Book Description
While observing a family group of elephants in the wild, Caitlin O'Connell, a young field scientist, noticed a peculiar listening behavior. A matriarch she had been watching for months turned her massive head and lifted her foot off the ground. As she scanned the horizon, the other elephants followed suit, all facing the same direction. O'Connell soon made a groundbreaking discovery: the elephants were "listening through limbs," feeling the ripples of the earth's surface for approaching friends and enemies. Through their feet, toenails, trunks, and other, subtler modes of communication, these enormous animals were communicating to one another, demonstrating the vital importance of social relationships in their lives.
Yet this grand revelation about the intelligence of wild animals is also a story of the relationship between humans and elephants as neighbors, vying for the same resources of an increasingly crowded continent. For when O'Connell was first contracted by the Namibian government to develop new methods to deter elephants from raiding villagers' crops, she was unprepared for what she would encounter -- political upheaval, tribal disputes, inhumane poachers, and a fundamentally ineffective approach to wildlife conservation. Despite these setbacks, she came to know and love each of the fascinating, unique elephants under her watchful eye, while at the same time witnessing a change in attitude and policy, providing hope for the elephant's future.
An unforgettable journey of scientific discovery, The Elephant's Secret Sense takes you deep into the wilds of Namibia, from the tops of isolated, desert observation towers to the jaws and claws of ravenous lions to aerial expeditions and dusty highways, where the naturalists do their difficult work in a troubled land threatened by expanding human populations and unstable politics. Resonant with the powerful calls of the mysterious elephant, this is a story about the resilience of nature and the inspiring, astonishing, and often heartbreaking places where humans and wild animals come together.
Customer Reviews:
Not Animals in Translation..........2007-05-20
I was expecting a book similar to Temple Grandin's Animals in Translation. Unfortunately, this book is very much unlike that book. I expected the bulk of this book to focus specifically on elephant communication, but that is not the case. Much time is spent on African conservation in general and the history of certain African areas where she was stationed. When I bought the book, it was not to read about local tribes or their politics, it was to read about elephant communication. Not saying the other topics aren't interesting, but if I wanted to read about those, I would have bought a book specifically on that. Making things worse, her style of writing is very disjointed and skips around.
There are not many books that I don't finish reading, but this was one of them. I was very much looking forward to reading this book based on the reviews. Not sure why there was such a disconnect. Maybe it's expectations. If you are expecting a more in-depth book specifically on elephant communication, with lots of scientific detail, this isn't it.
Who Knew Elephants Hear With Their Toes!.......2007-05-13
Anyone who is interested in African elephants and their rich and amazing lives will find this an interesting read. Caitlin has added hugely to the body of knowledge about Elephant communication. It is part adventure story, as most intrepid young scientists who venture into Africa for their PHD theses discover. It tells of the beauty and terror and difficulties of this most diverse land and her rich wildlife.
Caitlin's book tells of her discoveries, elephant communication research, years of working with people in the Caprivi region to combat Elephant/Human conflict as well as her memorable times in hides stalked by lion and all the other adventures.
The book is well written for the most part, does lose some momentum toward the end of the book but this would appraer to be editing rather than Caitlin's writing. I thoroughly reccomend it.
A must for animal lovers, host of Animal Tails.......2007-04-28
An intricate balance exists between humans and nature that undergirds even the most basic experiences. Ecological researcher, Caitlin O'Connell has spent her professional life exploring the lesser-known aspects of this relationship through her study of elephant behavior in sub-Saharan Africa, shedding light on their value within society and promoting the need for continued conservation and outreach. In THE ELEPHANT'S SECRET SENSE: The Hidden Life of the Wild Herds of Africa , O'Connell uncovers the fascinating and complex communication system of elephants, and conveys the deeper importance of this astounding discovery on modern African society.
An absolute page-turner.......2007-04-06
This book is a fascinating look into the world of elephants and the scientists who study them. I was humbled by Caitlin O'Connell's courageous, intelligent, and compassionate approach to working with these complex animals and the people who must learn to share the land with them.
An astounding achievement and truly riveting story.......2007-03-16
I read this whole book from start to finish on a series of flights that I took recently and I was totally taken with the story and the science behind it. I couldn't put it down and I haven't read a book in 10yrs! From a phenomenal underlying technological journey merges the principles of many scientific disciplines ranging from zoology, biology, acoustics, geophysics, chemistry, mechanics, electronics, mathematics, not to mention anthropology.
As a physicist, I loved the explanation of acoustic coupling and aliasing, a very impressive bridge, making connections between fundamental processes that are essential in tying together a very complex phenomenon.
There were tragic elements to the story that were horrific and left me in tears, but at the same time, a remarkable account of caring and human bonding. Congratulations to the author. I can't wait for her next book!
