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The Beachcomber's Guide to Seashore Life of California
The California coast is one of the world's richest, most diverse habitats for intertidal marine life. It is also the site of one the world's greatest population concentrations and tourist destinations. Until now, the many millions of people living on and visiting California's coastline have gone without a guide to aid in exploring the abundant seashore life right under their noses. The Beachcomber's Guide to Seashore Life of California changes everything.
In a book that is as visually stunning as it is informative, Duane Sept dedicates full-colour photographs and thorough descriptions to each of the most common plants and animals to be found along the saltwater shores of California. Each entry includes the most useful common names for the species along with the scientific or Latin name; a description of its distinguishing physical features or behaviour; and information on its size, habitat and range. There are also sections on understanding tides and intertidal habitats, lists of the best beachcombing sites in California and tips on how to observe seashore life in an ecologically friendly manner.
Scientifically accurate, yet simple and straightforward in approach, The Beachcomber's Guide to Seashore Life of California is the perfect companion for every interested observer - the family or the school group, the Sunday beach-walker or the career naturalist.
In a book that is as visually stunning as it is informative, Duane Sept dedicates full-colour photographs and thorough descriptions to each of the most common plants and animals to be found along the saltwater shores of California. Each entry includes the most useful common names for the species along with the scientific or Latin name; a description of its distinguishing physical features or behaviour; and information on its size, habitat and range. There are also sections on understanding tides and intertidal habitats, lists of the best beachcombing sites in California and tips on how to observe seashore life in an ecologically friendly manner.
Scientifically accurate, yet simple and straightforward in approach, The Beachcomber's Guide to Seashore Life of California is the perfect companion for every interested observer - the family or the school group, the Sunday beach-walker or the career naturalist.
300 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2002
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
June 1, 2020
We've been taking a lot of beach walks lately -- can't imagine why -- and this guidebook has been seeing a good deal of use. It's a good one. The writing is clear, the photos are good, the writer is knowledgeable, the binding is sturdy. I have no complaints. If you live in this area, or visit regularly, this would be a fine guide to seashore life. Recommended: 4.7 stars.
The competition is "Beyond The Beach Blanket: A Field Guide To Southern California Coastal Wildlife" by Marina Curtis Tidwell. We own both of these and use both regularly. Here's my review of the Tidewell guide: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Her book is better-written, and she's a local. (Sept is from BC). But, if you're buying just one, I'd go with the Sept, for the better photos. But if you just like to have guidebooks....
The competition is "Beyond The Beach Blanket: A Field Guide To Southern California Coastal Wildlife" by Marina Curtis Tidwell. We own both of these and use both regularly. Here's my review of the Tidewell guide: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Her book is better-written, and she's a local. (Sept is from BC). But, if you're buying just one, I'd go with the Sept, for the better photos. But if you just like to have guidebooks....
February 14, 2009
This is an amazing guide! My husband and I are finding it a very useful accompaniment resource as we go through our naturalist training at the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve. What I really like best about it is its full-color pictures and organization. Most of the guides we found were organized in such a fashion that the descriptions of life and habitat and whatnot would be found on one page and then you had to flip through the book to find the pictures. This book is concise with both descriptions and pictures found on the same page. Various species are divided by easy to identify color-coded phyla. This is a handy guide for the expert as much as it for the common beachcomber.
July 8, 2010
This is a nice, colorful guide to the often mystifying world of intertidal California. Most of the common things you're likely to encounter are in there, and it's small enough to fit in a big pocket. The binding is also sturdy and I believe the cover and pages hold up fairly well to a good splashing or dunking.
December 20, 2015
Although quite limited in scope, this gorgeously photographed guidebook is a great way to get to know a few of the more common rocky and other intertidal critters here in CA. The guide to tide pool sites along the coast at the end is quite helpful as well.
reference
January 26, 2026Normally I would not add a field guide but I'm sooooo excited about this one!!! Will be very helpful as I continue my journey of collecting nudibranch species like Pokemon.
February 14, 2014
Excellent guide to make sense of what I see on visits to the beach. Use its knowledge to impress your friends and family!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews