Baby-friendly Atlanta Area, 2005: New Parent Survival Guide To Shopping, Activities, Restaurants And More... (Lilaguide)
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Baby-friendly Atlanta Area, 2005: New Parent Survival Guide To Shopping, Activities, Restaurants And More... (Lilaguide)

    Manufacturer: Lilaguide
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Paperback

    GeneralGeneral | Parenting | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books
    GeneralGeneral | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books
    DiningDining | Food & Lodging | Reference & Tips | Travel | Subjects | Books
    GeneralGeneral | Travel | Subjects | Books
    ASIN: 1932847065

    Book Description

    "When Dr. Sears can't help, the lilaguide can."-San Francisco Magazine

    "A great resource that's long overdue."-SF Weekly

    "The definitive owner's manual for families with babies and toddlers."-San Francisco Downtown Magazine

    Like they say, everything changes when you have a baby. That's why the lilaguide has become the essential item on every new parent's checklist.

    Most parents wish their baby came with some sort of user-friendly handbook. Luckily, babies come with a lot of excellent word-of-mouth advice from other parents and friends. In fact, we found that nearly every parent out there has a great piece of child-rearing advice, like which baby store is the most helpful, or which restaurant tolerates strained carrots on the floor. Someone, we thought, should write this stuff down. And that's how, please pardon the pun, the lilaguide was born. Our guides are literally written by parents for parents, through thousands of volunteer surveys. It's what happens when someone writes down all the parental wisdom, organizes it, calculates it and presents it in an easy-to-use format.

    Apparently a lot of other new parents appreciate the inside scoop provided by the lilaguide, because our little green-striped books are quickly becoming a staple item in diaper bags across the country. You'll find us in bookstores, toy stores, gift stores and maternity wards. Not to mention at a whole lot of baby showers. We're rapidly expanding into major metro markets throughout the country, making the lilaguide the only national guide of its kind.

    The Burning of Washington: The British Invasion of 1814 (Bluejacket Paperback)
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • The other time the US was invaded...
    • Decent Account of the Burning of Washington in 1814
    • Authoritative Anecdotal History in its best form!
    • interesting revisit
    • Wonderfully Detailed Stories - Needs Maps
    The Burning of Washington: The British Invasion of 1814 (Bluejacket Paperback)
    Anthony S. Pitch
    Manufacturer: US Naval Institute Press
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Paperback

    GeneralGeneral | 19th Century | United States | Americas | History | Subjects | Books
    GeneralGeneral | United States | Americas | History | Subjects | Books
    GeneralGeneral | Americas | History | Subjects | Books
    GeneralGeneral | Military | History | Subjects | Books
    NavalNaval | Military | History | Subjects | Books
    GeneralGeneral | England | Europe | History | Subjects | Books
    Similar Items:
    1. The Darkest Day: The Washington-Baltimore Campaign During the War of 1812 The Darkest Day: The Washington-Baltimore Campaign During the War of 1812
    2. A Perfect Union: Dolley Madison and the Creation of the American Nation A Perfect Union: Dolley Madison and the Creation of the American Nation
    3. James Madison and the Creation of the American Republic (Library of American Biography Series) (3rd Edition) James Madison and the Creation of the American Republic (Library of American Biography Series) (3rd Edition)
    4. The Dawn's Early Light (Maryland Paperback Bookshelf) The Dawn's Early Light (Maryland Paperback Bookshelf)
    5. Terror on the Chesapeake: The War of 1812 on the Bay Terror on the Chesapeake: The War of 1812 on the Bay

    ASIN: 1557504253

    Book Description

    With all the immediacy of an eyewitness account, Anthony Pitch tells the dramatic story of the British invasion of Washington in the summer of 1814, an episode many call a defining moment in the coming-of-age of the United States. The British torched the Capitol, the White House, and many other public buildings, setting off an inferno that illuminated the countryside for miles and sending President James Madison scurrying out of town while his wife Dolley rescued a life-sized portrait of George Washington from the flames. The author's gripping narrative--hailed by a White House curator, a Senate historian, and the chairman of the National Geographic Society, among others--is filled with vivid details of the attack. Not confining his story to Washington, Pitch also describes the brave, resourceful defense of nearby Fort McHenry and tells how Francis Scott Key, a British hostage on a ship near the Baltimore harbor during the fort's bombardment, wrote a poem that became the national anthem.

