Flights of Passage: An Illustrated Natural History of Bird Migration

by Mike Unwin, David Tipling

A visually stunning, photographically driven celebration of bird migration—one of the great marvels of the natural world

The vast transcontinental journeys made every year by millions of feathered migrants were not known to naturalists before the late nineteenth century. Even today, while cutting-edge technology such as geolocators and isotope analysis helps us map these journeys in detail, much of the science remains poorly understood.

In this luxuriously illustrated volume, celebrated nature writer Mike Unwin and award-winning photographer David Tipling highlight sixty-seven different species of birds from around the world and explore how each has adapted to its migratory cycle. As they bring to life the drama of the Bar-headed Goose’s journey over the Himalayas and the amazing sixty-thousand-mile annual round trip taken by the Arctic Tern between the United Kingdom and Antarctica, Unwin and Tipling offer deep insights into the science, mysteries, and wonders of migration.

Genres: Nature, Birds

288 pages, Hardcover

Published May 19, 2020

About the author

Mike Unwin is a celebrated wildlife and travel writer known for his books and journalism, and also a photographer, illustrator, and popular speaker.

Reviews

[Fred Forbes]

Gobsmacked!, as the Brits say! While I am not expert enough to comment on the information related to the far flying migratory birds, as a serious photographer I can say the photographs are among the best I have ever seen. Comment on birds picking up bait fish near the surface of ocean waves as the fish attempt to elude predators then picture shows this actually occurring with sailfish beneath the surface! Shot of cranes nesting on home chimneys as silhouettes against a sunset? Awesome! Incredible detailed photos of birds scouring beaches, in flight, flying and eating. The information about the bird's habits, names (Oriole named after the colors of Lord Baltimore of Maryland fame, for example), maps of migration routes, habitat and endangered status was also interesting and well written. Enjoy this one!

[Jeannette]

A beautifully illustrated book with concisely worded text about birds who fly long distances. It's choice of birds to tell some stories of migrants is worldwide and interesting but leaves so many out. Even so, a lovely book to look through and pick up information about migratory habits, paths, predilections.

[Michele]

Four stars plus - a fascinating book for bird lovers.