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The Owl and the Woodpecker: Encounters With North America's Most Iconic Birds | 
| Author: Paul Bannick
Creators: Tony Angell, Martyn Stewart
Publisher: Mountaineers Books
Category: Book
List Price: $24.95
Buy New: $15.00
You Save: $9.95 (40%)
New (15) Used (3) from $15.00
Rating:  13 reviews
Sales Rank: 80702
Media: Hardcover
Edition: Har/Com
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 200
Shipping Weight (lbs): 2.7
Dimensions (in): 9.8 x 8.8 x 0.3
ISBN: 159485095X
Dewey Decimal Number: 598.97097
EAN: 9781594850950
ASIN: 159485095X
Publication Date: October 31, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Product Description
Every wild place and urban area in North America hosts an owl or a woodpecker species, while healthy natural places often boast representatives of both. The diversity of these two families of birds, and the ways in which they define and enrich the ecosystems they inhabit, are the subject of this vivid new book by photographer and naturalist Paul Bannick. The Owl and the Woodpecker showcases a sense of these birds' natural rhythms, as well as the integral spirit of our wild places. Based on hundreds of hours in the field photographing these fascinating and wily birds, Bannick evokes all 41 North American species of owls and woodpeckers, across 11 key habitats. And by revealing the impact of two of our most iconic birds, Bannick has created a wholly unique approach to birding and conservation. *Perfect holiday book for all bird-watchers *An in-depth look at two of our most iconic--and important--bird species *Great for photography lovers, conservationists, and backyard enthusiasts alike *Includes a foreword by award-winning artist and writer Tony Angell
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| Customer Reviews: Read 8 more reviews...
Breathtaking action photogrpahy November 25, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
Seattle-based photojournalist Bannick's connection to the natural world is evident in this stunning collection of photographs. Obtaining these active images requires not only patience but also expertise in the homes and habits of his quarry. Bannick captures his subjects eating, nesting, hunting, courting, growing up and more.
Organized by geographic habitat, from "Pacific Coast Urban and Suburban Habitats" to "Arctic Tundra," Bannick covers all 41 species of owl and woodpecker. The text, while not scintillating, is clear and informative, providing a detailed life view of each bird and its relation to its environment, including other birds.
The cavities of pileated woodpeckers, for instance, are vital for the nesting of red-breasted nuthatches whose beaks aren't up to excavating their own. And the wells of yellow-bellied sapsucker feed ruby-throated hummingbirds.
The photographs are truly breathtaking. Bannick captures the birds in every aspect of their lives. Anyone with a love of wilderness and/or beauty will enjoy this book.
A Must Have For the Naturalist/bird lover, those who care about our world November 7, 2008
6 out of 8 found this review helpful
This book is in a class all its own. I have purchased and read dozens of books about birds, and this being about my two favorite species, made it a must have. The photographs are beyond spectacular. He has proven himself to be a patient photographer, getting images that can only be captured, because of hours (if not days and weeks) on each subject. The writing proves that the author is an artist, not only with his camera, but also with his pen. It is an informative book, written in a engaging and lively fashion. He writes with the passion that so many of us share, for not only the birds we love, but the natural world, that needs our protection. You don't want to put it down. This book is truly a masterpiece, filled with nuggets of information, and seasoned with humor. After all my years of birding, I discovered, I still have much to learn about these special birds, and their communities.
The CD recording is wonderful, and engaging. Each bird is introduced in a soft spoken manner, and does not disrupt the flow of studying the voices of each bird. The background sounds, makes it seem you can actually close your eyes and go to that forest, tundra, or grassland, and see not only the focal bird, but the other birds in the near distance. Martyn Stewart did an exceptional job.
I cannot wait for more work from these two. I just hope they have another project in mind.
I highly recommend this book!The Owl and the Woodpecker: Encounters With North America's Most Iconic Birds
A terrific photographic and scientific birding book November 4, 2008
4 out of 6 found this review helpful
I expected a photo book--you know--lots of great images and some text. I did not expect an expert, detailed and eminently readable treatise on these magnificent, gorgeously illustrated birds and their habitats.....and a CD! So, not only does the reader get to see terrific images, but also learns a great deal through reading, listening and looking. In particular Bannick's love of natural habitats and his sense of urgency about preservation comes through. The writing is beautiful, succinct and cogent
I've done quite of bit of nature photography and I can fully appreciate the untold thousands of hours that went into this book--the effort clearly shows.
Highly recommended for birders of all stripes, nature lovers and those interested in the natural world. In particular, I think that young people would be drawn to the combination of great images and educational material.
A unique and personal glimpse at amazing birds November 3, 2008
3 out of 5 found this review helpful
I recently purchased the book "The Owl and The Woodpecker: Encounters with North America's Most Iconic Birds". Although I generally never write reviews about even noteworthy books, I couldn't let this one escape without comment. The photography unquestionably provides some of the most stunning images of wildlife that I've yet to see. Examples include a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker following the flight of a wasp and a Snowy Owl in flight as she returns to her awaiting brood. Perhaps my favorite is the startled look of a fledgling Boreal Owl as it finds itself on the forest floor. The clarity and composition of each photograph attest to the author's incredible patience and attention to even the smallest detail.
After perusing the photos, I was finally able to turn my attention to the text. The introduction gives a glimpse into what has obviously been a life-long passion for the author. The following chapters provide unique facets of behavior and habitat on members of both families that is both specific and yet flows in a very readable format.
I can only imagine the hours of exhaustive research and patient waiting that must have gone in to capturing each subject in its natural environment. Paul Bannick gives each of his readers a very rare and personal glimpse at the natural behavior of these magnificent birds. No matter what your level of expertise, this book will not disappoint and comes with the highest of recommendations.
 I'll be suggesting "The Owl and the Woodpecker" to readers of my own books and newsletters October 30, 2008
2 out of 3 found this review helpful
You don't have to love nature to appreciate the photographs of owls and woodpeckers surprisingly intimate settings like the one on page 43. You don't have to imagine a bird with a bill like chopsticks removing an egg from a hole in a tree--it's on page 52. You don't have to wonder where to find Flammulated owls catching moths--see page 63.
After leafing through the many unusual photographs, try the text. Tidbits Bannick learned on his travels to photograph these birds and snippets of natural history about the birds accent his explanation of the roles these iconic species play in our ecosystems, including our urban and suburban places. Thoughtfully, the author provides information for both the novice and the more expert observer.
For those who are not fortunate enough to have observed these creatures over hours or days, Bannick offers what you might have experienced had you been at the right place, at the right time, for a long time. An unexpected highlight of this offering is the CD of Martyn Stewart's recordings. Delightfully clear recordings of the calls each species of owl and both calls and drumming of each woodpecker are included.
Treat yourself this winter. And treat your friends. I'll be suggesting "The Owl and the Woodpecker" to readers of my own books and newsletters.
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