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Over 60 of Bill Oddie's tales of the ups, downs, highs, lows, and thrills and spills of birding, from nefarious childhood 'egging' to fully fledged twitching. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (7)

Fascinating and thrilling!!!
As a student and scholar of the illicit wildlife trade, I found this book extremely educational and fascinating.This book thoroughly explored the wildlife trade and the consequences it has on the environment.I found this book so interesting that I was able to read it cover to cover in a couple of days.

General-interest and wildlife-oriented collections will find this a 'must'
FORBIDDEN CREATURES: INSIDE THE WORLD OF ANIMAL SMUGGLING AND EXOTIC PETS comes from an investigative journalist who chronicles his worldwide quest to penetrate international smuggling circles. His experiences make for eye-opening reading packed with facts and drama, presents personal encounters with breeders and smugglers, and chronicles the crisis of wild species. General-interest and wildlife-oriented collections will find this a 'must'.

FORBIDDEN CREATURES: INSIDE THE WORLD OF ANIMAL SMUGGLING AND EXOTIC PETS
Peter Laufer's excellently written, intriguing book about wild animals in captivityis as amazing as it is shocking. This book should be required reading, not only those who wish to keep wild and exotic pets. If innocent victims of these wild animals read Peter Laufer's compelling book before they expose themselves to these real and unpredictable dangers, they will be better equipped to save face---literally as well as literarily.

WARNING! SNAKES! TIGERS! Strap In! Laufer Does It Again!
For those among us who have never before joined Peter Laufer for one of his true-life. journalistic adventures, Forbidden Creatures: Inside the World of Animal Smuggling and Exotic Pets, is not only an intensely enjoyable read, it is a perfect introduction to one of the most prolific storytellers of our time. For those of you who already know the pleasure of Laufer's writing, FORBIDDEN CREATURES is a must get for your summertime reading. The only caution I offer is that because this book is so rich in texture, so effective at taking you from your own reality into someone else's, some of you may find yourselves looking over your shoulder or peering into bushes worrying that some exotic pet owner may have just gotten sloppy and accidentally let loose a lethal snake or ever a tiger. This book, like Laufer's shelf of earlier adventures, carries you deep into hidden areas of life, penetrates where outsiders dare not go or are simply not welcome. You will meet real people whose choices have placed them in danger, despite their insistence that what they do is perfectly safe.As always, Laufer (one of the most honored broadcast journalists in America)has the special ability to listen closely and in the proces, to hear the music of dialect and word choice and to capture all that. The effect is to bring people to life right in front of you, as his words take you firmly by the hand for one adventure after another. The only complaint I is that when I'd finished reading the last chapter, I was hungry for more. The cure for me was picking up and re-reading one of his earlier books, THE DANGEROUS WORLD OF BUTTERFLIES.Another terrific journey into places I did not existed filled with very interesting people I would otherwise never have met.

Fascinating...entertaining...and a little scary!
Once again, journalist Peter Laufer has taken us into an unfamiliar world of beautiful and endangered beings.Once again, the real "forbidden creatures" are the humans who abuse other species for profit.Once again, Dr. Laufer's alluringly conversational style makes us feel as if we had gone along for the adventure.

Luckily, we do not need to follow in his footsteps, chasing after this cast of nefarious characters.The author takes us to some of the world's weirdest corners and uncovers chilling aspects of the illicit animal trade.It's not all gloomy, however.There are plenty of laughs along the way, too.

This book makes a great gift, but beware -- you might not want to part with it! ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (5)

Excellent overview
This book was very useful in identifying the birds, plants and animals I saw on a recent trip to Patagonia.The information on habitat range was particularly helpful in distinguishing between similar species.

Comprehensive Guide
This is a beautifully organized and marvelously illustrated guide to birds and other wildlife in Chile. The text and maps are outstanding.

It sets a high standard for preparing similar books for other regions of the world.

Useful and popular guide
I brought a few of these books down to a bookstore in Southern Chilean Patagonia, and they sold out quickly. I use my own copy for identifying some of the animals that I photograph for various websites, including Flickr groups. The illustrations are adequate in some cases but I find myself wishing for better views, such as birds in flight as well as in repose.Not sure why the book had to include so much on flora -- which I don't usually associate with "wildlife."The heavy stock is nice and durable but also makes the book heavy, so I don't carry this book with me on hiking trips.The fairly detailed regional maps were a bonus I did not expect and these help if you are not familiar with an area.