Book Description
I don't know if people will ever be able to talk to animals the way Doctor Doolittle could, or whether animals will be able to talk back. Maybe science will have something to say about that. But I do know people can learn to "talk" to animals, and to hear what animals have to say, better than they do now. --From Animals in Translation
Why would a cow lick a tractor? Why are collies getting dumber? Why do dolphins sometimes kill for fun? How can a parrot learn to spell? How did wolves teach man to evolve? Temple Grandin draws upon a long, distinguished career as an animal scientist and her own experiences with autism to deliver an extraordinary message about how animals act, think, and feel. She has a perspective like that of no other expert in the field, which allows her to offer unparalleled observations and groundbreaking ideas.
People with autism can often think the way animals think, putting them in the perfect position to translate "animal talk." Grandin is a faithful guide into their world, exploring animal pain, fear, aggression, love, friendship, communication, learning, and, yes, even animal genius. The sweep of Animals in Translation is immense and will forever change the way we think about animals.
*includes a Behavior and Training Troubleshooting Guide
Among its provocative ideas, the book:
argues that language is not a requirement for consciousness--and that animals do have consciousness applies the autism theory of "hyper-specificity" to animals, showing that animals and autistic people are so sensitive to detail that they "can't see the forest for the trees"--a talent as well as a "deficit" explores the "interpreter" in the normal human brain that filters out detail, leaving people blind to much of the reality that surrounds them--a reality animals and autistic people see, sometimes all too clearlyexplains how animals have "superhuman" skills: animals have animal geniuscompares animals to autistic savants, declaring that animals may in fact be autistic savants, with special forms of genius that normal people do not possess and sometimes cannot even see examines how humans and animals use their emotions to think, to decide, and even to predict the future reveals the remarkable abilities of handicapped people and animals maintains that the single worst thing you can do to an animal is to make it feel afraid
Customer Reviews:
Fascinating and practical........2007-08-24
I am a one-to-one teacher for a teenager with Aspergers and my husband and I are also farmers. I have learned more about how it must feel to live with Aspergers from this book than any text book I have previously read. This book has had a profound impact on my understanding and empathy as a teacher and friend.
I have also been fascinated with the reasoning behind animal behaviors within their own environment. This book has given me concrete information that I can use and helped to explain why my gut feeling in certain instances with animals actually has a factual basis.
The "light-bulb" moments in this book have been continual from cover to cover. This book will stay in my personal library permanently.
Excellent Book for Pet Owners.......2007-08-14
I started reading this book out of curiosity, but it turned out to be serendipitous. Our older dog had recently died at 14, and we didn't realize that our younger dog had concluded that she was now the alpha dog until I started seeing her newly problematic behaviors (including lots of growling at people, which she never did before) on the pages of this book. I used the theories I read about to demonstrate to her that I was the dominant one, and within a few weeks, the problem was gone.
Aside from this practical use, I found the book extremely interesting and often funny.
Animals in Translation.......2007-07-16
Animals in Translation is an amazing book. This book states that by looking at human autism, we can better under animals, the way they think, the way they behave, and how they see the world. The author is an animal scientist who works primarily with slaughter houses. She is also autistic.
Before reading this book, I had very little comprehension about the way that autistic people see the world. I simply had no idea that seeing the world in a visual way was that much different than the way that I think. I now see that this different way of thinking has a lot of really interesting benefits, particularly when it comes to understanding other visual thinkers like the animals around us. As I read this book, I started to comprehend how much detail in life we normally ignore. So much of what we need to understand animals is simply looking at life from their perspective, both literally and figuratively speaking.
Informative and intuitive.......2007-07-03
I picked up this book for two reasons: I am a health care professional who deals extensively with children on the autistic spectrum, and at the same time a boggled owner of a very fearful pekingese mix whom I had adopted from a rescue shelter. Who would've known there was a great overlap in understanding both populations? This was a wonderful, enlightening book that I couldn't put down once I started reading. It was thoroughly engrossing, understanding animals and sensory-processing challenged children from the view who has intimate knowledge of their plight. This is an informative, intuitive book that analyzes behaviors in animals and people with autism, gives meaning to them, and makes them understandable to us.
This is a great read for people who deal with persons with autism behaviors, for people who love animals, and for all who would like to delve deeper in to our human - and animal, and autistic-like - natures.
Must read.......2007-05-30
Lots of information about human and animal emotions and behavior. Easy to read.
