Product Description
This digital document is an article from The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR), published by Thomson Gale on April 23, 2007. The length of the article is 558 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Birds of prey meet and greet public.(General News)(The raptor center shows off its new education pavilion for Earth Day festivities)
Author: Gale Reference Team
Publication: The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR) (Newspaper)
Date: April 23, 2007
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Page: D1

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more

Product Description
Acclaimed writer Gail Simone's run on BIRDS OF PREY comes to its devastating conclusion in this can't-miss graphic novel!

After being paralyzed by The Joker, former Batgirl Barbara Gordon became Oracle and formed a crime-fighting team withother female heroes, including Black Canary, the martial artist with a devastating sonic scream, the vigilante known as the Huntress, and the mysterious Lady Blackhawk!

In this volume, the Birds of Prey cross paths with the villainous group the Secret Six, just as Spy Smasher takes the dismantling of Oracle's operation into her own hands! Who will end up with control of the Birds of Prey? ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Just to add to the chorus of praise
This is an awfully fun story. It certainly helps to read the previous issues but I think anyone who has a rudimentary understanding of these characters will get a big kick out this book. Basically the Birds of Prey vs. the Secret Six. Both teams have been practically reinvented by Simone, and she does them better than anyone. If you only read one Birds of Prey trade, read this.

A really fun read
I haven't been keeping up with the Birds of Prey series, but I saw the Secret Six were in here and wanted to read it. What a great story! The action and pacing here are spectacular, and I love the inclusion of Hawkgirl and Manhunter to the team. Some of the dialogue is a little corny ("You've awoken the hawk!") but most everything here is great. She really nailed the personalities of the Secret Six and the return of a dead DC character was a great added touch. Even if you haven't read anything previous in this title, you can still pick this up and enjoy it.

The Birds bid Gail Simone adieu.
This volume of "Birds of Prey" collects issues 104 to 108 of the ongoing DC series, and the final work by longtime series writer Gail Simone, after which she departed to try and rescue "Wonder Woman" from the wreckage of two years of DC editorial policy.The artist here is Nicola Scott (one of the few women in the business), who will continue on into the future with writers Tony Bedard and Sean McKeever (and then Bedard again).

Simone sepnt roughly fifty issues building the definitive iteration of the Birds:Oracle (Barbara Gordon), Black Canary (Dinah Lance), Huntress (Helena Bertinelli), and Lady Blackhawk (Zinda Blake).However, DC eventually intervened and, at issue 100, removed Black Canary in order that she might rejoin Brad Meltzer's "Justice League of America" (although she returns for occasional guest appearances).This change was covered in the last volume, when Simone, instead of bringing in a new steady member for the group, took a radically different approach and expanded the scope of the series into a much larger super-group composed of various female heroes recruited for different missions on a semi-rotating basis; apart from the aforementioned group, on hand for this volume's adventure are Big Barda (the New God); tagalong newbie Misfit, who insists on hanging around with the team; and, my favourite, Manhunter (Kate Spencer).

The preceding volume, "Blood and Circuits", ended with Oracle surrendering control of the organization to the blackmail of US government operative Spy-Smasher (Katrina Armstrong). Spy-Smasher was a rival of Oracle's in college, and now she is out to run the team as a branch of the government.The mission they are dispatched on takes them to the former Soviet Union, where they make a surprising discovery about the nature of the weapon they were sent to recover (I won't spoil it, but it will delight fans of the recently-much-maligned Giffen/DeMatteis JLI), and do battle with the Secret Six:Catman, Scandal Savage, Knockout, Deadshot, Ragdoll, and new member Harley Quinn.Simone's "Villains United" and "Secret Six" miniseries introdued this band of rogues, and it is fitting that her final effort with the Birds also brings in this group (who were shortly to be torn apart by various editorial edicts) for a grand finale.The whole affair is freewheeling big action, of the kind that makes me want to see Simone write the Justice League.After the action is over, Simone has a brief final moment with the original team, who, as Lady Blackhawk acknowledges, will never be together again liike this.

This is highly recommended for anyone who enjoys witty superheroing (especially with well-written female heroes).

Fun fiction, smart story - what else could you want?
This trade paperback handily collects Birds of Prey #'s 104-108, "The Dead of Winter."

You really get your five issues' worth here, of characterization (When she has BULLETS IN HER LEG, Big Barda nonchalantly goes, "Oh. Well, how about that"), of fun (Lady Blackhawk's talk to her "friend," Spy Smasher), of guest stars (the Secret Six, a band of mercenaries who have their own colorful personalities - like Catman, who shows his affection by licking people). . .

. . . and of story! (the return of a once-dead, always-beloved character, the fight between the Six and the Birds, and the latter's leader struggling for control of the Birds).

The two groups (Six/Birds) play off each other with hilarious consequences, and it's pure fun to listen to the characters talk to each other. They sound very real and down-to-earth, even when they're smashing people with their mighty Mega Rod.

The art is fun as well, and poignant to boot. There's a beautiful duo of two-page spreads that's very uplifting about the Birds' sense of friendship and empowerment.

The pacing is wonderful, and your money definitely isn't wasted here. You're set up for a daunting tale, and by the end of it, you'll feel more than satisfied. Overall, this is a very fun, character-driven and insightful arc absolutely filled with story. This is also kind of the end of an era, as writer Gail Simone ends her tenure with this arc.

