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This page lists books about birds, or including sections on birds, published by the University Press of New England.

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

Vulture: The Private Life of an Unloved Bird

Katie Fallon

2017

"Vulture follows a year in the life of a typical North American turkey vulture. By incorporating information from scientific papers and articles, as well as interviews with world-renowned raptor and vulture experts, author Katie Fallon examines all aspects of the bird's natural history: breeding, incubating eggs, raising chicks, migrating, and roosting. After reading Vulture: The Private Life of an Unloved Bird you will never look at a vulture in the same way again."

The Lives of Dillon Ripley

Roger D. Stone

2017

"A Yale-educated Renaissance man, S. Dillon Ripley was a "courtly, determined, hugely ambitious, energetic, funny, and colorful ornithologist, conservationist, and cultural standard-bearer" who led the Smithsonian Institution for twenty years, during its greatest period of growth. During his watch, from 1964 to 1984, the SI added eight new museums and seven new research centers and began publication of the Smithsonian magazine. It was Ripley's vision that transformed "the nation's attic" from a dusty archive to a vibrant educational and cultural institution, just as he had transformed Yale's Peabody museum before it. Prior to his career at the SI, and running parallel with it for the rest of his life, was Ripley's work as an ornithologist, begun in New Guinea in the 1930s, continued through his PhD from Harvard in 1943, and culminating in his landmark thirty-year project documenting the bird life of India. His lifelong passion for ornithology led him to positions of leadership in worldwide nature conservation."

Birdwatching in Maine: A Site Guide

Editor: Derek J. Lovitch

2017

"Birdwatching in Maine fills an important niche for the birdwatching community by offering comprehensive entries detailing the best locations for finding birds throughout the state for enthusiasts of all levels of skill and interest. It contains descriptions of 201 birding sites in Maine, with explicit directions on how to get there, for all sixteen of the state's counties (several as large as other New England states!). Each chapter features a county map, a brief overview by Derek J. Lovitch, numerous specific site guides, and a list of rarities. The book also contains a detailed and useful species accounts guide for finding the most sought-after birds. Lavishly illustrated in colour throughout, Birdwatching in Maine is the best available resource for finding birds in the largest of the New England states."

Birdwatching in New York City and on Long Island

Deborah Rivel and Kellye Rosenheim

2016

"This easy-to-use guide gives seasonal information for both popular birding sites and those off the beaten path. Precise directions to the best viewing locations within the region's diverse habitats enable birdwatchers to efficiently explore urban and wild birding hotspots. Over 400 species of birds can be seen in New York City's five boroughs and on Long Island, one of the most densely populated and urbanized regions in North America, which also happens to be situated directly on the Atlantic Flyway. .... Including the latest information on the seasonal status and distribution of more than 400 species, with 39 maps and over 50 photographs, this full-color guide features information essential to planning a birding visit. It will become the go-to book for both the region's longtime birders and those exploring the area for the first time."

The Devil's Cormorant: A Natural History

Richard J. King

2013

"Behold the cormorant: silent, still, cruciform, and brooding; flashing, soaring, quick as a snake. Evolution has crafted the only creature on Earth that can migrate the length of a continent, dive and hunt deep underwater, perch comfortably on a branch or a wire, walk on land, climb up cliff faces, feed on thousands of different species, and live beside both fresh and salt water in a vast global range of temperatures and altitudes, often in close proximity to man. Long a symbol of gluttony, greed, bad luck, and evil, the cormorant has led a troubled existence in human history, myth, and literature. The birds have been prized as a source of mineral wealth in Peru, hunted to extinction in the Arctic, trained by the Japanese to catch fish, demonized by Milton in Paradise Lost, and reviled, despised, and exterminated by sport and commercial fishermen from Israel to Indianapolis, Toronto to Tierra del Fuego. In The Devil's Cormorant, Richard King takes us back in time and around the world to show us the history, nature, ecology, and economy of the world's most misunderstood waterfowl."

