Rainshadow World: A Naturalist's Year in the San Juan Islands

by Susan Vernon

The San Juan Archipelago of Washington State is a wondrous place where the land meets the sea. In Rainshadow World, naturalist Susan Vernon explores the fascinating world of wildlife in one of the earth's richest biological realms. From rocky shores and tall grass prairies, to forests draped with mosses and lichens and resonating to the drumbeat of pileated woodpeckers, she encounters the first wildflowers of spring, watches a bald eagle's first flight, surveys rare island marble butterflies, and wonders at whales playing in the moonlight. Susan knows the best places to explore and takes readers on a compelling journey through an island year. BONUS
Comprehensive plant and animal checklists for the San Juans including selected plants, birds, butterflies, land mammals and marine mammals.  Plus, an extensive list of reference works regarding the early exploration, cultural, and natural history of the archipelago. 

266 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Valerie Suwanseree · Rating 2 out of 5]

I guess I was disappointed because I had high expectations that this was a topic I would really love. It was quite interesting in parts, but overall I felt like it was just reading a long list of species common names that mean nothing to me because I'm unfamiliar with them, having grown up on the east coast.

[Lizzy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would have liked more details about the things she sees and more explanations. She could get listy and many of her little stories weren't super interesting. What detail she did go into was fascinating, though, and I liked the month-by-month framing. More/more detailed pictures would have been great, especially with captions. Would've loved a picture of the jellyfish. Worth a read.

[Rain · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved hearing about all the wonderful flora and fauna of the San Juans, but I really needed a map of all the locations where there were spotted, along with pictures of the various critters and plants!