Peterson Reference Guide to Seawatching: Eastern Waterbirds in Flight (Peterson Reference Guides)

First of all, the Peterson Reference Guide to Seawatching/Eastern Waterbirds in Flight is a great value. The book covers 112 species of birds waterbirds with an eastern North America distribution. Waterbirds are basically birds that can be seen regularly swimming or floating on the water's surfaces such as waterfowl, gulls, cormorants, terns, shearwaters, etc. Unlike Roger Tory Peterson's original concept of using paintings as illustrations, this book is done entirely with photographs. However, each photograph is well done. All photographs are of birds in flight, usually flying next to similar species which really helps highlight the difference in profile, size and flight patterns. The species accounts cover indentification and range including maps. There is little information given to biology of the covered species. Without trying to sound corny, the book really is a work of art.

There is a lot of great and practical information in this book to make you a better birder - for beginners to experts. I bird the west coast both from the land and pelagics. The amount of information in this book is amazing - for instance - picking up cues to identify a species by the flock arrangement and size. Highly recommended. I found this book very useful and I live on the west coast. Eagerly waiting for the west coast version!

This book has already been useful to us as we do lake watches along Lake Erie. The photos of large and distant groups of birds is so often what we see and need so much practice at identifying. While not a field guide, I have been putting it in a bag and taking it along on each trip to the lake.

Helpful, laid out well. A more appropriate title might be “Waterbirds,” otherwise this a very useful entry to the genre.

I loved the details on each species. It really gave a realistic outlook at what birds will really look like out on the sea /Lake!

Well-written, beautifully photographed book of all the seabirds expected in the Eastern US. Great descriptions of the places where these are best seen as well. A must have for birders of all experience.

Good work. I love Seawatching and this book really came in handy.

If you are serious about birding and want to step up your game to the next level in identifying and watching waterbirds, you must consider this book. Unlike the more familiar Peterson's guides with their gorgeous bird portraits, The seawatching guide uses more than 900 photographs to assist birders in identifying birds along the eastern seaboard. I am not a big fan of photographs when trying to learn to identify birds and always felt that Peterson's highly color-saturated drawings provided the best, bar-none portraits that clearly showed the features a birder needed to pay attention to in order to identify species. But the purpose of the seawtching guide is slightly different and I believe the photos are the best choice in this case. Photographs, just like watching birds in "real life" show the lighting and often difficult conditions one faces, particularly when trying to identify birds that are not very close. The point of this guide and photos is to help birders learn the techniques advanced birders use to spot the "anomalies" in a flock of birds and identify what that anomaly is. Drawings would not be as useful as the photos and two main kinds of photos are used: portraits and flock photos. For example, let's say you are at the shore and you see a flock of Scoters migrating, but something tells you they may not all be Surf Scoters. The book shows a panoramic photo of a flock of Scoters that includes Surf and Black Scoters, Long-tailed Ducks, a Bufflehead, and a Hooded Merganser. The text then points out what to look for to identify the "strange birds" in the flock and the photo presents what is essentially the same view and conditions you would face in the field. This helps you learn the techniques to spot the silhouette differences (e.g. does this one have a rounder head or longer neck than the others?) when looking at a flock or string of birds in flight. The book covers the following waterbird families (this is from the book) Anatidae - 44 species (swans, geese, ducks) Phalacrocoracidae - 3 species (comorants) Anhingidae - 1 specie (anhinga) Gaviidae - 3 species (loons) Podicipedidae - 2 species (grebes) Alcidae - 6 species (alcids) Procellariidae - 7 species (shearwaters and petrels) Hydrobatidae - 3 species (storm-petrels) Fregatidae - 1 specie (frigatebird) Sulidae - 3 species (gannets and boobies) Pelecanidae - 2 species (pelicans) Stercorariidae - 5 species (skuas and jaegers) Laridae - 18 species (gulls) Rynchoptidae - 1 species (Black Skimmer) Sternidae - 13 species (terns) Note that this is not a field guide to ALL the species, it is intended as a way to provide much more information and build skills for birdwatching along the eastern seaboard of the U.S. The depth of information is extraordinary and extremely helpful. There is information on seasonal arrivals of birds, along with very in depth information about the species included the book. There are extensive range maps and even quizzes intended to build skills when looking at a string of flying birds and identifying the "anomalies." For example, on the Cackling Goose (Branta hutchinsii) there are extensive descriptions about the appearance, silhouette, flight/flocking habits, dates of arrival, similar species and subspecies. There are a LOT of photos, on an average two-page "spread" when looking at the book, you may see four photos plus a range map. One of the photo is a portrait, one a flock relatively close up, another is a large flock in the distance with silhouette information and then there is another flock in "mid range" talking again about identifying points. It is the next best thing to standing at the shore with an expert at your side, describing how to pinpoint the identifying characteristics in the birds you are seeing. It is unbelievable how much info is packed into this book (610 pages or so). And one thing I really liked was a section near the back that described specific places like the Outer Banks of North Carolina (where I bird a lot) with extensive information about the birds you can see there and when. They included 47 spots all up and down the seaboard and I found it incredibly useful. It really helps me to plan trips (when the best dates would be and the best places). Honestly, this is a huge, thick book, but there is so much great information in it that I'm afraid I'm not giving it justice. Needless to say, while this may not be the best book for an "Intro to Bird Watching," it is a FANTASTIC resource for those interested in birds they may see along the coast. I highly recommend it.