The Second Atlas of Breeding Birds of Vermont

Editor: Rosalind B. Renfrew

2013

"One of the first second-generation atlases to be completed in North America, this edition documents changes in breeding bird distributions by comparing current figures to those in the 1985 atlas. This indispensable and visually stunning reference includes full-color photographs, maps, graphs, and descriptions of over 200 species. In addition, the contributors present a full accounting of data collection and methods; a guide to the biogeography of Vermont; and essays on changes in habitats, climate, land use, and their impact on Vermont's bird communities over the past twenty-five years. A treasure trove of information for birders – and an invaluable reference for ornithologists, conservationists, and land use planners – The Second Atlas of Breeding Birds of Vermont will influence and guide our understanding and management of avian species in Vermont for decades to come."

Birdwatching in New Hampshire

Eric A. Masterson

2013

"Designed to appeal to expert and backyard birdwatchers alike, this comprehensive guide reveals where, when, and how to watch and enjoy birds in New Hampshire. It not only offers the latest information about the seasonal status and distribution of birds in New Hampshire but also features a thorough introduction to the art and practice of birdwatching, including equipment, ethics, migration, conservation, and most of all, finding that good bird. The heart of Birdwatching in New Hampshire is the detailed descriptions and maps that outline more than 120 birding sites across the state, from the Connecticut River Valley to Jeffreys Ledge and Cashes Ledge far off the coast. Drawing upon his extensive knowledge of the habits and habitats of New Hampshire birds, the author has divided the state into six regions, each with a rich diversity of birdwatching destinations. Birdwatching in New Hampshire also features informative accounts of the more than 300 bird species regularly seen in the Granite State, including their preferred habitats and graphs illustrating when each is most likely to be encountered."

The Changing Nature of the Maine Woods

Andrew M. Barton

2012

"The Changing Nature of the Maine Woods is both a fascinating introduction to the forests of Maine and a detailed but accessible narrative of the dynamism of these ecosystems. This is natural history with a long view, starting with an overview of the state's geological history, the reemergence of the forest after glacial retreat, and the surprising changes right up to European arrival. The authors create a vivid picture of Maine forests just before the impact of Euro-Americans and trace the profound transformations since settlement. Ambitious in its geographic range, this book explores how and why Maine forests differ across the state, from the top of Mount Katahdin to the coast. Through groundbreaking research and engaging narratives, the authors assess key ecological forces such as climate change, insects and disease, nonnative organisms, natural disturbance, and changing land use to create a dramatic portrait of Maine forests – past, present, and future."

The Wildlife of New England: A Viewer's Guide

John S. Burk

2011

"his guide to discovering and viewing the wildlife of New England covers the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut. It provides information on more than 80 wildlife-viewing areas that represent the diversity of New England's natural landscape. Organized by state, the entries for each area detail the natural habitats and their unique features, identify characteristic species to watch for and when to see them, and list recommended trails, auto roads, and driving directions. In addition, the author offers informative introductions to 60 of the region's iconic animals organized by their natural habitats."

Nature Guide to the Northern Forest: Exploring the Ecology of the Forests of New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine

Peter J. Marchand

2010

"Part field guide, part natural history narrative, Nature Guide to the Northern Forest will help you identify and understand the complex influences that shape the flora and fauna of northern New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine woods. Readable and enlightening, Nature Guide to the Northern Forest explores topics such as human's influence on the history of the wild, adaptation of species at high elevations, the turning of the seasons, winter, and climate change."

Adirondack Wildlife: A Field Guide

James M. Ryan

2009

"The book leads the reader on an intimate journey through the Adirondack Park, beginning with the alpine communities above timberline and descending through the conifer and hardwood forests to the wetlands, streams, and lakes. Ryan's crisp and authoritative species-by-species accounts of the park's fauna are fabulously illustrated in color and in black and white. The book is portable and geared towards use in the field. Each chapter concludes with"sources and additional readings;" back matter includes a glossary and species checklists. The park's hundreds of thousands of residents and millions of visitors will profit immeasurably by having the indispensable Adirondack Wildlife at hand."

