Field Guide to the Natural World of New York City

by Leslie Day, Michael R. Bloomberg (Foreword), Mark A. Klingler (Illustrator)

"This little gem fills you in on everything finned, furred, feathered, or leafed, and how to find it, in all five boroughs."― House and Garden Second place for scholarly/reference books (design), Bookbinders' Guild of New York 2008 New York Book Show. New York just might be the most biologically diverse city in temperate America. The five boroughs sit atop one of the most naturally rich sites in North America, directly under the Atlantic migratory flyway, at the mouth of a 300-mile-long river, and on three islands―Manhattan, Staten, and Long. Leslie Day, a New York City naturalist, reveals this amazing world in her Field Guide to the Natural World of New York City . Combining the stunning paintings of Mark A. Klingler with a variety of photographs and maps, this book is a complete guide for the urban naturalist―with tips on identifying the city's flora and fauna and maps showing the nearest subway stop. Here is your personal guide to the real wild side of America’s largest city. Throw it in your backpack, hop on the subway, and explore.

Genres: Nature, Nonfiction, New York, Science Nature, Science

356 pages, Paperback

First published October 19, 2007

About the author

Inspired by nature and her vibrant city since childhood, Leslie Day, author of the books Field Guide to the Natural World of New York City, Field Guide to the Street Trees of New York City, Field Guide to the Neighborhood Birds of New York City, Honeybee Hotel, and now her fifth book published this year: River – A Hudson Memoir learned about the great biodiversity of the city from living on a houseboat on the Hudson River for almost four decades. As a science teacher, Leslie taught her students about the natural world that surrounds them. Now retired from teaching full time, Leslie teaches botany classes for the New York Botanical Garden and continues to create ways for people of all ages to connect to the natural world.

Reviews

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is so much more than a field guide. Despite being understandably limited in the parks and species it chooses to cover, this book fills an important need and makes great strides toward promoting a green image of New York City that fights the common stereotypes. Plus it's just a beautiful book - gorgeous illustrations, good layout, high production values all around.

[meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

so effing neat.

[Marie-claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely and surprising guide to nature and wilderness in the city.