Book Description
Since its original publication in 1993, The Safari Companion has been the best field guide to observing and understanding the behavior of African mammals. An indispensable tool for naturalists traveling to Africa, this new edition has been revised to acknowledge the enthusiasm to those watching these magnificent animals at zoos and wildlife parks, and on film. The Safari Companion enables readers to recognize and interpret visible behavioral activities, such as courtship rituals, territorial marking, aggression, and care of young. Each account of over 80 species includes a behavioral table in which the unique actions of the hoofed mammals, carnivores, and primates are described for easy reference. In addition, useful maps show the major national boundaries, vegetation zones, and game parks relevant to the guide. The book includes an extensive glossary, as well as tips on wildlife photography, a list of organizations working to protect African wildlife, and advice on where and when to see the animals.
Customer Reviews:
Well Written, by and Expert.......2007-07-19
I just returned from Tanzania, and used this book while on Safari in Serengetti, Ngorongoro crater, Lake Manyara, and Tarangire.
The main strength of the book is the high level overview given to game viewing in the beginning and at the beginning of each animal section. Without some background in behavioral biology it is tough to watch the animals and find it interesting for too long. After reading the opening to this book I was able to take much more from watching big herds of grazers than the tourists I was with.
Richard Estes is clearly an expert in the field, but he writes in a fashion that is easy to understand for a layman. He also gives some personalization to his accounts, giving personal tips for a good game drive.
The only issue with the book is that it is sometimes difficult to match the behavior of the animals in the field to the book in the limited time that is available on safari, so I would suggest that anyone interested read the sections about the animals they expect to see before the safari, and have those pages marked for reference during the game drive.
Excellent Safari Companion.......2007-03-08
This book was an engrossing and wonderful read as we undertook the Safari.
It provided insight into the behavior and special characteristics of each animal that we saw, and made the sightings much more interesting than just the identification of each species.
Recommended highly!
In my experience, this isn't very useful.......2007-02-26
I've been to Tanzania's national parks twice, and watched a lot of game in both the popular and the less-crowded parks. Estes came with me the first time, based on my interest in the animals and reviewers' comments found here; and this last time I took along the (copied) pages for a dozen or so animals (zebras, elephants, wildebeest, giraffes, etc).
His work is certainly interesting and I fully expected it would be a useful Safari Companion. But it hasn't lived up to expectations.
I know I've been fortunate to have guides who were very knowledgable: getting us into interesting situations, pointing out behavior and being able to answer lots of questions. In the evening, though, I've often checked to see what Estes might have to say about what we'd seen; and, typically, I didn't learn anything new. That, by itself, doesn't justify leaving Estes behind. But with few exceptions, fairly careful reading of Estes beforehand didn't prepared me to "see" behavior that might otherwise have been missed over the course of 5 weeks of game watching. I'm certain it's not that the behavior Estes describes doesn't occur; it's just that we tourists rarely have the opportunity to observe animals for long enough periods for it to happen!
After my second trip, I got a copy of "The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals" and I might take it along next time as a close substitute for Estes. For very easy identification of the common animals and birds of East Africa, however, I'll continue to rely on Withers and Hosking, "Wildlife of East Africa" in preference to the "National Audubon Society Field Guide to ..." (which I also own).
Not for the average safari .......2007-01-09
This is a great book for people that want to know about all the variations of antelope, birds etc. If you're looking to go on your first safari and will be amazed by the sight of your first lion, this book is overkill for you.
If you're well educated on animal species, this is a good book for you.
The Safari Companion.......2006-08-21
Excellent safari companion showing various animals and describing them, their habitat, etc. Recommended for anyone going on safari.
Amazon.com's Best of 2001
From the creator of the seminal field guide, The Sibley Guide to Birds, comes another indispensable book for bird watchers. This veritable bible to the world of birds is the collaborative effort of 48 expert birders and biologists, who combine scientific accuracy and detail with an easily readable and well-organized format. How does a tiny chickadee survive subzero temperatures? How do flocks of birds synchronize their flights? How can an albatross cross miles of ocean without flapping its wings? Which bird brains are actually intelligent? It's all here in essays giving an overview of avian evolution, biology, and the aerodynamics of flight and in chapters devoted to the 80 bird families of North America, each one detailing taxonomy, habitats, feeding, breeding, vocalizations, migrations, and more. Concerned about declining populations, Sibley also discusses the conservation status of each species and the factors that threaten them. This fascinating source of information is destined to be a well-thumbed companion. -- Lesley Reed
Book Description
“Once in a great while, a natural history book changes the way people look at the world. In 1838, John ames Audubon’s Birds of America was one...In 1934, Roger Tory Peterson produced Field Guide to the Birds...Now comes The Sibley Guide to Birds.”
Thus did The New York Times, in 1999, greet David Allen Sibley’s monumental book, which has quickly been established nationwide as the peerless, standard bird identification guide.