Golden Wings & Hairy Toes

Todd Mcleish

2007

"This book profiles fourteen of New England’s most rare and endangered flora and fauna—mammals, birds, insects, plants, and fish—by following the biologists who are researching, monitoring, and protecting them. Each chapter includes a first-person account of the author’s experience with these experts, as well as details about the species’ life history, threats, and conservation strategies. McLeish traps bats in Vermont and lynx in Maine, gets attacked by marauding birds in Massachusetts, and observes the metamorphosis of dragonflies in Rhode Island. He visits historical cemeteries to see New England’s rarest plant, tracks sturgeon in the Connecticut River, and observes a parade of what may be the rarest mammal on earth, the North Atlantic right whale, in Cape Cod Bay. The book’s title comes from the name of one of the birds in the book, the golden-winged warbler, and the unusual characteristic used to distinguish the rare Indiana bat from its common cousins, its hairy toes. McLeish, a longtime wildlife advocate and essayist, has a gift for communicating scientific information in an interesting and accessible way. His goal in this book—to make an emotional connection to a variety of fascinating animals and plants—is successfully conveyed to the reader, who comes away amazed by the complexity of individual species and the ecosystems necessary for their survival."

A Natural History of Boston’s North Shore

Kristina Lindborg

2007

"This charming guide to the North Shore of Massachusetts will delight and inform tourists and longtime residents and is an introduction to the natural history of Essex Country, the region’s unique geological history, and the formation of such notable sites as the Great Marsh, Crane Beach, and Plum Island's renowned bird sanctuary. In addition, readers will learn about the Paleolithic inhabitants of Bull Brook and how a modern fisherman caught a mastodon tooth in his net. Echoing the changing rhythms of the natural world, this book emphasizes the unique seasonal activities of various mammals, birds, fish, and plants, highlighting the intricately balanced and varied ecology of the region. Generously illustrated with the author's beautiful pen, pencil, and ink-washed drawings, this book will delight anyone interest in an accessible nature guide to the North Shore."

The Nature of Cape Cod

Beth Schwarzman

2006

"A well-known Cape naturalist, geologist, and public educator has written the first comprehensive natural history of the area, describing life and natural processes in its varied environments, from ocean beach to cranberry bog to deep woods. The Nature of Cape Cod provides maps and narrative descriptions of 50 sites that invite exploration; it will take the reader to hidden gems and reveal new aspects of favorite places."

White Mountain Wilderness: A Photographic Journey to New Hampshire's Most Rugged Places

Jerry Monkman and Marcy Monkman

2006

"Photographers Jerry and Marcy Monkman not only provide a tour of the contemporary White Mountains, from the fragile environments of the alpine zones to the few remaining stands of old-growth forest. They also document the history of human activity and its impact on the forest."

Connecticut Wildlife: Biodiversity, Natural History, and Conservation

Geoffrey A. Hammerson

2004

"Connecticut Wildlife is the lavishly illustrated, exhaustive overview of the ecosystems of Connecticut, its plants and animals, and the ecological links among the state's wildlife and their habitats - from butterflies to red foxes, jellyfish to double-crested cormorants, poison ivy to phytoplankton. It carefully traces Connecticut's daily, seasonal, annual, and long-term cycles, which range from the dynamics of natural communities to patterns of reproduction and behavior in major groups of organisms. Whether looking at individual species or broad ecosystems, Geoffrey A. Hammerson's conservationist perspective shines in Connecticut Wildlife. The book will become an essential part of the libraries of every naturalist, conservationist, and educator in Connecticut and the Northeast."

Birdwatching in Vermont

Ted Murin and Bryan Pfeiffer

2002

"Designed to appeal to expert and backyard birdwatchers alike, this comprehensive guide reveals where, when, and how to watch and enjoy birds in Vermont. It not only offers the latest information about the seasonal status and distribution of birds in Vermont but also features a thorough introduction to the art and practice of birdwatching, including optics, ethics, migration, and conservation. Packed into its pages is expert advice on rare species, Christmas bird counts, the Vermont landscape, helpful resources for the birdwatcher, and more. Written for people just starting out or accomplished regional birders, this is the essential companion to traditional birdwatching field guides. The heart of the book is the detailed descriptions and maps to more than 120 Vermont birdwatching areas, from the Champlain Lowlands to the summit of Mt. Mansfield. Drawing upon their extensive knowledge of the habits and habitats of Vermont birds, the authors have divided the state into ten regions, each with a rich diversity of birdwatching destinations. The guide also features informative accounts of the 296 bird species regularly seen in Vermont, including their preferred habitats and an innovative graph illustrating when each is most likely to be encountered."