There are lots of specialty birding references and some end up standing heads and shoulders above the crowds. This book is one of those. Years ago I first read

I've been interested in bird watching since I was a kid in the Boy Scouts. I've always lived on the East coast of the US, but never on the ocean. Although living inland, I've been within flying distance of sea birds including seagulls, ducks, geese, et. al. I've also had some experience watching loons and other waterfowl. For years I've relied only on the Internet and my Audubon field guide. While I continued to appreciate the details of the field guide, it wasn't until I read the Peterson's Reference guide that I realized what I was missing. Wouldn't it be nice if a bird just came right up to me and stood there so I could see its size, shape, color, and behavior. Well expecting my time participating in a Pigeon Watch (in Syracuse, NY) and a few brave geese that walk right up to my porch, I can honestly say that NEVER happens. Thus the need for a book that better describes with flock and individual flight patterns of sea birds. This guide details very specific "typical" patterns of bird in flight at different altitudes, distances, with and without other species, etc. The book is very focused on teaching the telltale characteristics useful to distinguish one species from another when they are not close enough (and they are in flight) to determine the species based on plumage alone. As both a conservationist and hunter, I have (and continue to) find the book extremely useful. Based on my experience I also intend to seek out Peterson's field guide. I really hope they would consider a dedicated and in-depth guide for upland (ground) birds in the US as well.

First of all, the Peterson Reference Guide to Seawatching/Eastern Waterbirds in Flight is a great value. The book covers 112 species of birds waterbirds with an eastern North America distribution. Waterbirds are basically birds that can be seen regularly swimming or floating on the water's surfaces such as waterfowl, gulls, cormorants, terns, shearwaters, etc. Unlike Roger Tory Peterson's original concept of using paintings as illustrations, this book is done entirely with photographs. However, each photograph is well done. All photographs are of birds in flight, usually flying next to similar species which really helps highlight the difference in profile, size and flight patterns. The species accounts cover indentification and range including maps. There is little information given to biology of the covered species. Without trying to sound corny, the book really is a work of art.

There is a lot of great and practical information in this book to make you a better birder - for beginners to experts. I bird the west coast both from the land and pelagics. The amount of information in this book is amazing - for instance - picking up cues to identify a species by the flock arrangement and size. Highly recommended. I found this book very useful and I live on the west coast. Eagerly waiting for the west coast version!

This book has already been useful to us as we do lake watches along Lake Erie. The photos of large and distant groups of birds is so often what we see and need so much practice at identifying. While not a field guide, I have been putting it in a bag and taking it along on each trip to the lake.

Helpful, laid out well. A more appropriate title might be “Waterbirds,” otherwise this a very useful entry to the genre.

I loved the details on each species. It really gave a realistic outlook at what birds will really look like out on the sea /Lake!

Well-written, beautifully photographed book of all the seabirds expected in the Eastern US. Great descriptions of the places where these are best seen as well. A must have for birders of all experience.

Good work. I love Seawatching and this book really came in handy.