The Sibley Guide to Bird Life and Behavior is the new landmark book from David Allen Sibley. Designed to enhance the birding experience and to enrich the popular study of North American birds, the book combines more than 795 of his full-color illustrations with authoritative text by 48 expert birders and biologists. In this new guide Sibley takes us beyond identification, to show us how birds live and what they do.
Introductory essays outline the principles of avian evolution, life cycle, body structure, flight dynamics, and more. The 80 family-by-family chapters describe the amazing range of behavior dictated by birds’ biology and environment. Among the subjects covered and illustrated are:
--molts and plumages
--habitats
--food and foraging
--vocalizations and displays
--courtship and breeding
--rearing of young
--migration and movements
--scientific groupings
--introduced species
--accidental species
--anatomy
--flight patterns
--nests and eggs
--conservation
--global distribution
Accessibly written, superbly designed and organized, and brilliantly illustrated, The Sibley Guide to Bird Life and Behavior is an indispensable source of information on the avian life around us.
Customer Reviews:
Another Gem.......2007-07-28
Like all the Sibley books, this is comprehensive and well-written. A necessary and welcomed addition to any birder's library.
An informative book........2007-01-11
This is a useful book about bird behavior written by a true expert. It's a bit like a textbook the way it approaches broad topics and discusses various aspects.
Like any textbook, I suppose, if you go into this book with a specific question and hope for a specific answer, you may not find it. However, if you were trying to write a school report or something you would certainly find lots of useful tidbits of information in the general area of your topic.
I'd say that rather than thinking of this as a reference book, you should think of it as background reading, to be taken in small doses, for the above-and-beyond birding enthusiast.
From the perspective of a non-birder..........2006-08-24
I'm not a birder, though it seems like an interesting hobby. But I just look at the birds at the feeders and birdbath in the back yard and think, "I wonder what that one is?" So, I bought "The Sibley Guide to Birds" (which is outstanding) on the recommendation of a birder friend, and that led me to this book.
On the one hand, it's a long, dense, scientific work. The years of effort and study that went into it is astounding.
On the other hand, it's an extremely entertaining set of answers to all of those "Why do they do that?" questions that come up when you're watching birds. For example, why do bird knees seem to bend backward? Well, they don't; the knee is close to the bird's body, and what seems to be a backward knee is actually the bird's ankle. The birds are in effect walking around on their tip toes.
If hundreds of pages of information like that, coupled with beautiful illustrations and great maps, all wrapped in an easy-to-use organizational scheme sounds interesting and useful, then get this book.
For a non-birder like me, it's probably more information than I really need, but I found it fascinating.
The Sibley Guide to Bird Life & Behavior.......2006-08-08
Includes all the information our other guides - Audubon, Peterson's, the other Sibley's Guide -- have left undescribed. Devotes many pages for further study of bird species and sub-species.
Instructive, engrossing, delightful .......2006-05-04
Have you ever wondered how an owl navigates in the dark? Why the whip-poor-will has bristles around its mouth? How the kingfisher teaches its young to dive for fish? How the woodpecker can keep up all that drumming without getting a concussion?
If you have observed a phoebe building a neat cup-shaped nest on a ledge under a roof overhang, or if you have watched a green heron using bait to attract fish, you must have felt an urge to learn more about these creatures. How intelligent are they? Or do they just "follow their instincts"?
This book will answer most of your questions - whether you are an avid bird watcher or a curious novice; and where there are no definite answers, a number of working hypotheses are suggested.
The beautiful water color illustrations by David Sibley show the birds in characteristic postures and hone in on diagnostically important features; and the individual chapters by various authors on bird biology, evolution, classification, behavior, migration, habitats, populations and conservation are illuminating.
Recent DNA studies have shed new light on hybridization and mating systems and have led to some revisions in species and family classification. There is also a very helpful glossary: if you just want to browse, this may be a good place to start. Before you know it, you will be hooked; and every time you open this book you'll come upon new insights that will astonish and delight you.
Average customer rating:
- well worth the time
- good info
- Groundbreaking book
- Difficult to read
- Contemporary Human Behavior Theory: A Critical Perspective f
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Contemporary Human Behavior Theory: A Critical Perspective for Social Work (2nd Edition)
Susan P. Robbins ,
Pranab Chatterjee , and
Edward R. Canda
Manufacturer: Allyn & Bacon
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Similar Items:
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American Social Welfare Policy: A Pluralist Approach (5th Edition)
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Direct Social Work Practice: Theory and Skills (with InfoTrac®)
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Social Work Macro Practice (4th Edition)
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Ego Psychology and Social Work Practice: 2nd Edition
ASIN: 0205408168 |
Book Description
This new book is the first to approach the subject from a comparative theory perspective, including coverage of contemporary knowledge theories as well as traditional theories. A consistent framework for analysis is provided for all of the theoretical systems that are covered. This book encourages readers to develop critical thinking skills in analyzing and comparing theories, and includes contemporary developments in traditional lifespan theory, theories of political economy, and a separate chapter on transpersonal theory (Chapter 12). The book includes explicit content on spirituality, oppression, and social justice. Each chapter includes coverage of the research that supports a particular theory, as well as an analysis of the validity of that research; each chapter also includes a discussion of "Contemporary Issues." The last chapter, Chapter 13, provides a case example demonstrating how the various theories can be applied to a single case. Social workers, therapists, and psychologists.
