Using specially devised computer-generated maps, plus full-color photos and illustrations that together represent birds in nature and in close-up detail, the atlas first explains the basics of bird migration and then traces the journeys of more than a hundred species, including detailed information and an illustration of each.
Jonathan Elphick is a British natural history writer, editor, ornithologist, and zoologist known for his extensive work on birds, conservation, and the cultural history of ornithology. Raised in North Wales, he developed an early fascination with birdlife and later earned a zoology degree from University College, Swansea. After working as an in-house natural history editor for several publishers, including Dorling Kindersley, he became a freelance specialist focusing primarily on birds and wildlife. Elphick has written, edited, or contributed to numerous acclaimed titles including The Birdwatcher's Handbook, Birds: The Art of Ornithology, The Natural History Museum Atlas of Bird Migration, and Birds Britannica. His work combines scientific research, conservation, art history, travel, and field observation. A Fellow of both the Zoological Society of London and the Linnean Society of London, he has also collaborated on international conservation and publishing projects exploring humanity's relationship with birds across cultures worldwide.
Fascinating book. I do a lot of bird watching. Even consider myself a Twitcher, but I have never taken the time until now to look into where some of our Australian migratory birds travel to and from via maps. Quite an eyeopener. I wish it had more of a world wide perspective though (as it claims to have in the title). Not only A North American one.
It has some beatiful photos and good diagrams to show the main data. However, it is USA-centred, tends to be reiterative in excess, and falling into inorganic details about some species without deepening in common patterns.
I really like Birding and don't have time to get out in the flyways this April/May. This book was beautifully done and packed with so much great info. Highly recommend!