If you are serious about birding and want to step up your game to the next level in identifying and watching waterbirds, you must consider this book. Unlike the more familiar Peterson's guides with their gorgeous bird portraits, The seawatching guide uses more than 900 photographs to assist birders in identifying birds along the eastern seaboard. I am not a big fan of photographs when trying to learn to identify birds and always felt that Peterson's highly color-saturated drawings provided the best, bar-none portraits that clearly showed the features a birder needed to pay attention to in order to identify species. But the purpose of the seawtching guide is slightly different and I believe the photos are the best choice in this case. Photographs, just like watching birds in "real life" show the lighting and often difficult conditions one faces, particularly when trying to identify birds that are not very close. The point of this guide and photos is to help birders learn the techniques advanced birders use to spot the "anomalies" in a flock of birds and identify what that anomaly is. Drawings would not be as useful as the photos and two main kinds of photos are used: portraits and flock photos. For example, let's say you are at the shore and you see a flock of Scoters migrating, but something tells you they may not all be Surf Scoters. The book shows a panoramic photo of a flock of Scoters that includes Surf and Black Scoters, Long-tailed Ducks, a Bufflehead, and a Hooded Merganser. The text then points out what to look for to identify the "strange birds" in the flock and the photo presents what is essentially the same view and conditions you would face in the field. This helps you learn the techniques to spot the silhouette differences (e.g. does this one have a rounder head or longer neck than the others?) when looking at a flock or string of birds in flight. The book covers the following waterbird families (this is from the book) Anatidae - 44 species (swans, geese, ducks) Phalacrocoracidae - 3 species (comorants) Anhingidae - 1 specie (anhinga) Gaviidae - 3 species (loons) Podicipedidae - 2 species (grebes) Alcidae - 6 species (alcids) Procellariidae - 7 species (shearwaters and petrels) Hydrobatidae - 3 species (storm-petrels) Fregatidae - 1 specie (frigatebird) Sulidae - 3 species (gannets and boobies) Pelecanidae - 2 species (pelicans) Stercorariidae - 5 species (skuas and jaegers) Laridae - 18 species (gulls) Rynchoptidae - 1 species (Black Skimmer) Sternidae - 13 species (terns) Note that this is not a field guide to ALL the species, it is intended as a way to provide much more information and build skills for birdwatching along the eastern seaboard of the U.S. The depth of information is extraordinary and extremely helpful. There is information on seasonal arrivals of birds, along with very in depth information about the species included the book. There are extensive range maps and even quizzes intended to build skills when looking at a string of flying birds and identifying the "anomalies." For example, on the Cackling Goose (Branta hutchinsii) there are extensive descriptions about the appearance, silhouette, flight/flocking habits, dates of arrival, similar species and subspecies. There are a LOT of photos, on an average two-page "spread" when looking at the book, you may see four photos plus a range map. One of the photo is a portrait, one a flock relatively close up, another is a large flock in the distance with silhouette information and then there is another flock in "mid range" talking again about identifying points. It is the next best thing to standing at the shore with an expert at your side, describing how to pinpoint the identifying characteristics in the birds you are seeing. It is unbelievable how much info is packed into this book (610 pages or so). And one thing I really liked was a section near the back that described specific places like the Outer Banks of North Carolina (where I bird a lot) with extensive information about the birds you can see there and when. They included 47 spots all up and down the seaboard and I found it incredibly useful. It really helps me to plan trips (when the best dates would be and the best places). Honestly, this is a huge, thick book, but there is so much great information in it that I'm afraid I'm not giving it justice. Needless to say, while this may not be the best book for an "Intro to Bird Watching," it is a FANTASTIC resource for those interested in birds they may see along the coast. I highly recommend it.

