Avian Ecology and Conservation in an Urbanizing World

Rating:
Summary: A rallying call for more than binoculars.
Review: I am a masters student studying birds in the urban environment, so this book was just the tool I needed to help me get interested and educated on urban ecology and birds. The authors are leaders in urban ecology, or up and coming. They all write magnificent chapters that outline the need for study, the pertinent questions we should be asking, and even case studies. The bibliographies alone are a wonderful source.

While this book seems designed mostly for researchers, bird clubs and birders would do well to have a copy of this text on their bookshelves. It will provide fascinating insights and ideas for understanding birds in the urban ecosystem and its adjacent areas.

80% of the US population lives in urban or suburban areas. Finding ways to understand the birds closest to people will be a necessary challenge in the coming years if we are to successfuly manage our landscapes for wildlife and get the popular support to do it. This book is the first tome on how to do it.

Very pricey, but worth it if you're a club or wildlife department.