A welcome addition to the South American naturalist's library
The South American countries are characterised by a very high natural diversity coupled with a relative scarcity of biologists and field naturalists, the result of which is a paucity of popular literature which would enable the curious resident or visitor to easily identify what he/she encounters. Admittedly, in recent years, the lack of reliable field guides is being successfully addressed for at least one group, and there are now excellent - if heavy! - guides to the birds of almost all of the countries of highest diversity. Even so, field guides to any other groups remain a rarity. So it was a very pleasant surprise to come across Sharon Chester's new book, particularly because it aims not just to identify the butterflies or the reptiles, but to provide a broad overview of the entire natural history of Chile and its territories. As far as I know, there is nothing similar available for mainland Chile and since this guide also covers the all Chilean territories, it will be of interest for visitors to the Antarctic too.

The book is very well organised and carefully laid out: it must have been a real labour of love for its creator, who wrote the nearly 400 pages of small text and produced the photographically derived illustrations. In scope it is a general guide to the natural history of Chile, something along the lines of the Ecotravellers' Wildlife Guide series but, to my taste, better put together. After an overview of Chile's natural environments and ecology, subsequent chapters tackle marine organisms, flora, lepidoptera, reptiles and amphibians, birds (by far the largest section, though it does not replace Jaramillo's excellent Birds of Chile (Princeton Field Guides)) and mammals, after which there is a short gazetteer on wildlife viewing sites. The text is concise and informative and the illustrations very lifelike. The book would fit easily into a coat pocket, so it could be used as a true field guide, but is more likely to be used to plan trip or as reference back at base camp.

Should the potential visitor to Chile, the Chilean Antarctic or any other territories buy this book? Definitely! The book will certainly make a Chilean trip more enjoyable for the birder and general naturalist - there is nothing else comparable. And if you need further convincing, at under $14, it has to be one of the bargain nature books of 2008.

Highly recommended!

Chris Sharpe, 17 September 2008. ISBN: 0691129762

Fine general fieldguide with a broad scope
This is not a specialized guide book, though birds predominate. But I particularly like the much wider spectrum this book offers. There are no range maps, and it took me a while to get to grips with the range info. But basically, range is indicated by using the administrative regions shown on page 3 of the book. Species pictured are mostly digital cutouts from photographs. This results in some odd outlines and in many missing claws in the reptiles, to just name the most often encountered drawbacks. Depending on the photos used, the quality of these illustrations varies, and their size as well. This variable picture quality is the reason why I have not given five stars. But the illustrations should serve very well for their main purpose; i.e. they are usually quite adequate for identifying the species. Photos, even in this form, however, rarely allow to illustrate all the plumages of the more variable bird species. Nevertheless, many species have flight pictures as well.

The book tries to cover the more common species of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and butterflies. The flora is treated according to the major habitats with a few rather conspicuous typical species. For the marine environment, some commercial fish, molluscs and crabs, as well as some marine algae are presented.

Generally, both English and Spanish, as well as the scientific names are given. Often, more names are mentioned as well, with at least some names in other languages. For those birds that are included, there is always a German name as well. The texts for the individual species vary considerably. But they are usually quite comprehensive for the birds and mammals.

As a birder, I would not want to take along only this book, but this guide has definitely enlarged my view of nature in Chile. And a special benefit is the inclusion of the outlying islands that belong to Chile. There is also a section on where to go for wildlife observations.The paperback version is quite compact and lightweight, and it is thus the perfect travel companion. But it's a fine book for preparing a trip or just to get an overview as well. Definitely worth getting if you have any interest in that area of the world.

... Read more

Product Description
This collection of true animal behavior, witnessed by naturalists and others, may indicate a wide variety of animal emotions, such as compassion, loyalty, fear, vengefulness, and joy. The author, a retired teacher, leaves it up to the reader to decide, however. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Wonderful book
This is a wonderful book. The School Library Journal Review on this page is for a different book. This needs to be corrected.

Great book!
I bought several copies of this book. It's a great way to generate discussion with children about character traits like compassion and loyalty. The stories are so interesting (and true) and the illustrations are good, too. There are questions for discussion. I read this book to my granddaughter's 3rd grade class and the kids (and the teacher) loved it. I highly recommend the book.

not shipped yet
Ironically, amazon wants me to rate my review of this book but I have not received this yet. I ordered on 1/1/07, still waiting. Perhaps amazon shouldspend more time making sure their customers received their items in a timely manner and then ask for a review.

Encourages discussing feelings & opinions
by Diana Guerrero
This book is a good tool to get kids to discuss feelings and to describe their views and own experiences. It presents emotional themes such as compassion, loyalty, grief, and others, while giving animal examples and then asking questions. Although there are examples of animals choosing the opposite responses to those presented (gorillas in captivity have attacked people, etc.) the book is a good tool for sparking dialog and breaking through the old concept that animals don't have emotions.