There are lots of specialty birding references and some end up standing heads and shoulders above the crowds. This book is one of those. Years ago I first read

I've been interested in bird watching since I was a kid in the Boy Scouts. I've always lived on the East coast of the US, but never on the ocean. Although living inland, I've been within flying distance of sea birds including seagulls, ducks, geese, et. al. I've also had some experience watching loons and other waterfowl. For years I've relied only on the Internet and my Audubon field guide. While I continued to appreciate the details of the field guide, it wasn't until I read the Peterson's Reference guide that I realized what I was missing. Wouldn't it be nice if a bird just came right up to me and stood there so I could see its size, shape, color, and behavior. Well expecting my time participating in a Pigeon Watch (in Syracuse, NY) and a few brave geese that walk right up to my porch, I can honestly say that NEVER happens. Thus the need for a book that better describes with flock and individual flight patterns of sea birds. This guide details very specific "typical" patterns of bird in flight at different altitudes, distances, with and without other species, etc. The book is very focused on teaching the telltale characteristics useful to distinguish one species from another when they are not close enough (and they are in flight) to determine the species based on plumage alone. As both a conservationist and hunter, I have (and continue to) find the book extremely useful. Based on my experience I also intend to seek out Peterson's field guide. I really hope they would consider a dedicated and in-depth guide for upland (ground) birds in the US as well.

This book would be worth owning for the photos alone--exquisite images, mostly of birds in flight, many up close, meaning that the photos are ideal for identification purposes, yet they are also a joy simply for the birds' beautiful forms and patterns. The entries on each species vary in length, but all the examples I've read so far offer exactly the kind of descriptions and comparisons and behavioral notes you'd want. Thoughtfully conceived and beautifully carried out--this is a top-notch waterbird reference.

A fascinating book that night be a must-have for birdwatchers, depending on your interest and location. It focuses on helping one enjoy and identify birds in flight during their annual migrations along waterways like the coast and major rivers in the eastern U.S., from the Great Lakes to the Gulf Coast and to the East Coast. It covers about 100 species of what may be described as "waterbirds", mostly ducks, geese, swans, loons, gulls and others, but excluding shorebirds and wading birds like herons. The self-described purpose of the book is to encourage people's interest in watching migrations the way interest in watching raptors has expanded over the past couple of decades. It's about 600 pages, bigger than a field guide but not too awkward to take on a vacation. I only had an advance copy to review, and the photography was in black and white, nor can I judge the final binding because of that, but it looks like it will be a beautiful book when in its final form. It should certainly help increase interest in observing waterfowl migration, and will be an important reference work for birdwatching.

I am an intermediate birder. So, I rely on every helpful field guide and reference book to determine correct identification. "Seawatching" is a great addition to my collection. For me, pelagics and waterbirds are difficult because they are often in flight, and also far away. I am in awe of the experienced birders who can point to a speck in the sky and say, "There's a Wood Duck." There is no way that I'm at that level now, but, one can aspire. The Peterson "Reference Guide to Seawatching, Eastern Waterbirds in Flight" will be a valuable resource for upcoming trips to Bombay Hook and Cape May. Note: This advance reading copy has black and white rather than color photos and lacks the index. It is still a work in progress. However, assuming that the color photos are up to the Peterson standard of excellence, this should be a valuable reference. "Seawatching" is more than 600 pages with 900 color photos - much too large to be a field guide. Like Crossley, I plan to have it in the car as a reference, not to carry it while birding. The best use of this reference to read relevant sections in preparation for a coastal trip. Similar to

I really anticipated this Peterson Reference Guide to Seawatching: Eastern Waterbirds in Flight. Probably nothing is harder than to see a bird or a flock of birds soaring over the water, and not being able to narrow down the identification, at all. This book is great in that it describes, in great detail, the eastern waterbirds, their behavior, and how they are similar to and different from other species. It is still maddenly difficult, however, to identify these birds. This is NOT a book for beginner birdwatchers, in that beginners tend to be too eager to pencil in some species name. There's a great deal of "homework" necessary to make this work. Sorry, there are no shortcuts. You have to become really familiar with a location, a species, and various behaviors. However, if watching waterbirds is what you do, you want to get the identification correct. This book should help. Refer to it before, during, and after your field trip. Ask more experienced birders to explain how they got to their conclusion about identification. And practice, practice, practice. As a note, I hope the quality of the photos in the final version are better than the ones in my reviewer's copy. It's the subtleties and details that you are looking at, after all.