She sure ended with a bang, though! ... Read more

Product Description

The Statfire Breeze steams its way north toward the Gulf of Alaska, buffeted by crisp sea winds blowing down from the Arctic. Those on board are seeking peace, relaxation, adventure, escape. But there is no escape here in this place of unspoiled natural majesty. Because terror strolls the decks even in the brilliant light of day... and death is a conspicuous, unwelcome passenger. And a former Seattle policeman -- a damaged Homicide Detective who has come to heal from fresh, stinging wounds -- will find that the grim ghosts pursuing him were not left behind ... as a pleasure cruise gone horribly wrong carries him inexorably into lethal, ever-darkening waters.

When Jance concentrates on the mechanics of her story, this Beaumont novel is perfectly entertaining. But when she strives for sentiment (or humor), her style tends toward an aw-shucks ham-handedness. Here's Beau talking about his partner, killed by an abusive ex-husband: "Her sons are orphans, and no amount of psychobabble from Dr. Majors is going to change that. No amount of talking it over and 'getting it out of my system' will alter the fact that Sue won't be there to see her boys graduate from high school or college. She'll never be the mother of the groom at a wedding or have the chance to cradle a newborn grandchild in her arms." If Beau is thinking about coming out of retirement, one hopes he'll stick to the basics. --Kelly Flynn ... Read more

Customer Reviews (32)

Birds of Prey-Luanne Rice
I've just started reading J.A. Jance, this is bulking up my reading collection.Arrived in super shape and quickly.

Unsuspended Disbelief
I am a devoted Jance fan, but as other reviewers have already stated, this one does not quite stack up.I just found too much in it to be contrived and unbelieveable.

Other reviewers have pointed out the difficulty of thinking an octogenerian could push her husband off the train platform in a tunnel and down a cliff.How is it with a couple of thousand people on the cruise, JP just happens to be seated with the first murder victim, who turns out to not be a murder victim. She just happens to be a great swimmer, survive a several story fall into the frigid water, be rescued by fishermen and befriended by a Dance club owner.Sorry, but that doesn' happen except in a novelists imagination. And oh yeah, she forgot to tell anyone she was a PHD geneticist, even her best friends. And the whole idea of Naomi having slept with Featherman once to get pregnant? Sorry, that is contrived.And the FBI asking for JP's help?Then he solves the whole thing while they are sight seeing?If I want an omnipotent character, I will go back to Superman comics.

That being said, I love the way Jance pulls in little background tidbits from the locale.Like the woman who was robbed on the Chilcoot trail and then married Lars' ancestor.That could be a good book by itself.

I will eagerly read Jance's next book.But if you haven't read one yet, don't read this one first.Try one of the earlier Beaumont novels.

Off on a Sea Cruise
BIRDS OF PREY by J.A. Jance was my introduction to J.P. Beaumont. Mystery fiction can not contain more delightful characters than Lars and Beverly, who J.P. chaperons on their honeymoon to Alaska. Beau is retired and looking for peace and tranquility.
A death at sea and a video rob him of his desires, but the reader gains a new look into the heart of a favorite detective who just can't stay away from murder even on vacation.
Nash Black, HAINTS and WRITING AS A SMALL BUSINESSHaintsWriting as a Small Business

A relaxing cruise spells trouble for JP Beaumont.
This really wasn't my most favorite books by Jance.

JP Beaumont, retired detective, or so he thinks, is on an Alaskan cruise ship, The Starfire Breeze. He went also for the purpose of watching over his elder grandparents, Lars and Beverly Piedmont.

When Margaret Featherman is pushed overboard by an anonymous killer on the ship, the troubles begin. JP tries to unravel what has happened, and in the next few days after another death occurs with an Alzheimer's patient, Mike Conyers. These two events are seemingly unrelated, as Lucy Conyers was tired of caring for her ailing husband, and JP suspects she pushed him off the train they were on to put her husband out of his misery as well as herself.

JP tries to solve the mystery, while calling in his two detective friends from the FBI to help. Margaret Featherman reappears again, but soon as she does, more danger is lurking around the corner when she is found not to have drowned at all, but is very much alive.

I find the climax, (a very weak one), disappointing in the end. It was boring at the beginning, got a bit better in the middle when Naomi, another suspect comes into the picture and whom JP falls in love with, actually, but then the plot just dies from there and is not exciting at all. I've read other books that were better.

Definately not on par with other J.A. Jance novels
Boring!! I was disappointed.In fact, I disliked it so much, I only finished about 3/4 of the book.That is very uncommon for me as I alway push through as I want to give the author a chance to turn it around.I just could not do it with this book. ... Read more

Product Description
The American West boasts the greatest variety of birds of prey in North America. In Birds of Prey in the American West acclaimed photographer Tom Vezo and raptor expert Clay Sutton celebrate the power and majesty of these remarkable creatures which include several that have been brought back from the brink of extinction and others that continue to be threatened by loss of fragile habitat. Vezo's extraordinary photographs and Sutton's authoritative text depict and describe more than 35 species of eagles, hawks, falcons, vultures, and owls indigenous to the West. They also share their personal experiences searching for these captivating birds in the wild, and include a recommended list of prime birding locations in parks and wildlife refuges. 80 color photographs. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Stunning images from the best in bird photography
In case you're not aware, Tom Vezo is one of the best bird photographers in the United States, and most likely the world. Right off the bat, that should set your expectations when you flip through this book. Quite simply, some of the images are truly amazing and you'll be wondering how Tom was able to "pull off" some of these shots.