    Customer Reviews:

    4 out of 5 stars The other time the US was invaded..........2005-04-09

    Since Pearl Harbor was technically a territory in 1941, United States soil has endured only two attacks since the American Revolution: the War of 1812 and September 11th, 2001. The second of these was a terrorist attack, and still in recent memory. The first of these comprised an invading and occupying army, and a big one at that. After all, the British still ruled the waves in 1814 regardless of seeing defeat at the hands of the upstart American colonies. Doubtless the proud British Empire still felt a slight sting at the humiliating defeat and loss of the colonies not thirty years before. It seems they stopped taking America seriously, and this led to what some have called America's "second war of independence".
    The War of 1812 seems almost forgotten these days. Maybe because modern Americans are not comfortable talking about their country's defeats or humiliations in warfare. In 1814 the British agonizingly humiliated the neophyte country by burning its capital. Yes, the city of Washington (it wasn't called Washington D.C. until 1871) was literally sacked on August 24, 1814.
    Anthony Pitch tells this amazing story with page-turning intensity. The events surrounding the entire War of 1812 unfold. From its inception by the impressment of American sailors by the British, to the violently split public on the question of the war, to the final Battle of New Orleans (fought after the peace treaty was signed), this book tells a great story. In the process one learns about the historical signficance of Baltimore, and the origin of the national anthem (the significance of its lyrics will ring out clearly after reading this book; many people likely sing it without knowing exactly what it's talking about, though only one of the four verses typically gets sung these days).
    The book begins with a teeth-clenching account of the fate of antiwar publisher Alexander Contee Hanson. Anyone thinking that the United States is a violent place these days has only to read what happens to Hanson and his entourage at the hands of a Baltimore mob. Things used to be much worse.
    The book also includes descriptions of the early capitol. Things have also vastly improved there. Many in 1812 described it as a fetid swamp.
    The occupation and burning of Washington by the British gets an entire chapter. Pitch recounts the interior of the President's House and the original Congress building with heartbreaking detail. Even some British solidiers asked their superiors whether destroying the building was the right thing to do. The architecture was apparently that impressive.
    The book also includes detailed accounts of the war's major battles: Blandesburg, North Point, Baltimore, New Orleans (sometimes compared to Agincourt, and where Andrew Jackson came to public acclaim). Pitch is also not afraid to describe some of the unpleasantries that typically accompany war. Some of these passages stick for a long time.
    This book serves as a great introduction to a very neglected but pivotal event in American history. After the War of 1812 America saw its reputation rise globally. And many big names took part: President James Madison, Dolley Madison, James Monroe, John Quincy Adams, Andrew Jackson, James Buchanan, and others. Also, many historical documents (e.g., the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence) were miraculously saved from the flames by very driven individuals (names that are now sadly obscure). This book provides an excellent introduction to this neglected time of American history and the forgotten people who made this history happen.

    4 out of 5 stars Decent Account of the Burning of Washington in 1814.......2003-09-07

    'The Burning of Washington' by Anthony Pitch is a detailed and well written account of the British invasion of 1814 during which the British defeated the opposing American forces before marching into the Capital and putting parts of Washington to the torch, including the White House. This book is a most enjoyable read and in my mind is as good as Walter Lord's book 'The Dawn's Early Light' which was first published in the early 1970's.

    The book covers the Battle of Bladensburg, the abandonment of the Capital and its subsequent occupation and destruction by the British. The narrative then continues with the fighting around Baltimore and the end of the war after the British defeat at the Battle of New Orleans. The author also tells the story of Francis Scott Key and birth of the American national anthem, an interesting story in itself.