Compassion Compounded
Although I'm 57, not 13, I love the new book-for-all-ages DO ANIMALS HAVE FEELINGS, TOO?This remarkable book is required reading for everyone who loves animals, and also for those who need lessons in compassion.I can't imagine a better Christmas gift for Grandma, Aunt Susie, or a favorite teacher. (Maybe a child's LEAST favorite teacher should have one, too.) Superbly illustrated by Trudy Calvert, a noted wilflife artist, the book begs to be petted; your fingers will automatically run over every hair of these delightful animals.The author has managed to teach a valuable lesson of compassion for all living things, incredibly important in this sometimes emotionally barren world. Long after you close the book, the illustrations and the message haunt you.What more can you ask of a unique, loving book? ... Read more

Product Description
There’s more than one kind of Texas native…we shareour magnificent state with numerous other species—some with fourlegs or more and some with no legs at all. Naturalist Jim Harris hasstudied most of them, and in Lone Star Menagerie he shares somelittle-known facts, fascinating tales, and amusing personalexperiences with these creatures that we live alongside.

Artfully illustrated by the author, this book is both informative andentertaining, and you will come away feeling an affinity for thewonders of Texas and its fascinating wildlife ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

excellent reading!
I bought this book simply for research material on desert wildlife, but it turned out to be one of the best books I've ever read. Highly recommended to anyone and everyone!

praise from down under
I highly recommend this book to anybody who likes animals AND to anybody who gets a kick from good old fashioned entertaining writing.

Gerald Durrel's Successor
As a child I enjoyed the works of the late Gerald Durrel, because he was a skilled zoologist and bonafide nature lover PLUS he was a funny and entertaining writer. I long thought that no one could ever take Durrel's place, but Jim Harris may be the one to do it. In "Lone Star Menagerie" he shares his knowledge of the wildlife of the West but is not afraid to do it in a humorous manner, even if it happens to be at his own expense. This is one of the best books I've run across in a very long time.

High Adventure and Brilliant Humour
There are authors who can write gripping adventure tales and there are authors who can make you laugh out loud; rarely are the two combined. If you enjoy the works of Tim Cahill, you will enjoy the works of Jim Harris.There are accounts of attempting to capture a vulture bare-handed, beingchased down a canyon by a herd of peccaries, seeking out sheep-killingcoyotes to protect the innocent individuals of the species from the wrathof stockmen.... And all dealt up with a large portion of entertaining wit.Highly recommended for all readers, and particularly animal lovers.

Lone Star Menagerie
Lone Star Menagerie introduced me to the state of Texas and some amazing wildlife found within its boundries, but the true charm of the book was found in the way Mr. Harris could spin the tales of his adventures. Iwalked away from Lone Star Menagerie with a greater respect and knowledgeof Texas and its wildlife, and the bonus being, each time I recall thebuzzard tale (or some of his other adventures) they still make me laugh! BRAVO! ... Read more

Product Description
Monkeying around?Monkey see, Monkey do?Hear what actual owners have to say about life with monkeys.This long awaited book presents the reader with a peek into the lives of dedicated owners for whom, "Monkeys in the family" means just that.Heartwarming, yet unafraid to inform prospective owners about the potential for hard times, as well as good, in such deeply-held relationshipsReal life owners with real Monkeys in their families, including published authors, Board members, politicians, medical and mental health professionals and owners from all walks of life who have been involved with Monkeys for many years, have created a must read.Now, in their own words, exotic owners speak out.This book gives them voice. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Fun Photos
The author did a great job of photographing primates in casual situations.I really enjoyed looking thru it.It IS mostly photos, black and white, but that does not detract from the interesting situations. ... Read more

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Birdwatching, also known as “birding,” is a popular pastime that can be both an enjoyable and educational family activity. This guide focuses on the best birding spots in Texas for children, when to go, what birds you’ll see, and where to stay and eat. Lists of other attractions in each of the ten birding areas of Texas are given, from museums and historical sites to recreational activities and special events. This versatile guide can be used to plan a side trip, a weekend getaway, or even an extended family vacation.

Advice on planning and preparation includes information on the purchase and use of binoculars, field guides, and travel guides. There is also a list of bird clubs in Texas, and a section on camping accommodations in state parks. ... Read more

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The Tracks Disappeared as the bear walked out of the thin snow, as the new snow disappeared into open patches of sun. I thought of how the mild sun must feel on his thick coat ... I thought of the sweeping length of his claws. How can the world still have such a wondrous beast in it -- just on the edge of surviving, but still here? -- Rick Bass

Powerful, fierce, and magnificent, the Bear is the subject of myths and legends -- an animal that strikes in us a sense of fear, caution and curiosity. Portrayed in folklore and fiction as naive yet intelligent, forgiving yet vicious, the Bear transcends all that divides man and animal, suggesting how alike we are, yet how fascinatingly different.