If you have an interest in bird photography, more toward the serious side, I would strongly recommend that you purchase this book and study the pictures carefully. You'll immediately get a feel for what it takes to capture a wonderful image, although most people will probably never get even a quarter of the amazing shots contained in the book, and that's okay since Tom has dedicated his life to this stuff.

If you enjoy looking at amazing pictures of some of the birds of prey, like Bald Eagles, Falcons, Hawks, etc., then I'd also highly recommend this book. It will serve as a wonderful coffee table book given its oversized nature (roughly 9 inches X 10 inches).

Not only will the book delight you with wonderful photographs, but the accompanying text that describes the particular bird is very educational and easy to read.

All in all, I'd highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys stunning images of birds of prey.

Masters of the Sky
This is a great book of bird photographs.There are many spectacular, and some astounding, pictures of the raptors.That Vezo was able to get so close to birds catching their prey; eating their prey; with their young; and feeding their prey to their young, is beyond my imagination.The title page shows a kestrel perched atop a cactus with a lizard in its claw; the next page a prairie falcon crying defiance over a just-killed dove in an arid western landscape, and the book goes on from there.Two to four pages are devoted to each bird.But this is not a birding guide.This is a book of photographs.

This is not to suggest that every photograph is a wonderful shot.There are many record shots of hawks gliding against a blue sky.While these are not as impressive as most of the pictures, I suppose they were necessary for a book dedicated to presenting views of all of the avian raptors of the American West.

One of the questions that this book raised for me is whether these photographs were art.There is certainly not the well-developed sense of line and color that the great bird photographer Arthur Morris presents in his pictures.But looking at Morris' work, I also notice that none of his raptor pictures are as arty (no pun intended) as his other work.Vezo has set himself a difficult task.These birds are handsome, not pretty, and their chicks are sometimes downright ugly.Most of them seem to be glaring at us with hostility.They don't have long sinuous necks whose curves can be emphasized.And yet as I looked at a picture of a perched zone-tailed hawk, against the blue western sky, with its tail feathers displayed, I certainly felt a sense of admiration for these birds, which appear to be so much more in control of their world than we mere human beings.

A brief narrative by Glinski accompanies each set of pictures of a particular species.The writing is romanticized and filled with varying amounts of information on the birds.No one would ever buy this book for the text, although it seems customary to provide this sort of thing.Instead what they would want is the striking pictures, and anyone looking at them will not be disappointed.

Great book!
Vezo does it again. No one captures the essence of the bird on film as does Tom Vezo. If you've never seen a bird in the wild, look at Vezo's pictures and you'll feel like you're there. ... Read more

Product Description
Lavishly illustrated with 500 colour photographs of sharp-shinned hawks, American kestrels, merlins, peregrine falcons, ospreys, golden eagles, ferruginous hawks, bald eagles, and nine other North American raptors. Birds of Prey features shots so close the birds loom as large as life. Scholz has combined instructive line drawings and engaging and informative text with Merrick's stunning photos to create the most magnificent and comprehensive books on birds of prey. The book includes a section on techniques for the artist and carver, with a 66-photo sequence detailing the steps involved in painting an American kestrel, and photos and tips on sculpting heads and making eyes to create life-like raptor carvings. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Artist and Nature Lover's Reference Book on Hawks
I saw another book at a woodcarver's show {Owls}. I couldn't stop thinking about it, but could not afford $70.00. Then I remembered Amazon! At $54.00, I could squeeze that out of my budget.

When in Amazon, I saw this other book he did.

This is an exceptional reference tool. Just the photographs alone are a treasure The information, and details are clearly and accurately stated.

Floyd Scholz does it again
Kudos to Amazon for having some used versions of this book. The quality was excellent. As usual,Scholz has done it again - a mavellous book with plenty of detail and drawings. A superb reference book for this wood carver.

If you have any interest in raptors, do yourself a favor...
..and buy this book right now. A freind of mine showed me Floyd Scholz owl book and i was amazed. I found that he wrote another book , Birds of Prey,and ordered it. Just got it in today and it's fantastic. This book contains gorgeous photos of several species of raptors, but not just in outdoor shots or hard to reference flying poses. These are studio photos, close ups of spread and folded wings, details of the feet and head and a number of full body shots. There are also scientific line drawings of the birds, detailing the feather arrangement and body proportions. The back of the book has one the coolest sections ever...how to carve raptor statues! This mans carving skill is amazing to the point where it's almost ridiculous. His bird sculptures look 100% real and the clear step by step instructions make it look easy.
This book is perfect for artist's reference. It does have some text, such as the species profile at the start of each chapter which is awesome. However this book mostly photos, scientific drawings and artwork...which is also awesome.

Seriously, buy it.

Must have.
This book is an absolute must-have for anyone who wants to draw these birds... or simply appreciates their beauty.These aren't simply glamor-shots, they're close-up detailed images, from a number of different angles.Every one is well lit, in crisp focus, and shows wonderful detail.

Excellent Reference
This wonderfully photographed book is an excellent reference for anyone interested in carving birds of prey. An extremely thorough series of photographs is included for each bird covered in the book. Additionally, patterns and other carving consideration are included for each specimen. The book concludes with a chapter on creating acrylic eyes for carvings, a chapter on carving and painting a kestrel, and a chapter exhibiting some of the authors carvings. Incidentally, the author's carvings are great.

Scholtz's other book, Carving a Red Tailed Hawk, does not do this book justice. This book contains better photographs and better carving.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone remotely interested in carving birds of any type. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (5)

The Illustrated Birds of Prey: Red-Tailed Hawk, American Kestrel & Peregrine Falcon: The Ultimate Reference Guide for Bird Lover
excellent book for use as guide to carving or for use as guide for colored pencil drawings. excellent detailing and colors.

a rare find
Very good value, found this on other sites for $39.Definitly a must have for raptor fans.I am using it as research for carving.Good details.Very glad to have it.

