcids, loons, grebes, and sea ducks in winter. The island has been the site of bird - banding activity and of Christmas counts for more than 50 years. Birds of Brier Island provides an introduction to the physiography, geology, physical geography, oceanography, and ecology of the island, along with a list of the breeding birds, a comparison with Grand Manan, New Brunswick, an extensively annotated list of the birds plausibly reported from the island to the middle of 2011, describing occurrence, seasonality, and abundance of all species, and a checklist of the birds of the island."

Assessment of Species Diversity in the Atlantic Maritime Ecozone

Erin McCloskey & Gregory Kennedy

2010

"This illustrated volume provides the first comprehensive introduction to species diversity in the ecozone that encompasses New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and parts of Quebec. It describes the regional flora and fauna, from fungi to mammals, and explores post-glacial history, aquatic habitats, and protected areas. Chapters also examine trends in biodiveristy and human impacts and forecast anticipated changes."

Winter Nature: Common Mammals, Birds, Trees & Shrubs of the Maritimes

Merritt Gibson, Soren Bondrup-Nielsen

Gaspereau Press

2008

"Winter Nature provides the interested walker, skier or snowshoer with a guide to the mammals, birds, trees and shrubs found in the Maritime provinces during the winter months. With an overview on temperature, sunlight, snowfall and seasonal adaptations, notes toward identification, and tips for differentiating between similar species, biologists and nature enthusiasts Merritt Gibson and Soren Bondrup-Nielsen share their passion for the outdoors and the biodiversity of the Maritime region. With a section on mammal tracks, suggestions for creating and stocking birdfeeders, and an introduction to plant structure, Winter Nature combines Maritime natural history, environmental awareness and outdoor education. The book also includes suggestions for winter activities, as well as a list of reference guides and an index for easy navigation of each species group. Each species entry is accompanied by an original ink drawing by Nova Scotia artist Twila Robar-DeCoste."

Birds of Nova Scotia

Robie W. Tufts

Revised edition

2007

"Birds of Nova Scotia has been a highly cherished publication since it first came into print in 1961. To preserve the originality of the earlier editions, this posthumous revision by the Nova Scotia Bird Society and the Nova Scotia Museum has been a long and careful labour. New information on sightings of rare birds and changes of status bring the text in line with current data, without modifying the special qualities of Robie Tuft's personal style. Colour illustrations by two distinguished nature artists, Roger Tory Peterson, author of Field Guide to the Birds (Houghton Mifflin) and John Crosby and line drawings by John Henry Dick will ensure accurate identification of species."

Birding Sites of Nova Scotia: A Comprehensive, Year-Round Guide for Birders and Other Nature Lovers

Blake Maybank

2005

"Nova Scotia is a birder's paradise- the trick is knowing where to go to catch sight of the dainty piping plover, stately blue heron, or cheeky blue jay. This problem is solved within the pages of this invaluable guidebook, which divides Nova Scotia by county, pinpointing the best birding sites, how to reach them, and on-site orientation. Complete with maps and chockfull of useful information such as special birds to see, species of note, and key details for each site (i.e. amenities, points of interest, and habitats)."

The New Pocket Guide to Nova Scotia Birds

Jeffrey C. Domm

Formac

2005

"This book introduces 200 of the top species found all around the province, at the seashore, in the Cape Breton Highlands, the city parks and around the thousands of pristine lakes in the province. The birding hotspot section (with an accompanying map) shows 46 locations across the province where good birdwatching is assured"

Compact Guide to Atlantic Canada Birds

Roger Burrows, Krista Kaqume

2005

"A handy introductory guide to the birds of the East Coast. Over 80 species are featured. Each account includes colour illustrations, a photograph of the bird's egg and detailed information such as common and scientific name, the bird's size and voice, a range map, a photograph of the bird's egg, along with information on nesting, size of the egg and incubation period."

A Field Guide to North Atlantic Wildlife: Marine Mammals, Seabirds, Fish, and Other Sealife

Noble S. Proctor and Patrick J. Lynch

2005

"This beautifully illustrated guide covers an unprecedented range of species that may be sighted along the coastline or offshore by the whale watcher, bird watcher, fisher, boating enthusiast, or natural history buff. Designed in a handy pocket size, the book provides concise information for identifying the invertebrates, mammals, birds, turtles, fish, sharks and rays, and even floating seaweeds and common algae that live along the Atlantic coast and offshore from North Carolina to the Canadian provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island. With range maps and text on pages directly opposite the full-colour illustrations, the book makes identification of more than two hundred species of offshore wildlife quick and easy. Special features include full-page spreads to compare similar species of seabirds, and inserts to help identify whales by their blowhole patterns, diving, and other behaviours. Those with an interest in ocean life know that surprises often appear at the end of a fishing line, floating beside the boat, washed up on the shore, or flying overhead. This is the ultimate guide for those who are curious about such creatures and the marine environment in which they dwell."