If we are lucky, we see the Bear through its tell-tale signs -- a claw-scarred tree, the buried carcass of an elk or deer, or the chewed remains of a salmon left along a mountain stream. But we come to know the Bear through those who have encountered them, those who have met the Bear face-to-face and survived.

Mark of the Bear is a remarkable collection of ten original and previously published essays by leading American nature it is a tribute to the spirit of this American icon though Filled with spectacular full-color of the nation's best nature and Mark of the Bear provides a unique personal encounters with these living with these living legends.

Natural historian Paul Schullery is the author of many books and articles on nature, natural history, and Americana, including The Bears of Yellowstone, Glacier & Waterton: Land of Hanging Valleys, American Fly Fishing: A History, and the critically acclaimed Mountain Time. Schullery is an avid wilderness supporter who has observed bears for many years while living and working in Yellowstone National Park. Adjunct professor of history at Montana State University, past executive director, and now trustee emeritus of The American Museum of Fly Fishing, Schullery divides his backcountry time between Glacier and his home park of Yellowstone. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (26)

I liked the chicken calendar BEFORE it was cool
My purchasing decision was not influenced by any television, radio, or new media personality, living or dead.This is my fourth year of extraordinary chickens, and there have been NO DUPLICATE CHICKENS.I can't stress this enough.

If you're only going to buy one chicken calendar this year, make it this one.

I'm so glad I found this
When I took my girl to see the Hangover last summer, she kept saying "that chicken is amazing" during the scene in the beginning of the movie where all the characters wake up in the hotel and there is a random chicken walking around the room. She kept saying it, and I hate when people talk at the movie theater, but it showed me that she must really like chickens.

On The Tonight Show with Conan O'brien, this calendar was mentioned as a "must buy" item. I've always liked Conan, so I listened to him and bought it for my girl as a Christmas gift.

Her eyes lit up when she opened it and it made her happier than the expensive iPod dock I also bought her. She even sent me a picture of it hanging on her wall.

I'm so glad I found this, thanks to Conan, because it gave my girl the best Christmas ever.

Thank you Conan O'Brian.
As the new Oprah, Conan O'Brian suggested the Extraordinary Chickens calendar and I couldn't be happier with my purchase. Before this all I had was ordinary chicken calendars that were less than extraordinary. I gave this as a Christmas gift to my brother-in-law who said upon receiving it, "No wonder I am a vegetarian, who could ever eat such an extraordinary animal".

Thanks again Conan.

Extraordinary Chickens changed my life...thank you Conan!
Who would have ever thought of applying glamour portrait photography techniques to chickens?Almost an homage to the works of William Wegman, Stephen Green-Armytage's collection offers a witty yet poignant look at this much-overlooked subject matter.The compositions and vibrant color will leave you laughing in one moment and perhaps holding back a tear in another.Thank you Conan...you are the new Oprah!

Thank you Conan!
This calendar was a hit a a recent gift exchange.I owe it all to Conan.I am so thankful I finally have someone to guide me.Conan, without you we would all be spending our money on useless things like food and shelter, but now with your direction, we can put that money to good use. ... Read more

Product Description
Animals delves into the world's various scientific classifications of animals: mammals, birds, fish and reptiles. Animals' habitats, rituals, eating habits, and physical characteristics are also explored. The workbook includes a 16"x20" full-color poster complete with diagrams and fascinating facts, and a glossary of important scientific terms. Illustrations throughout. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

One of the best
This is one of the best workbooks for young children. My 41/2 year loved it.It presents information in an imaginative manner and engages the child.As my child cannot read, I worked with her and am amazed at the amount a young child can understand when the material is presented in a interesting manner. ... Read more

Product Description
What every breeder, farmer and hobbyist needs to know about caring for sheep, including how to meet all health needs. There are even tips on how to process a sheep's wool! Nearly ten pages of color photos, plus many black-and-white drawings.

The most extensive line of basic pet information and training guides on the market, Barron's Complete Pet Owner's Manuals are written by experts, and profusely illustrated with full-color photos and instructive, high-quality line art. Each manual is individually written. Not one of Barron's Complete Pet Owner's Manuals is a clone from a single common catch-all book, with one or two chapters added on to make it appear new. Instead, each Barron's manual has been planned, designed, and written from scratch—always by an experienced breeder, trainer, veterinarian, or qualified expert. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Wonderful information & very thorough!
This book has loads of wonderful information!I am going to become a leader with a 4-H sheep club and it has lots of wonderful, valuable information!