Not the ultimate
Like its companion on the snowy owl and screech owl, this book is somewhat disappointing.However, it does have an excellent section on painting.

Great Reference Book
Very concise book if you are looking for a good reference book.Drawings are well executed.

Illustrated Birds of Prey
I love this book, it has every thing you could think of for questions, that you could have! ... Read more

Product Description

From the magnificent condor to the all-American bald eagle to the tiny elf owl, this book profiles some 40 raptors of the sky. Children see where to find hawks, falcons, and owls. Discover what these fierce birds eat. Learn why vultures have bare heads, which meat-eaters haunt the night sky, and more!

Customer Reviews (1)

National Geographic First Pocket Guide to Backyard Wilderness
I bought this book for my preschool grandchildren that I care for part time. I had purchased the National Audubon First Field Guide Shells book at a garage sale & they loved it. So I went online to find other books in the same or similar series. It is something that I can enjoy with them together ... Read more

Product Description
Discover the world of birds of prey -- how they grow, fly, live and hunt.

Here is a spectacular and informative new guide to birds of prey around the world. Superb color photographs give the reader an "eyewitness" insight into the world of eagles, vultures, hawks, kites, owls, falcons, and other birds of prey. See a secretary bird stamping on a snake, a kestrel hovering in midair, a tawny eagle in flight across the page, a burrowing owl coming out of its burrow, and a Verreaux's eagle launching itself at its prey. Learn what an eagle's bones and muscles look like, how falconers train hawks, falcons, and other birds, what steppe eagles eat in winter, and how Harris' hawks hunt in teams. Discover how an alula helps birds to fly, which bird of prey has talons as big as a grizzly bear's claws, how vultures can fly for hours with scarcely a flap of their wings, and much, much more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Success
After I bought my ten year old grandson, "Raptor", I didn't know if I could find another book that would thrill him as much.Again, I hit the jackpot with "Eagles, and Birds of Prey".He loves it.The text is great and is very educational without being dull.

VERY good for starters...
This is an excellent book for those who are beginning to form an interest in raptors. It goes over their nesting habits, hatching and growth, flight, hunting and feeding. Also has genus and basic anatomy (Skeleton, musculature, feathers, talons, etc.) information, as well as a short overview of falconry. Well layed out, informative, and the photographs are excellent.

VERY good for starters...
This is an excellent book for those who are beginning to form an interest in raptors. It goes over their nesting habits, hatching and growth, flight, hunting and feeding. Also has genus and basic anatomy (Skeleton, musculature, feathers, talons, etc.) information, as well as a short overview of falconry. Well layed out, informative, and the photographs are excellent. ... Read more

Product Description
A Golden Guide ® FROM ST. MARTIN'S PRESS
Enjoy and Learn!
Expert Knowledge!
Easy-to-Read!

Some of the most spectacular and awe-inspiring predators on the planet, the raptors, or birds of prey have captivated us for centuries. This new Golden Guide from St. Martin's Press offers a fascinating look at these incredible birds.

* Covers all raptors, including hawks, eagles, vultures, falcons, and owls
* Hunting strategies, migration, habitats, and more
* Wings, eyesight, and other amazing adaptations

Includes easy-to-understand and concise text, along with gorgeous full-color illustrations of the worldwide species of raptors.
... Read more

Product Description
Eagles, ospreys, hawks, owls, kites and vultures: Florida and other southern states are home to many of these. It is ironic that although man has always admired these creatures, often he has been responsible for their demise, either deliberately or inadvertently. This book identifies dozens of predatory birds and explains their importance in the natural world. ... Read more

Product Description
Reference includes current data on the health and diseases of raptors. Features include data on free living birds, fractures, neonatology, pathology, legislation, poisons, health monitoring, captive-breeding, and host-parasite relations. Text contains a brief historical overview. For veterinary surgeons and breeders. Detailed halftone images included. Previous edition: c1978. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A Great Read by Dixon
This book opens with two one shot stories. "Wolves" and "Batgirl" then collects the start of the monthly with Birds of Prey 1-6.

That's a lot of pages beautifully drawn by Greg Land and inked by Dick Giordano, and of course written by Chuck Dixon. Although the first two stories are one shots the whole volume flows together and adventures start and end with overlying plot elements. A lot of cool imaginative stuff here.

In particular I like the strong leading women who don't need men while in the field but have no problem talking boy trouble over a dish of ice cream. Cool hero stuff but no lectures to be endured or bones to be picked.

Great superhero story telling.

Graphic SF Reader
This is the beginnings of the fine Birds of Prey series. Barbara Gordon
is Oracle, and confined to a wheelchair. She becomes partners with
Black Canary, who provides the legwork for some operations to capture
criminals, disrupt terrorists, retrieve beasties or whatever else the
computer genius Gordon decides needs to be done.

a wonderful beginning for the Birds of Prey
Collects the first six issues of the Birds of Prey comic book, when only Oracle and Black Canary formed the team. If you're a fan of the Black Canary or Barbara Gordon, then this is the book to check out.See how the Birds of Prey comic book(as of 2006, it's still going strong) began!
These early BOP adventures were written by Chuck Dixon.