Customer Reviews:
well worth the time.......2007-01-08
This book is an outstanding overview of a huge range of social theory/human behavior theory. It is true that some of the chapters are challenging, but I felt this was because the authors truly presented well-thought out, exhaustive synopses of each theory. This book not only was clear in presenting information about theories I was unfamiliar with in an effective way, but also presented interesting insights and great review of theories that I was already very familiar with. Considering how much is information is covered in this text density is to be expected, but it is well worth it!
good info.......2006-02-26
the book has good information and is very throrough, but chapters are wordy and could probably be condensed. overall, the book is of good quality.
Groundbreaking book.......2002-04-27
This is a truly comprehensive theory textbook that covers complex theories in a manner that makes them accessible to the reader. The authors are to be applauded for making a critical analysis of theory a central component of each chapter and for including theories that most other textbooks have ignored.
Difficult to read.......2001-10-02
This book is extremely challenging to get through and understand. I was lost a great deal of the time and did not learn what I had hoped. I appreciate the inclusion of the spiritual aspects of theories in the book, but the authors seemed to forget about teaching in an understandable manner.
Contemporary Human Behavior Theory: A Critical Perspective f.......2000-01-22
This book pioneers in integrating theory about spiritual development into a human behavior text. In recent years the profession of social work has become aware of the importance of addressing spirituality with clients, but few social workers have been trained in formal theory about spiritual development. This book is one of the few which provides this content; thus it is a critical text for use in social work Human Behavior courses. The Council on Social Work Education has included spirituality in its latest curriculum guidelines, and this text provides a way to incorporate spirituality into social work education.
Average customer rating:
- Concise, clear reference
- A perfect introduction
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Measuring Behaviour
Paul Martin , and
Patrick Bateson
Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
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Similar Items:
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Animal Behavior: An Evolutionary Approach, Eighth Edition
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Animal Behavior: An Evolutionary Approach
ASIN: 0521446147 |
Book Description
Measuring Behaviour is a guide to the principles and methods of quantitative studies of behavior, with an emphasis on techniques of direct observation, recording, and analysis. In the new edition, all sections have been updated and revised, particularly those dealing with the technology of recording behavior, and there are new sections on regression and multivariate statistics. As with the first edition, the authors strive for brevity and clarity of presentation.
Customer Reviews:
Concise, clear reference.......2000-08-10
This is a fantastic book for anyone interested in the study of human or non-human behavior in lab or field settings. The authors pack nothing but the vital basics in this guide. They cover topics such as research design (sample sizes) and data analysis (parametric vs. nonparametric stats). Reading this book is a great use of your time if you're considering research on animal behavior.
A perfect introduction.......2000-05-28
This book is a perfect introduction to the field of behavioral data collection. I purchased this book for my first behavioral study of captive primates and it was extremely helpful. If you have never conducted research in this area, this book is a must have.
Book Description
This new edition of Animal Behavior has been completely rewritten with coverage of much recent work in animal behavior, resulting in a thoroughly up-to-date text. Notable is the inclusion, for the first time, of discussion questions embedded in the text itself, rather than appended to the end of each chapter. This format is designed to encourage students to reflect on the material they have just digested while also making it easier for instructors to promote a problem-solving approach to the subject in their classes. Another key organizational improvement is the consolidation of what had been two separate chapters on the genetic and environmental influences on development. By combining this material, the new Chapter 3 makes a stronger, more tightly argued case for the view that development is a truly interactive process codependent on both genetic and environmental factors.
Like previous editions, the book shows how evolutionary biologists analyze all aspects of behavior. It is distinguished by its balanced treatment of both the underlying mechanisms and evolutionary causes of behavior, and stresses the utility of evolutionary theory in unifying the different behavioral disciplines. Important concepts are explained by reference to key illustrative studies; examples are drawn evenly from studies of invertebrates and vertebrates, and are supported by nearly 1,300 reference citations. The writing style is clear and engaging: beginning students have no difficulty following the material, despite the strong conceptual orientation of the text.
