Into the Nest: Intimate Views of the Courting, Parenting and Family Lives of Birds

Erickson (101 Ways to Help Birds) and photographer Read (Secret Lives of Common Birds) team up to describe in words and photos the courting, mating, nesting, and parenting styles of nearly 50 bird species found throughout North America. Each species description includes such information as %E2%80%9CFamily Secrets,%E2%80%9D %E2%80%9CFlight Paths,%E2%80%9D and %E2%80%9COn the Menu,%E2%80%9D providing insights into migration patterns, food consumption, and little-known species-specific facts. Did you know that Mallard ducklings can walk and swim within hours of hatching? That female raptors are larger than their male counterparts, because females most often protect the nest? Or that Great Horned Owls are surprisingly tender with their mates and young? These fascinating avian facts (and many more) will keep both experienced birders and the backyard variety enthralled as they peruse the beautifully photographed pages of this book, which is produced in association with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. The book also contains helpful maps of breeding cycles, a resource list, and a glossary. (Mar.)