NOTE:
Also contains two Birds of Prey one-shots(stand alone comic books), called Birds of Prey: Wolves & Birds of Prey: Batgirl. ... Read more

Product Description
An exciting new team of glamourous, crime-fighting, female detectives. Meet Oracle - the computer genius who used to fight crime as Batgirl, paralysed by the Joker but still very much in action, and Black Canary - the young adventuress who feels she has something to prove to the world. On their own, each is a formidable foe - together, they're a force to be reckoned with! Now, in this second thrilling collection of their adventures, Oracle and Black Canary investigate a vicious slave trader, run into some deadly female mercenaries, take on the powerful Kobra crime organisation, fight a prehistoric monster, try to bring a war criminal to trial, and hook up with Dick Grayson, the former Robin - now the superhero known as Nightwing! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

early Birds of Prey is great!
A collection of Birds of Prey one-shots/specials. If you're a recent newcomer to the Birds of Prey comic book, then this is a great place for you to start.

The comics included in this book are:
Black Canary/Oracle: Birds of Prey
Birds of Prey: Manhunt #1-4
Birds of Prey: Revolution
Showcase '96 #3

Big fan of this comic!
I admit, in this tradepaperback it can get a little confusing, (hence the 4 out of 5 stars) since they compile a few storylines together and sometimes they end one section and start anotherwithout a full explanation.But it's all worth the last section where Black Canary teams up with the Huntress and Catwoman and aggravate poor Oracle to no end. That alone (plus the art work is excellent) is worth the price of this book.

"BIRDS" of a feather.
BIRDS OF PREY trade paperback explains just how different, yet similar both the Black Canary and Oracle are.Seperate, they are formidable.Together, they are deadly.I have the MANHUNT mini-series and the REVOLUTION saga, so I just enjoyed the origin of the partnership between the two and the extra story with Lois Lane.Just so you know, I collect the monthly comic as well.These two characters have something special and they compliment each other well.For all action junkies looking for something different, this is your book.After all, it's not everyday that two beautifully drawn women take center stage to save the world and kick butt until their ankles are sore.Maybe it should be.

Great action
Birds of Prey is one of my favorite comic books.Not only does it feature two strong female characters who act without the assistance of male heroes, but the stories also read like straightforward adventure stories, ratherthan typically fantastic superhero adventures.The fact that Black Canaryand Oracle exist in a superhero universe is almost completely incidental tothese tales (guest appearances by other Batman characters Catwoman andHuntress notwithstanding).The fact that Oracle is a positive role modelfor the handicapped is just an added plus.

Chuck Dixon's gripping plotsand terse dialogue are ably assisted by a number of talented artists.Notonly do they manage to draw realistically proportioned women, but they putthose women in equally realistic, real-world settings.

In a perfectworld, there would be plenty of superhero comics that appeal to a broaderaudience than male superhero readers.In that perfect world, Birds of Preywould still be a shining example of quality.

Oracle and Black Canary together
In this book, the girlfriend of the late Green Arrow, Black Canary, gets into and out of all sorts of adventures with the help of Oracle, the crippled, one-time Batgirl. It features the first issue of the comic Birdsof Prey, as well as issues that include Lois Lane, Catwoman, Huntress, andLady Shiva. The interaction between Black Canary, devil-may-careadventuress, and Oracle, the responsible Comissioner's daughter, isamusing. It's a good book full of fun. I recommend it to anyone who enjoyswomen in action. ... Read more

Product Description
Full-color sticker illustrations of the golden eagle, red-tailed hawk, African fish eagle, king vulture, 8 other predators, plus descriptive text for each high-flying creature.
... Read more

Product Description
Learn how to train birds of prey correctly and safely. Jemima Parry-Jones, owner of the National Birds of Prey Centre, covers the five family groups in detail: eagles, hawks, falcons, buzzards and owls. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Training birds of prey - Jemima Parry-Jones
Much the same as her previous " Falconry Care, Captive breeding and Conservation" - but was well worth doing as is underlines seriouspoints and issues. On the whole a very good book with excellent informationand photography. The author does as with the last book seem to have a veryhigh opinion of herself and holds herself up as THE FALCONER in Britaintoday.

I was concerned that the author also seems to put the notionacross that her Falconry Centre is the only good one in the country andthat everyone else is just either playing at it or only in it to make money- as if she isn't what with at least two books, courses, displays etc... Ido believe that she holds the welfare of the birds as her highest priority,but this can only be maintained with adequate finance as is the situationwith everyone else.

Note : Cover picture - Buzzard only held by one Jess2nd page in - one of the jesses is not secured properlyto the swivel,preventing the swivel from working properly.. Pages 78,79 and 81, these aresurely unhelpful pictures to put on public view - a falcon shying away andhanging from the fist.The anti-hunting lobby would love this. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (10)