Throughout, the author keeps the essence of the scientific enterprise clearly in front of the student reader. The text stresses the role of theory and hypothesis-testing in doing science. The book also emphasizes the tentative nature of scientific conclusions, and it identifies controversial and unresolved issues.
Customer Reviews:
Perfect condition, speedy delivery.......2007-02-20
The book came shrink wrapped in perfect condition. Speedy delivery. No complaints.
Fun and Educational.......2007-02-19
This was a textbook for a class and it is as fun and easy to read as a textbook can be. Lots of good pictures and examples.
Book of examples and studies; great for animal behavior.......2006-12-13
While I expected this book (and my course) to be a book of concepts and theories, they are actually filled with examples of field studies, lab studies, etc. This makes the book actually enjoyable to read, if you have any interest in animal behavior. The writer is an evolutionary biologist himself, and he makes this clear when he explicitly compares his opinions to other biologists' opinions. The images of the author's thumb as a mating object by a bee were also amusing. Like another reviewer mentioned, this book is fun, and can -almost- be read for fun.
Great book.......2006-12-02
The reviewer that only gave this book 2 stars is dead wrong, in my opinion. It's sectioned off by topic, then it goes in depth with actual field studies and examples to explain why a particular animal behaviour is what it is, and usually from an ultimate and proximate viewpoint. Very easy to read and follow, lots of pictures and graphs, which helped keep my brain stimulated. I will be keeping this book in my personal library for future reference.
Poorly organized.......2005-12-08
Very poorly organized. Focuses on case studies (like pages and pages about vole hormones and a whole chapter on bird song) rather than concepts. The writing style is decent, but it's not very comprehensive or clear, and the author makes some mistakes (he misinterprets a critical graph when discussing hyena hormones and ends up with a bad conclusion. My teacher knows he screwed it up because she wrote the paper he cites incorrectly).
The only reason this doesn't get 1 star is that my teacher says that, while it is quite bad, there are no better alternatives.
Book Description
Listen to birds sing as you've never listened before, as the world-renowned birdsong expert Donald Kroodsma takes you on personal journeys of discovery and intrigue. Read stories of wrens and robins, thrushes and thrashers, warblers and whip-poor-wills, bluebirds and cardinals, and many more bird. Learn how each acquires its songs, how songs vary from bird to bird and place to place, how some birds' singing is especially beautiful or ceaseless or complex, how some do not sing at all, how the often quiet female has the last word, and why. Hear a baby wren and the author's own daughter babble as each learns its local dialect. Listen to the mockingbird by night and by day and count how many different songs he can sing. Marvel at the exquisite harmony in the duet of a wood thrush as he uses his two voice boxes to accompany himself. Feel the extraordinary energy in the songs just before sunrise as dawn's first light sweeps across this singing planet. Hear firsthand the unmistakable evidence that there are not one but two species of marsh wrens and two species of winter wrens in North America. Learn not only to hear but to see birds sing in the form of sonagrams, as these visual images dance across the pages while you listen to the accompanying CD. Using your trained ears and eyes, you can begin your own journeys of discovery. Listen anew to birds in your backyard and beyond, exploring the singing minds of birds as they tell all that they know. Join Kroodsma not only in identifying but in identifying with singing birds, connecting with nature's musicians in a whole new way.
Customer Reviews:
"Not least,for just being there and singing,I thank the birds themselves.".......2007-05-25
With over 1,000 "Bird Books" in my collection;it takes something real special to excite me. This book is such a special book. There are many books,records,tapes CD's and DVD'd that do an excellent job of teaching and describing bird songs so that with some practice you can recognize a large number of birds in the field.
Howerever,much more than showing a few ,typical songs of birds,so that you can recognize them when they call or sing;this book goes far deeper in showing you how to understand and appreciate bird song. There is much more to the song of a Chestnut-sided Warbler than the common "Pleased-pleased-pleased-to-MEETCHA." or the "whip-poor-Will" of the Whip-poor-will than one could ever imagine.In the case of the American Robin the author has found out how to tell one robin from another right in your own backyard. Obviously,it would take many years to learn and understand in detail all the songs of a large number of species as the author has done;but then he has studied birdsong for over 30 years and was recognized as "the reigning authority on the biology of avian vocal behavior"by the American Ornithologist's Union in 2003.
In this book,Kroodsma gives us the benefit of his vast knowledge,and it will certainly become "the book to have" for anyone who wants to give bird song serious study.His writing style is such that a very complicated subject can be understood and helpful;be the reader one who is a relative amateur or an extremely experienced birder.
One could almost start reading at any point in the book;but I would suggest,after the first chapter,turn to page 366,"Bird Sounds on the Compact Disc" and play the CD and follow the description for each track.You might even want to do do this a couple of times.
