Those seeking to understand fungi have, for the most part, had only two resources available: field guides to edible mushrooms, or graduate level textbooks. 

Now, with the publication of The Kingdom of Fungi by Jens H. Petersen, we have a beautifully illustrated source of information about the phylogeny, ecology, and biology of these fascinating and important organisms.

Richard Crossley shows us the next step in the evolution of bird identification guides.  If you love raptors this new guide belongs in your library.

Katrina van Grouw, in her newly published THE UNFEATHERED BIRD, has given bird lovers a gorgeous new atlas to guide us to a far more intimate understanding and appreciation of birds than has been possible for all but those who have the freedom to rummage through museum collections.

 Petrels, Albatrosses & Storm Petrels of North America,  Steve N. G. Howell, Princeton University Press, 2012.

Tubenoses are tough. The members of this order of highly pelagic seabirds offer birders one of their thorniest identification challenges because they are all similarly shaped and colored, and because most of us don’t get to see them very often. If you want to learn seabirds, you will want this gorgeous new identification guide.

A Field Guide to the Birds of New Zealand,  Julian Fitter and Don Merton,  Princeton University Press, 2011

If you are planning a trip to New Zealand, this is the guide to bring with you.

 May I assume, gentle reader, that you have at least a passing interest in birds? Or that you know someone who does? If you are in a quandary about what to give to the birders/naturalists in your life, fret no more. Here are my holiday gift suggestions for 2011.

The birding fanatics and engineers at Swarovski have been acting as if their hair is on fire. More accurately – they seem to be channeling Steve Jobs. Introducing one great product after another, Swarovski has been doubling down its bets on the premise that greatness creates its own market.

 Review: Swarovski EL 10x50 SV Binocular

For you 10x devotees I have some good news and some bad news. First the good news. Swarovski has added a 10x50 model to its incredible EL SV line. The bad news? If you look through them you will never be content with your current binoculars again, so don’t look or get ready to shell out some shekels.

The best reason to read Safina is that he is a polymath. He is a scientist, a conservationist, a fisherman, a chef d’fish, a bird watcher, a jazz afficionado, a traveller, a curmudgeon, and an optimist.

 
We love finding nests but rarely pay attention to how they are built. “Avian Architecture” will magnify your sense of wonder. The book is chockablock full of detail presented in a very accessible way.