Masterpiece interrupted; yes, sadly indulgent
I finished this book last night. I was really wrapped up in it and loved the writing until I reached his little condemnation of the NRA and its "semi-auto-toting cretins" or however he put it.The book had been devoid of (actually transcended) this kind of petty editorializing, but after I hit that entry, I began to find what came afterward (an elitist bird hunting outing in the Northeast complete with truffle dinners and fine wine/scotch, etc.) close to annoying.This guy hunts with both birds and guns, but his "blood sport" is somehow more pure and perfect than that of the next person.As an NRA Life Member, active Izaak Walton League of America, Nature Conservency and Pheasants Forever habitat and wilderness advocate, biologist and outdoor writer and outdoor educator, I was personally taken aback by his classification of "me" as an uneducated auto-rifle-blasting idiot. A previous reviewer hit it on the head with a descripion of the self-indulgence that begins to show through the text.I too have spent time around birds of prey (one of my hunting/fishing buddies and best friends is the South Dakota Master Falconer and Falconry Examiner) and presently spend hours every day afield working or hunting my 2-yr old wirehaired pointer; when the author sticks to the essence of these activities the book shines. He has a gift for describing the animals and this deeply radiates to the rest of us who love birds and gundogs.When he obliquely begins touting his superiority over the rest of the human race, including to some extent, the love of his life who always seems to be cast in a somewhat subserving light (even though she is a physician working with the terminally ill, he has little time for her emotional and career challenges), when the reader can't help but get interested in her character, an accomplished professional woman, bird hunter and dog handler, we leave her.At this point the book gets tiresome and I really lost interest in the final twenty pages or so.I am somewhat reluctant to purchase anything else by this author.Even though he makes a point to mention his friendship with (the writer) Jim Harrison, he is no Harrison or Thomas McGuane; but that may be an unfair comparison since the later take far different approaches when describing The West and thier fellow imperfect beings that comprise this thing called humanity.Negatives aside, this book is a great introduction to bird-of-prey behavior, falconry terminology, and what it takes to participate in handling hunting birds and to a far lesser extent, pointing dogs.If you liked this book, you should love McGuane's The Longest Silence.

If I was a hunter, I'd fly falcons!
I've never hunted before - game or fowl.I grew up in the city, and have never held a shotgun in my 40 years.I had no understanding of hunting - it's potential for beauty and forging a connection with nature - until I read Dan O'Brien's Equinox.

Dan's connection with nature through falconry is moving, and at times tangible throughout Equinox.He reveals hunting as a truly noble sport - if approached with reverence for nature and respect for predator and prey.

Dan's prose is straightforward, without frills or fancy, well-suited to the rustic life he describes, stalking grouse on the South Dakota plains with bird and dog.

I think most people will enjoy Equinox, regardless of background, but I especially recommend it to people who have negative feelings about hunting but are open to thinking about it in a new way.

Couldn't put it down
I just finished reading the book in two settings, spending most of a Sunday afternoon and Monday evening enjoying this excellent novel.I was captivated by the people, dogs, birds, and environment.This is a must read.I loved it.

For The Birds
I liked this book. At times, there may have been too much emphasis on the dogs, or too much on just falcons (red-tailed hawk coverage would have been great, but the author caters to peregrine falcons, so it is obviously his choice). Regardless, the amount of detailed coverage is impressive and written very well. Fortunately, the author eases you into the detail and doesn't toss it in your lap like some books. Whenever a new falconry term is mentioned in the text, there is a small side-bar definition of that term.

Some have said that the author's attitude gets in the way. When I read the few pages from the website, I also got a little of that. However, when I read the rest of the book, I did not get that at all. Often, appearances can be deceiving.

Interesting, but too self-indulgent...
Having begun working with birds of prey (in a rehabilitation center) in the last couple of years I have searched for books that gave more personal insights into the practice of falconry. Mr.O'Brien certainly knows his subject and does a fine job of describing the sport and the birds themselves.His accounts of hacking (early training) young peregrines in particular are excellent. I found his descriptions of what can go wrong, as well as right, in the caring and training of these birds quite illuminating and engrossing.His use of falconers-speak is well balanced with the story and the annotations quite helpful for those unfamiliar with the sport.
I unfortunately found the overall concept of a man in midlife attempting to convince the reader that he is on a quest for some sort of middle age epiphany a bit trying.His relationship with his wife - an anesthesiologist who spends the majority of her time in a sleep deprived state, taking hospital call, and generally supporting his rather indulgent and self-centered lifestyle- frustrated me and was distracting from an otherwise interesting story about the training of a gifted young peregrine falcon.
I give much credit to Mr. O'Brien for being a man in touch with nature and clearly environmentally sensitive and conservation oriented.But, as my wife said after finishing the book, he comes across as something of a jerk in his personal life. Given that Mr. O'Brien's skills in describing the beauty of the land he lives on and the animals he has the great privilege of interacting with are most enviable, it's a shame that this aspect diminishes an otherwise excellent story. ... Read more

Product Description
Young readers everywhere are fascinated by raptors - by their powerful talons (similar to dinosaurs'), their astonishing eyesight (ten times sharper than ours), and their awesome speed in flight. RAPTOR! Invites children into this wild world with a lively text enhanced by more than 100 full-color images by nature photographer Tom Vexo. Kids are encouraged to explore the mysteries of flight, raptor hunting strategies, and behavior - and to learn how to locate raptors in the wild. Flight silhouettes, range maps, real-life stories of individual birds, and more will satisfy the most voracious raptor enthusiast. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

An exciting Christmas gift
My ten year old grandson is enthralled by raptors.I gave him this book for Christmas.He immediately took it to the table and began reading and sketching the birds.He had to be pried away to open his other presents.I asked him if he liked it.He said, "I LOVE it".

Great, easy to read, full of good info.
We originally checked this book out of the library. It is very well laid out and easy to read with great pictures. At the same time it has a lot of good information. My kids and I were equally fascinated with the book and the info/pictures it pertained.

Raptor!
I have started volunteering at a Wildlife Museum and this is perfect for my needs, which is to give information and teach children about the different kinds of raptors.