Another suggestion, once you have purused the book, would be to pick one of the birds the author has gone into detail with,and that are abundant near your home ,such as the American Robin,and really study the songs as the author explains.This can be done simply,as long as you don't try to get into advanced recording.A notepad,pen,seat and a cool drink will suffice.
At first glance this book might overwhelm you ;but don't let it.
I have two wonderful friends,sisters Joan and Gail,who I meet each spring at Point Pelee in Ontario. Joan was given this book by a friend,thought it was "too deep" for her;so she gave it to me. Thanks Joan,I love it.
An Excellent Book.......2007-04-04
I was looking for a book on bird song to give to a friend who is graduating from music school, and I bought the Kroodsma book on the recommendation of other Amazon reviewers, whom I can't thank enough for encouraging me to purchase this book. Having also purchased "Why Birds Sing" and "Birdsong: A Natural History" for my friend, I find that the Kroodsma is by far and away the better book, not only because it contains a cd, but because of the unique writing style that reflects a lifetime interest in and knowledge of the subject matter.
The Singing Life of Birds.......2007-01-10
A scientist's very personal record of the life and song of the great number of birds, including a CD with autor's recordings as well as the recordings of some of his colleagues. The extensive and interesting narrative is supplemented by many analyses of the structure of the bird's song. Author's interest and knowledge of music is reflected in comparing the birds' and human's music "appreciation". The sonagrams are shown in the text as well on the screen in their multifaceted form.
The Singing Life of Birds.......2007-01-10
Excellent service. Prompt shipping. The book is fascinating as is the accompanying CD. Would recommend to anyone with an interest in birds and wildlife.
out of this world!.......2006-07-30
One can only think the amount of knowledge Don has on bird sounds is in a different scale to the rest. But then he finds the way to transmit a good portion of it with simple and very easy to read stories and that becomes even more incredible. A very beautiful book in all senses.
Amazon.com
Paper or plastic? Cloth or disposable? Regular or organic? Every day, environmentally conscious consumers are faced with the overwhelming catch-22 of a capitalist society--reconciling the harm we do by consuming, while still providing ourselves and our families with the goods and services we need. It's enough to make a city dweller crazy. Fret no more! The Union of Concerned Scientists has put together a well-researched and eminently practical guide to the decisions that matter. The authors hope that the book will help you set priorities, stop worrying about insignificant things, and understand the real environmental impacts of household decisions. For instance, you may be surprised to learn that buying and eating meat and poultry is much more harmful to the environment than the packaging the meat is wrapped in, even if it's Styrofoam. This guide takes on both sides of the consumer-impact argument, goring sacred cows of the environmentalist movement (like the strident emphasis on recycling) and the industrialist perspective (like the relentless message to buy more, more, more). If you're confused and overwhelmed by all the environmental decision-making in the modern world, you'll find new inspiration in this book. --Therese Littleton
Book Description
From one of the most prestigious nonprofit organizations devoted to environmental issues comes a clear, practical, and rational overview of the relationship between consumers and the environment.
Paper or plastic? Bus or car? Old house or new? Cloth diapers or disposables? Some choices have a huge impact on the environment; others are of negligible importance. To those of us who care about our quality of life and what is happening to the earth, this is a vastly important issue. In these pages, the Union of Concerned Scientists help inform consumers about everyday decisions that significantly affect the environment. For example, a few major decisions--such as the choice of a house or vehicle--have such a disproportionately large affect on the environment that minor environmental infractions shrink by comparison.
This book identifies the 4 Most Significant Consumer-Related Environmental Problems, the 7 Most Damaging Spending Categories, 11 Priority Actions, and 7 Rules for Responsible Consumption. Learn what you can do to have a truly significant impact on our world from the people who are at the forefront of scientific research.
Customer Reviews:
EVERYONE should read this book.......2007-09-30
Impeccably researched, well-referenced, and very convincing. This book will convince the shrewdest skeptics. It focuses on high-impact habits, and doesn't harp on the little tiny details that don't make a big difference. A fantastic book; true to its title!
Some good ideas.......2007-08-23
This was purchased as a gift for someone who is very interested in the health of our environment. It is a good book for those who share that interest.
Short and practical .......2007-07-04
This short and practical guide tells us how we can make a difference in protecting our environment...and also tells us what behaviors do not.
It sheds a lot of insight on the topic, while also dispelling lots of myths concerning different options and choices available to today's consumer (paper or plastic?, cloth or disposable?, etc., etc.)
worth reading, but getting dated.......2007-04-24
This book is now a bit dated. The largest impact we make on the environment according to the authors is driving a car. What, in 2007, is the best environmental car choice, a hybrid (what happens when all these batteries die?) or a high mileage diesel that the European car makers are building?