Great for kids, prime candidate for free ebook!
A subtitle on the front cover claims this is a complete owner's manual. Well.....I guess the operative word is manual, not book or text.

Having said that, I must admit the booiklet would be a great gift idea for one's son or daughter, niece or nephew, or grandchild who might be considering sheep in a Future Farmer's of America (FFA) project or who might just be curious. Then, the prospective youth might whet his or her appetite sufficiently to choose a more complete book.

I did find the illustrations and photos to be helpful, but if the cost for such artwork resulted in shrinking the font size down to a barely legible size, then probably some of the pictures should be removed. Even many youth will have trouble reading such small type!

The booklet covers a lot of ground with brevity. Thus, it is a quick read,

However, although the potential for sheep raising for milk production is heavily promoted in the advertisement, our kind author does a great disservice regarding milking sheep on page 52:

"The teats of sheep are much smaller than those of cows and goats. This makes milking them harder because you can use only a couple of fingers rather than the entire hand (see colr photo on page 55). There is no point in describing in detail how to milk a sheep because it is a skill that must be acquired through practice."

Illustrations and photos and a bit of imagination could have seized a golden opportunity here. If it is that difficult to explain that is precisely what the author should have tried.

Although I did find the book not to be informative enough for me, I do think it would be a great e-book for a free download. Perhaps a short video clip could be included to show how sheep are milked. As such, the PDF could serve as a loss-leader in attracting readers to purchasing more complete books on sheep and livestock production.

Again, this book is best thought of as a FFA gift for teens interested in raising sheep on a small scale. Otherwise, surf the net for free information that can be gleaned in a couple of hours!

A GREAT book for beginners interested in purchasing sheep.
Would highly recommend this book to anyone who has no experience in the sheep industry.For the beginner who has yet to purchase sheep, it covers everything from how to make your first purchase, care and housing, feeding, illnesses, breeding, products of sheep and more.A small, inexpensive, yet informative book that will give the reader an idea of what sheep require in order to remain healthy.

Very Little Information about each subject.
I felt this book did not give enough information about the subjects they were to have special sections for.It gave just enough information on each subject to get many beginers in trouble.I bought the book for the special section on shearing.There was one paragraph and a referance page to see a picture the was not even on that page. This book was deffinatly a disapointment.

This is a User-Friendly Owners Manual
It doesn't get any better than this. My 4-H'ers can read this with ease and the parents of the kids are able to glean the information quickly for fast reference when something goes wrong. The language is plain & simple and the book is illustrated with several types of sheep. This is a must-have if you are thinking about getting a sheep. ... Read more

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Product Description
Join animal lover Jim Dunlop as he shares with you some of his comical animal experiences and his extensive expertise to show you how to get along with your natural neighbors. ... Read more

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Beautifully reproduces on sturdy cardboard in this accordian-style book are five ornaments displaying the most admired birds in America--the Blue Jay, Northern Cardinal, American Goldfinch, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, and Baltimore Oriole. Simply press out the ornaments from the book and, with the enclosed gold cord, hang them on a tree or in a windows at any time of the years. 6 panels.Amazon.com Review
Tied with a gold elastic cord, this sweet little "book" is really a set of five press-out ornaments, each a nicely painted depiction of a North American bird. Printed on heavy cardboard stock, the die-cut ornaments can be pressed out, tied with the gold cord, and hung on a tree or even from a window. When not in use, they fit right back into the book. Accompanying text describes the joys of bird watching and offers ideas on ways to get started in the hobby and how to attract birds to youryard. Each of the birds--the blue jay, the rose-breasted grosbeak, the northern cardinal, the Baltimore oriole, and the American goldfinch--also receives an informative identifying paragraph describing its habits, song, territory, and other pertinent facts. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Excellent for "bird-proofing" your windows!
Not only are these quite beautiful and inexpensive holiday ornaments, they turn out to be potentially life-saving decorations for your windows! I love birds and feed them to help them through the Autumn and Winter when their natural food sources are in short supply. But there are times when the light is "just right" (or wrong, depending upon your point of view) and windows become a perfect reflection of the outside world! It is a dreadful event when a bird hits a window. Since hanging an ornament in each of the windows in my living room months ago, I have neither heard that horrible *THUD!* nor observed any evidence of a bird hitting the windows. And these are Eastern U.S. birds in a West coast window, no less. These ornaments have the bird's image printed on both sides, BTW. Great results!! ... Read more