Fantastic!
I purchased this book for a 12 year old neighbor boy so he could identify the various hawks in our area. I looked at it, and it's such a good book I'm buying one for myself! I like this book better than the "grown up" one I bought for myself! I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in Raptors and who needs a good guide to identify them. It has a great "quick guide" in the back to identify the type of Raptor based on their sillouette in flight. Fantastic!

Great guide for raptor lovers
We got this for my 5 year old who is a raptor lover. The pictures are simply fantastic and even though he can not read the book yet, it makes it so easier for parents to explain since the book is meant to be for children so the language is easy to understand. Saying that the rest of my childen love this book too (a 7, 10 and a 12 year old). I highly recommend it.

... Read more

Product Description
Boeing is the biggest exporter in the US, America's one undisputed industrial champion after years in which the world's richest economy has been imperilled by foreign competition. The company took tremendous risks to conquer the American and then the world market, yet it now faces a new threat from Airbus, the European consortium-built aircraft that defied the pessimists to capture a third of the world's market in the 1980s. This book tells the story of the battle between the two giants and its implications for the balance of global economic power.Amazon.com Review
Even though the aviation industry has only about 100 importantcustomers in the whole world, presidents and prime ministers havebecome its leading sales representatives. That's because so manypurchases soar into the multi-billion-dollar range. The internationalrivalry between Boeing (a U.S. company based in Seattle, Washington)and Airbus (a European consortium centered in France) has become aforeign policy priority for their respective governments. Boeingcompletely dominated the skies for many years, but massive governmentsubsidies have made Airbus a serious challenger. In Birds ofPrey, Matthew Lynn tells the story behind some of the biggestbusiness deals in the world today. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Very dated in 2008!
I bought the book hoping for insight into the boeing vs. airbus story, the sub-title of the book. Unfortunately, it started much earlier in the early days of civilian aviation. Though I feel the insider perspective to the industry, the books is pretty dry reading.

The last part looked hopeful when Lynn began to get into the direct competition between Europe and the US over jet sales, but so much has changed since the book was written almost 10 years ago. Airbus now has the 380, Boeing is working on its new plane. It's quite dated now and not worth the time. Glad I picked it up on sale.

a thrilling but technically inaccurate account
This work on Boeing (USA) and Airbus (Europe or what they call UE) competition is undeniably compelling. Unfortunately some faults abouttechnical aspects make it a little bit incomplete. Anyway, once the bookhas caught the reader attention (forgiving the mistakes) it is hard tothrow off its spell.

A precious facet is the historical reconstruction ofpolitical and economical process, describing the post war crises ofaeronautical companies in Europe in the civil market. Emerging from thewar, european countries were eager to start a new life. The aeronauticalskill (grown during belligerent times) was put to work in leading programlike the Comet, Caravelle, Trident, BAC 1-11, etc. . Unfortunatelymanagement and political control were so conservative that they were unableto drive the new technology evolution in full swing. So each european Statebasically never developed a sound industrial strategy (i.e. forshortsighted nationalistic interest). The nemesys of national designs andfirms (as autonomous entities in the market) led to the pooling of energiescalled Airbus. This part of the book is quite organic and it is a cleverdescription of cut-throat struggle with another arab phoenix like Boeing(the company emerging from internal US competition).

Many technical flawsappear from the narrative, two are important for the plot. First,Boeing 707project was a masterpiece being the first design that made civilaeronautical "know-how" to grow fully (so far for DC-8 andConvair 880). Initially it was developed as a strategic tanker and, ofcourse, research & development funding was available to boost thedesign during the cold war. Many advanced technologies were put to fruitionfrom research centers (federal or private) and a "full steamahead" was given to any study capable of making them affordable.Airbus never got the same opportunity. Second point, the airliners marketis divided in segmets and even if new technologies are not enough cheap tochange aicraft shapes, the quest for more efficient planes compelsconsolidated knowledge to mature completely. So 2engines Boeing 757 is the727 replacement because they were designed to fulfill the same segment(according to lower unit cost per machine and equipment, in order torespect more restrictive regulations). To be more precise each segment isdivided into specialized sectors; each manifacturer design a basicadaptable project for a segment, then engineers "customize" theplane for a particular requirements (just look at the Boeing 777, initiallydeveloped in "A" version, reveallingly dubbed "A"market, and in the "B" version or "B" market).

In theend lack of aviation expertise is quite limiting in this bold work,compromising a basically sound effort. Nevertheless this is an admirableattempt to reveal the insights of the most terrible struggle between twomajor corporate conglomerates in airliners industry.

Ian Fleming this story is not...
I have been an aviation enthusiast for most of my life.The commercial aviation world is particular dear to me.Although I am but an amateur follower of the industry, I am fairly certain that I understand it betterthan does Mr. Lynn.

First, allow me to report on the unforgivablemistakes in his book.Lynn's work is rife with typos and spelling mistakes(in a revised edition!).It is uncoordinated in many places and reads asthough different sections were, hurriedly, written at different times andthen given to an editor to splice together."Hodgepodge" bestdescribes Mr. Lynn's style.

Also unforgivable are the numerous mistakesof fact and gross misrepresentations to be found in "Birds ofPrey."To be blunt, the B-17 was not a commercial failure (although,due to the hodgepodge nature of the book, I'm not actually certain Mr. Lynnreally means to say this). The Boeing 707 was developed first as a militarytanker and then as an airliner (using government-owned tooling, a"subsidy" Lynn totally misses, all the while slinging barbs atAirbus for receiving similar government aid).By stating that, because hewas a lawyer by training, Bill Allen (father of the Boeing 747, among otheraircraft) was not, and could not have been, an "airplane guy," isludicrous.Bill Gates never finished his computer studies, so perhaps itfollows that he can't be a "computer guy."