Likewise, in home heating, now that there are tax credits for energy efficient home improvements, what is the most cost effective thing we can do that makes a difference?
I would like to read something a little more up to date on these topics, but this book was a good readable into to making good choices.
restating the obvious.......2007-04-10
Travel less, install more energy efficient appliances and lighting, get better gas mileage in you car, install better insulation in your house, eat less meat. That's most of the book, it does break things down to help you decide what choices make the most difference, but there is no groundbreaking information in here that will change your life. If you want to make an impact on your environmental footprint, you need to make sacrifices in your life, that's what it comes down to. The one thing I did learn was that heating a cup of water in the microwave uses less energy (less wasted heat) that on the stove. But much of the info in this book is interesting statistically, but not really that useful to the average consumer.
Book Description
In "Horses Never Lie," acclaimed horse trainer Mark Rashid breaks new ground by challenging the longstanding belief that a person must become the "alpa leader" in order to work with horses. Instead, "Horses Never Lie" teaches you how to become a "passive leader"—a reflection of the kind of horse other members of a herd choose to be around and to follow. It's a must read for all horse owners who care about their horses and the kind of relationship they have with them.
As he did in "Considering the Horse" and "A Good Horse Is Never a Bad Color," Rashid writes about his experiences with real horses, always featuring his sense of humor and an overriding compassion for the horse. His instructive anecdotes reach back to when he was a youngster under the mentorship of the "old man," and continue to his experiences today as a horse trainer and a popular clinician who has traveled the world to teach his remarkably effective methods to enthusiastic horse owners.
Customer Reviews:
Engaging Author.......2007-10-05
Mark Rashid's easy style of writing and his interesting personal stories made it hard for me to put the book down. So much of what he wrote really resonated with my own feelings about creating a partnership with my horse. His concept of passive leadership was described in a way that was easily recognizable in many personal situations of my own experiences. I am looking forward to reading more of Mark's books and have already ordered some. These are not the "training manuals" of other trainers and his experiences and approach makes me look forward to training my horse and building on the bond of friendship/partnership.
A wonderful book.......2007-09-03
I absolutely loved this book. I am so impressed with Mark's compassionate approach to working with horses. He is a master of behavioral psychology, using reinforcement principles to extinguish bad behaviors and then shape the positive behaviors he is looking for from a horse. This requires the ability to be able to really observe the horse and to never react out of frustration or anger. I recently started riding again after a 27 year absence and found myself wondering what kind of a relationship I could expect to have with a horse. This book helped me see that most horses do bond with people who are compassionate, consistent and thoughtful. Even though I ride English, I feel this book has helped me to be a better rider because I am being more observant and making sure I reward my horse by "relieving the pressure" when he gives me what I want. This book is a pleasure to read and very informative about Mark's philosophy of horsemanship.
This is an awesome book!!.......2007-08-23
I had great difficulty putting this book down. The personal stories Mark writes about pulls you right in. And I finally understood how to be
quiet and find the slightest try. It just clicked with me. I highly
recommend this book and can't wait to read his others!
horse human relationships.......2007-06-18
Mark Rashid shows other ways to fill in your relationship with horses. Sometimes having a dig at other 'natural horsmanship' guru's like Robertson or Parelli. I think this book is a must and an addition for all those who seek to improve their relationship with and understanding of the horse. Lovely book, reads like a novel but has great depth. Strongly recommended.
Chicken Soup for the Horsepersons Soul.......2007-05-12
This book is not only filled with wonderful stories, but also plenty of sage advice. It is less a course in horse training, and more a wonderful book of short stories that describe a horse behavior, along with the typcial method of dealing with it, and then the "old mans" method of dealing with it. I agree with most everyone here, and read the entire book from cover to cover before putting it down. It is just a great read, and if you are open to suggestions, it gives you plenty of ideas of new things to try with horses that sometimes seem to have issues we can't figure out.
Books:
- The End of Days: Armageddon and Prophecies of the Return (The Earth Chronicles)
- The Nature of Consciousness : The Structure of Reality: Theory of Everything Equation Revealed : Scientific Verification and Proof of Logic God Is
- The Norse Tarot: Gods, Sagas and Runes from the Lives of the Viking/Book and Cards
- The Politically Incorrect Guide to Global Warming (and Environmentalism)
- The Principles of Clinical Cytogenetics
- The Quickie
- The River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt's Darkest Journey
- The Science of Success: How to Attract Prosperity and Create Harmonic Wealth Through Proven Principles
- The Web of Life: A New Scientific Understanding of Living Systems
- The Well-Connected Dog: A Guide to Canine Acupressure
Books Index
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