What a wonderful, informative and helpful addition to my collection of birding books and field guides this one is! I have been birding and collecting books related to this hobby for over 50 years now. I own the vast majority of the Peterson Field Guides and have never been disappointed with one of them and this mammoth work is no exception. First let me say that the only quibble I might have with this guide is the title. "Seawatching" is just a bit misleading. I live far, far from any sea, right in the middle of the U.S., as a matter of fact, but I can tell you for sure that this work is just as useful to me as to someone who lives on the coast or near very, very large bodies of water. I of course do quite a bit of travel but have already found that many of the birds identified in this book can be found right here in America's heartland. This informative book relies greatly on its photographs which primarily consist of birds in flight - both single birds and birds in flock. It has been my experience that the fast majority of seabirds I observe are indeed actually flying, often times at great distances, and are extremely difficult to positively identify. This is particularly true when you run across the common sight of a "mixed flock." This book goes a long, long way in helping the birder to sort through this confusing situation. The text is a wealth of information on each species covered and the maps are absolutely invaluable. All three factors, text, photographs and maps are concise, easy to use and above all, informative. This is a larger book consisting of over 600 pages with hundreds of high quality photographs. Due to its size many may find that it does not fit the typical field guide mold. Most of my water bird and sea bird watching is done form a stationary site so this does not bother me personally all that much. Now the questions has been discussed whether or not this book is suitable for beginning birders or is meant for only advanced birders and it is a good question. In my opinion it is most certainly a book that advanced birders will find to be invaluable. As to the "beginner" question, I can only say that had I had in my possession this book right from when I started (1956 I believe), my life list would now be much, much larger than it is. Yes, you need to have one our two tradition filed guides with you when you hit the field, but this work is a supplement to those guides and is extremely helpful. I would recommend this one for one and all who make this a hobby. I have always had a problem with the term "serious birder," as I know many who limited their birding to only their backyard feeders and can assure you that these folks are just as "serious" about their birding as those who trek the world in search of adding new birds to their list. All in all this is an excellent work and I am very, very grateful to add it to my ever growing arsenal. The copy I am reviewing here is an advanced reading copy with only black and white photos but I can assure you when the final version of the book is issued with its colored photographs I will be purchasing one. Don Blankenship The Ozarks

The scope of this new book far outweighs the title. It covers migratory birds that have even a general connection to water bodies from Canada to the Keys. As amateur birders in the Great Lakes area, we are delighted with how much useful ground is covered by this volume. The text for each bird is tremendously comprehensive as to flight path, color, body shape and flocking pattern. I doubt ornithology texts are as comprehensive. The book is extraordinary useful and thorough based on text alone. I have not seen the final edition with full color photography but I can say that the very large # of photos provided are birds in flight from multiple angles. These should prove invaluable to the birder in the field. The one drawback might be the size and weight of this book. It is 10"x7" and weighs a couple pounds. I also do not have the advantage of the final copy's index; that will be a real asset to quickly navigating this book. I hope the title does not limit interest in this book to East Coast birders. There is plenty here for anyone along mid-American and Canadian flyways. I am excited about purchasing the final edition of this book and heartily recommend it to anyone interested in waterbirds, fresh water or ocean going.

Peterson Reference Guide to Seawatching: Eastern Waterbirds in Flight is a very comprehensive reference guide to waterbirds. It should be part of every birders reference library. It is wonderfully written by Ken Behrens and Cameron Cox. It is a very large book almost 600 pages. Which contains species accounts, where to watch,and three different appendix. Appendix 3 contains, taxonomic Notes, a glossary, a Bibliography and an index. The number of species covered is incredible. I cannot review the pictures because my copy for review just contained grainey, black and white photos but I am sure when they add the color photos it will be a stunning book. I would highly recommend it.

as an amateur bird watcher I found this book very enjoyable and useful. the only hindrance being that the pictures are in black and white but I am assuming that it because I received an advanced readers copy. With out being able to see the color of the bird, it is very hard to identify what you are looking at. Also, I happen to not only live in New Jersey, but in Cape May county, the very place the authors did most of their studies and research for this book so it came in very handy. If the regular issue is released with color photos, I recommend this book to anybody who enjoys bird watching, especially if you live or are visiting the eastern coast.