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."

Birds of Atlantic Canada

Roger Burrows

2002

"In Birds Of Atlantic Canada, 284 species of birds are grouped and colour coded for quick identification. An 11-page Comparative Reference Chart includes all the birds in the book. You'll find diving birds, heron-like birds, waterfowl, birds of prey, grouse-like birds, rails and coots, shorebirds, gulls, terns and alcids, doves and cuckoos, owls, nightjars, swifts and hummingbirds, woodpeckers, flycatchers, shrikes and vireos, jays and crows, larks and swallows, chickadees, nuthatches and wrens, kinglets, bluebirds and thrushes, mimics, starlings and waxwings, wood-warblers and tanagers, sparrows, grosbeaks and buntings, blackbirds and orioles and finch-like birds. Each account includes an accurate illustration, a range map and comprehensive information on identification and behavioural characteristics, size, status, habitat, nesting, feeding, voice, best sites for viewing and similar species."

Pocket Guide to Nova Scotia Birds, Vol. 2: 80 Seashore & Water Birds

Jeffrey C. Domm

Formac

2001

"This second volume of the popular Formac Pocketguide to Nova Scotia Birds features seashore and water birds commonly found on Nova Scotia's coastal and inland waterways. The Pocketguide helps identify small birds found along the beach, gulls and ducks swimming offshore, and unusual marsh birds. It outlines their names, identifying features, calls, and the times of year when they are most likely to be seen in Nova Scotia. The book features full-colour illustrations, an observation calendar, and keys to identifying characteristics of each bird--size, foot type, flight characteristics, feeding technique, and egg type, if breeding in Nova Scotia. The Formac Pocketguide to Nova Scotia Birds is a handy reference for beginners and practised birders, and includes 25 suggested locations around the province where good birdwatching is assured."

Pocket Guide to Nova Scotia Birds, Vol. 1: 120 Common Inland Birds

Jeffrey C. Domm

Formac

2000

"This second volume of the popular Formac Pocketguide to Nova Scotia Birds features seashore and water birds commonly found on Nova Scotia's coastal and inland waterways. The Pocketguide helps identify small birds found along the beach, gulls and ducks swimming offshore, and unusual marsh birds. It outlines their names, identifying features, calls, and the times of year when they are most likely to be seen in Nova Scotia. The book features full-colour illustrations, an observation calendar, and keys to identifying characteristics of each bird--size, foot type, flight characteristics, feeding technique, and egg type, if breeding in Nova Scotia. The Formac Pocketguide to Nova Scotia Birds is a handy reference for beginners and practised birders, and includes 25 suggested locations around the province where good birdwatching is assured."

Discover Nova Scotia Wildlife Viewing Sites

Julie Towers and Anne Camozzi

1999

The Atlantic Canada Nature Guide

Harry Thurston

1999

Birding in Metro Halifax A Month By Month Adventure

Clarence Stevens

1996

"This is a month-by-month guide to some of the best locations in the Halifax area, and it also includes valuable information on adjacent areas such as the Eastern Shore, parts of the South Shore and the interior."

Wildlife of Nova Scotia

Julie Towers

1995

"This book aims to broaden the general perception of wildlife and to provide factual information about many of the species found in Nova Scotia. It would be very difficult to describe all the known types of wildlife in this book. This publication concentrates on some of the larger animals--fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Hopefully, you will enjoy this small sample of the incredible diversity of wildlife of Nova Scotia."

Atlas of Breeding Birds of the Maritime Provinces

Anthony J. Erskine

1993

"The Atlas presents maps showing the breeding distribution of all species known to breed in the Maritimes (New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia). Like other atlas projects, this represents the culmination of years of field work by dedicated amateurs and professionals. Dr. Erskine's text covers the global and local distribution of each species, an interpretation of the breeding distribution as shown on the map, and the prospects for the future. Apart from the species accounts, the book also has extensive information on the geography, distribution, and population levels of birds in the Maritimes."

Birding Nova Scotia

Members of the Nova Scotia Bird Society

Editor: J. Shirley Cohrs

3rd edition

1991

"This booklet has been prepared from the records of the Nova Scotia Bird Society, for people planning a trip to the province in search of birds. It is to be used in conjunction with a highway map, obtainable at any Tourist Bureau and also many local service stations. In the back of this booklet is a list of the birds which have been found in Nova Scotia, updated in 1991."

Birding in Atlantic Canada: Nova Scotia

Roger Burrows

1988

A guide to birding sites in Nova Scotia.

Birding Nova Scotia

Members of the Nova Scotia Bird Society

2nd edition

1984

Birding Nova Scotia

Members of the Nova Scotia Bird Society

1st edition

1968

Birds of Nova Scotia

Robie W. Tufts

1961

A revised edition was published in 2007.