In Season

Nona Bell Estrin and Charles W. Johnson

2002

"An accomplished field artist as well as a naturalist, Nona Estrin selects extracts from her rich journals to trace the sequences of natural events over the course of a year. From Toothaker Island, Maine to Kettle Pond, Vermont to Cape Cod, Massachusetts, her precise, lively observations, along with her lovely drawings and watercolors, reveal the lives of warblers and butterflies, deer and grouse, frogs and fiddlehead ferns. Occasionally, her records of the natural world are punctuated by charming asides about the difficulty of drawing bees or the rescue of a fledgling kingbird caught in a fishing line. In alternating chapters, Charles Johnson’s essays tell the "stories behind her scenes," exploring such seasonal cycles as mating, migration, and winter survival. His wide-ranging knowledge of the natural world clarifies the continuity of life and the interconnections among species. Rather than focus on categorization and identification, Johnson explores the dynamics which shape the natural world in New England, not only for plants and wildlife, but for people as well. With its mix of detailed observation and overarching explanation, as well as the stunning color reproductions of Estrin’s on-the-spot watercolors, In Season offers an appreciation of the natural world in New England that is rooted in the specific experience of its ceaseless alternations."

Trees, Shrubs, and Vines for Attracting Birds

Richard M. De Graaf

2002

"Revised and updated, this new edition of a much sought-after classic remains the best source for information about the trees, shrubs, and vines that provide bird habitats and feeding sources in the United States and Canada from the Atlantic coast to the Rocky Mountains and beyond. More than 160 species of trees, shrubs, and vines that provide food, cover, and nesting for common North American birds are highlighted, with instructions on designing a landscape habitat that attracts desired bird species."

Wetland, Woodland, Wildland: A Guide to the Natural Communities of Vermont

Elizabeth H. Thompson and Eric R. Sorenson

2000

"Describes each of Vermont's 80 upland and wetland natural communities. Ecological settings, including geology, soils, climate, and natural disturbance processes, are described for each community, along with complete lists of characteristic plants and animals."

The Nature of Vermont: Introduction and Guide to a New England Environment

Charles W. Johnson

2nd edition

1998

"This expanded edition of an established work offers a generously illustrated natural history set in the context of the state's geologic and human pasts. A broad ecological overview written in engaging narrative for lay readers as well as naturalists, conservationists, and biologists, the book is enhanced with more than 140 photographs, drawings, maps, and diagrams. Also a practical guidebook, it directs people to where they can see what is being discussed, gives current references, and offers a complete directory of conservation organizations in the state. In the new edition, State Naturalist Charles W. Johnson describes many environmental, technological, and cultural changes: more moose and turkey vultures, fewer wood turtles and butternuts; refinement in our thinking about natural communities and endangered species; effects of development, pollution, acid rain, global warming, and invasive non-native species such as zebra mussels and Eurasian water milfoil; urban/rural clashes mirrored in such issues as the Northern Forests and clear-cutting; a sharpening focus on biodiversity, sustainability, and ecosystem management; the rise of conservation biology as a field of study."

A Field Guide to the Familiar: Learning to Observe the Natural World

Gale Lawrence

University Press of New England

1998

"Designed both to encourage beginning naturalists and to challenge more experienced observers to look at the familiar in new ways, A Field Guide to the Familiar offers an introduction to common plants, animals, and natural phenomena. Beautiful drawings add to the book's refreshing approach to nature study. Organized by the seasons of the year, each chapter focuses on one subject and one learning objective. From fall’s first frost to the field crickets of high summer, this innovative guide explores in depth such familiar sights as bumblebees, rainbows, acorns, blueberries, and shooting stars. Each chapter includes descriptive information to help readers identify each subject, as well as life cycle information that shows how a subject functions within a grander scheme. Readers learn that every plant and animal – even the atmosphere – has its own story, and they begin to perceive the natural world as whole, interconnected, and continuous."

The Way to the Salt Marsh: A John Hay Reader

John Hay

University Press of New England

1998

"This collection from the 50-year long career of America's preeminent nature writer illustrates the full range of Hay's work. An elegant and lyrical stylist, he is, in Merrill's words, ‘the nature writer's writer, an illustrator of the Emersonian notion that 'the world is emblematic’."

Connecticut Birds

Joseph D. Zeranski and Thomas R. Baptist

1990