"Seawatching" refers to the practice of identifying birds in flight over the water, often moving fast in flocks (or not) in the distance. This book goes into terrific detail describing techniques for identifying flocks of birds in flight - it's a little difficult for me, only an occasional birder and almost always in the company of advanced birdwatchers when I do go birdwatching, to review an advance copy of this book, which when published would appear to be illustrated with extensive color photographs (my copy is entirely in black-and-white). The text and the subject is fascinating however. I particularly enjoyed the description of Tundra Swans, who "often reveal their presence with their call, a high-pitched, gurgling yodel drifting down from high overhead." To which the authors add: "Although this is not the most enticing description, it is one of the continent's most beautiful and intensely wild sounds." I've never seen a flock of swans (and didn't know that swans travel in flocks in places I've never been) and found this description very interesting. It's a very large book, evidently filled with lots of good stuff. I like my advance copy enough to have placed an advance order for the real thing.

First a word about the title. The "sea" part of sea-watching is meant to refer to any body of water: lakes, ponds, etc. not just the ocean. I didn't realize this when I ordered the guide but am glad it is more inclusive than I thought. The guide is a whopping 600 pages (at least the advance copy) and while its size may make it a little bulky to tote along on a bird-watching jaunt, it does an excellent job of covering 15 North American Waterbird families. The guide's authors wrote it as partly an attempt to help popularize seabird watching, and help increase interest, much as raptor watching has been. It begins with a discussion of some common birding pitfalls, which I recommend you skip if you are already a little insecure about your ability to spot birds. Weather and light conditions; lookalike subspecies, and birds' inability to inform you as to whether or not they are migrating or just enjoying a day out, can make bird-watching tricky. However, the guide aims to reduce some of this confusion. Each section starts with an overview of each bird, giving the spring and fall arrival times, including a small map as well. Bird traits are then categorized by size, structure, flight and flocking, appearance, similar species and subspecies. Photos show both closeups of each bird, and photos of the birds in flight. Part 2 includes about 50 sea-watching sites around the country and the records of different species sightings. There's also a glossary of terms located right before the bibliography. I can't judge the photo quality from an advance copy, but overall, the text is lively and engaging, and each bird is given an impressive "biography" in this guide. It should definitely pique a bird lover's desire to go out birding. As the authors put it: "Observe, marvel, record and learn."

The next step up in good identification of "Sea Birds". Well reccomended

First off, this book is a field guide to Seawatching - this includes migratory waterbirds of the Eastern US, including lake, river, and sea birds - but note that only migratory birds are considered. The really, really uncommon birds are also omitted - according to the authors, if you see one of these omitted birds, knowing what's in the book "helps you pick out the occasional vagrant". The information presented on each bird is meticulous - from a verbal and pictorial description of migratory routes, to photos of flight formations, silhouettes of the bird shape in flight, photos of the birds from the side during flight, etc. A large amount of information is presented. The problem is that the book presumes a level of base knowledge that I don't happen to have. Say I see a Greater White-Fronted Goose, and want to know what it is. There is no broad method provided to narrow down the fact that I see a member of the goose family - I would have to come in with that level of understanding. Once I know it's a goose, it's relatively easy to thumb through the goose section and potentially make a positive ID. However, without a method to determine the initial bird type you have to search through the entire book, and that would be painful. So there's a lot of information here, but a base understanding would be crucial.

A guide to seabirds in flight (not just true seabirds, but wildfowl, gulls, terns etc too), brilliantly useful for those on either side of the Atlantic. Fantastic photos for use as field pointers, and also in evocative atmospheric shots.

Sublime.

I love the flight pictures. I haven't been seabird watching since I bought the book because I was working with forests birds, but I will surely use it soon. I think it will be very helpfull to identify flying birds. J'adore les photos des oiseaux au vol. Je n'ai pas encore eu la chance d'aller observer les oiseaux marins depuis que j'ai acheté ce livre, mais je suis certaine qu'il me sera utile.

Schöne Fotos, sowohl ganz nah als auch unter typischeren Bedingungen weit weg. Nett sind auch die Einschübe bestimmter schwieriger Vogelgruppen. Insgesamt: Sehr empfehelnswert, auch für den europäischen Zugvogelbeobachter!

Full of useful material on a wide range of birds to be met with over large water. Quite a lot of this might be difficult to learn any other way, so a very helpful and innovative guide.

Perfect

Best complete guide for shore birds in flight. Beautiful photos and a lot of lecture to acquire great tips on the field.

Nice photo , great book for referenced , fast shipping . Thanks

Well done and quite helpful in the field.

thank you!

Je l'utilise régulièrement.