There is aregulation, which covers all twin-engined commercial flights over water,called ETOPS.This well-known rule states that twins cannot be certifiedto operate water routes unless manufacturers can show that the aircraft cansafely remain aloft for 2-3 hours following an engine failure.It seemsMr. Lynn's "research" (more on this later) didn't uncover theETOPS criteria for twin certification.If he had known about it, he wouldhave seen that his explanation for the slow sales of the A300 and A310 israther silly. Another mistake of fact becomes blatantly clear when Mr.Lynn calls the Boeing 757 a made over 727.He argues that because bothshare the same fuselage (actually just the cross section) the 757 is merelywarmed-over 1960's technology.If he really understood what he was saying,he would have to say the 757 is actually based on 1940's technology.WhatLynn misses is that the 707, the 720, the 727 and the 737 all share thesame fuselage, albeit in different lengths and with certain modifications.The 757 uses the cross section (dimensions) of the 707 fuselage but thematerials and construction techniques used today differ greatly from thoseemployed 40, 30 or even 10 years ago.To label the 757 a re-winged 727,then, is "nonsense on stilts," to quote a British jurist.Nevermind the fuselage and wings, the fact that the 727 has three engines, allmounted on the tail, and the 757 is a twin with wing-mounted enginesunderscores that these are different aircraft.The 757 even looksdifferent from all other 707 derived aircraft (just look at the contoursaround the cockpit).

Of course, it goes without saying (but I will sayit anyway) that the 727 and the Airbus A300 never competed with oneanother.The A300 could be used to replace 727's (the original trunk-lineron the American hub-and-spoke airport system) as passenger loads increased,but one does not pit a 160 seat aircraft against a 250-300 seat aircraft. A parallel would be to try and sell a bus to a mini-van customer.

Mr.Lynn contradicts himself in many places, and even (in one case) on the samepage.On page 186 he states that, "Boeing was sitting on a pile ofcash...[and to thwart a hostile takeover bid] some of the spare $3 billioncould be used to buy back its own shares; an expensive and curiousmanoeuver for a cash hungry firm."It seems to me that a $3 billionbank balance put Boeing squarely into a cash surplus, not a crunch, and tocall a move to halt a 1980's style hostile takeover bid "curious"is itself curious.

Going back to research, while the author undertookseveral personal interviews, the bulk of his research was done usingsecondary sources.Many of those are not scholarly and can best bedescribe as general aviation or business books.This is an issue becauseLynn uses footnotes, which implies that his book is to be taken as a pieceof well-research literature.

I believe that the book's subtitle isdeceiving.I bought "Birds of Prey" because I thought I wasgetting a blow-by-blow account of the "Boeing vs. Airbus"struggle and that I was going to read about a "Battle for theSkies."In truth, we don't get to the real battle until page 175 (of234 text pages).There is an account of the introduction of the A300 andA310, and the genesis of the A320, before page 175 but the author goes tolengths to reassure the reader that these Airbus products did not fazeBoeing in the least.We can hardly call this era in aerospace history a"battle."

Finally, "landing slots" are not dependentupon aircraft size (they are time slots, when aircraft are permitted toenter the airport's pattern to land).And, just a note, on the cover thereare two aircraft facing each other, head to head (as if to imply a battleof sorts is going on between them).That's an interesting marketing ployfor this book.Unfortunately, both airplanes are Boeing 737s.

ColinSaunders

Good, but with annoying flaws
This is a very good analysis of the ongoing battle between Airbus and Boeing, with a great deal of historical material on the birth and growth of the two antagonists. Especially interesting for American readers is thestory of Airbus and its birth from the ashes of Concorde, a subjectgenerally ignored or glossed over in the US aviation press.

Annoying isthe lack of aviation expertise on the author's part ( a fine businesswriter, if this book is any example) such as swallowing the old canardabout Britain building only fighters in World War II and leaving thepostwar big airplane market to the Americans with their bomber experience. This ignores an awful lot of Avro and Handley Page bombers over Germany,and a swarm of US fighters over the entire world.British civil aviationfailures are covered (incompetence of the Brabazon committee, BOAC notknowing what it wanted, the Concorde debacle, etc.) and I am surprised thatthe editor let a few howlers get by.

All in all, this is a very goodbook about the state of civil aviation just before theBoeing/McDonnellDouglas merger.

Left me at 35,000 Feet
Since I have read a great dealon Boeing (ie, Widebody by Irving), Lynnbrought nothing new to the table from Seattle, except for glossed overstories.I haven't read a great deal on the consortium from Toulouse. Arethe facts as shallow here too?Additionally, would spell check have beenan ordeal?Needless to say, I enjoyed the book because it gave me an idea of the fight between these two "subsidized" groups.It couldhave been better, but itwas sufficient to pass the daily commute. ... Read more

Product Description

Book Description
An informative series that provides, in a concise format, better understanding of animals and their habitats. Fascinating in its diversity, the natural world comes to life on the pages of these spec tacularly illustrated volumes. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Birds-that eat the flesh of other animals! OOOO, chilling!
This book is quite good. If you have a thing for birds of prey, youneed this book. The information will help you learn many facts thatyou never knew before(I bet)and the photos of these beautiful and feathery creatures of the sky will take your breath away. My very favorite of these birds is the perigrine falcon, but that's just me as you know. You read this book, enjoy it, and decide which bird of prey is your favorite of all time. I think you get the message. ... Read more