    Anthony Pitch has used a number of first-hand accounts taken from the letters of participants on both sides of the conflict including, soldiers, sailors and civilians. Material has been utilised from diaries, journals and newspaper accounts to fill in this stirring and vivid narrative of this fascinating period of American history. Overall this is a decent piece of historical writing and I am sure that most people will enjoy the author's account of the invasion of 1814. The one negative point that I have to raise in regards to this book is the lack of detailed maps to follow the invading forces and the subsequent battles.

    4 out of 5 stars Authoritative Anecdotal History in its best form!.......2002-07-28

    Finally a book that takes the dates, debates and fates of our loosely memorized historical facts and breathes veritable life into the gripping events of 1814. America IS more than mere facts. 1814 SHOULD be remembered with a spirit of honor and respect for those who fought and for those who lived through the tumultuously passionate early childhood of our nation.
    If you need a map to keep the geography in order, get one. It's not a necessity! The masterful unveiling of this moment in our history is so thoroughly documented and equally expressed it drives this book to become a must on every bookshelf, whether you are a history buff or not! Read it, remember it and tell a friend. Its great conversation!

    2 out of 5 stars interesting revisit.......2002-05-20

    This is an excellent study into the social and political aspects of the incident. Details the actions of the people of Washington and each, and it would seem every, dish that was broken. The battles are cover only mildly to bring you to the 'burning' and afterwards to bring conclusion. A wonderful book for the interested reader, but not so much for military battle analysis. This book only goes into details of the 'burning' making it more of a tour guide than a history of the invasion. On the invasion there are far better titles.

    Honestly, I found Walter Lord's book to be worth a second read and not happy with this title.

    Make SURE this book is what you want to read about.

    4 out of 5 stars Wonderfully Detailed Stories - Needs Maps.......2002-04-29

    Anthony Pitch gives wonderful tours of Washington DC, which is how I first happenned across this fine book. The book captures a superb level of detail which lends personalities and stories to historical people and places, as any good tour guide should.

    Pitch gives the reader a great sense of the confusion and fear that Washington residents felt, and the difficult decisions that were pushed upon them. He frames the burning of Washington with early unrest in Baltimore and later American victories in Baltimore and New Orleans which lends perspecitve, and places the burning of Washington in the proper context of the overall war.

    The book needs more maps to acquaint the reader visually with the movements of individuals, ships, and armies. I highly recommend reading the book with a map on the side, to complete your immersion into this fine book.

    Le nouveau decor international
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      Le nouveau decor international
      Francis Gutmann
      Manufacturer: Julliard
      ProductGroup: Book
      Binding: Unknown Binding

      GeneralGeneral | World | History | Subjects | Books
      FrenchFrench | Foreign Language Nonfiction | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
      HistoryHistory | French | Foreign Language Books | Specialty Stores | Books
      NonfictionNonfiction | French | Foreign Language Books | Specialty Stores | Books
      All French BooksAll French Books | French | Foreign Language Books | Specialty Stores | Books
      ASIN: 2260011381

      Birds of the West Indies (Princeton Field Guides)
      Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
      • Perfect for Caribbean bird lovers!
      • Ideal reference book
      • missing the behavioral tips
      • Good bird guide
      • The One and Only Field Guide for the West Indies.
      Birds of the West Indies (Princeton Field Guides)
      Herbert Raffaele , James Wiley , Orlando H. Garrido , Allan Keith , and Janis I. Raffaele
      Manufacturer: Princeton University Press
      ProductGroup: Book
      Binding: Paperback

      GeneralGeneral | Birdwatching | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
      ReferenceReference | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
      OrnithologyOrnithology | Zoology | Biological Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books
      Look Inside Outdoors & Nature BooksLook Inside Outdoors & Nature Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
      Look Inside Science BooksLook Inside Science Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
      Similar Items:
      1. Caribbean Birds: An Introduction to Familiar Species Caribbean Birds: An Introduction to Familiar Species
      2. A Birder's West Indies: An Island-by-Island Tour (Corrie Herring Hooks Series) A Birder's West Indies: An Island-by-Island Tour (Corrie Herring Hooks Series)
      3. Snorkeling Guide to Marine Life: Florida Caribbean Bahamas Snorkeling Guide to Marine Life: Florida Caribbean Bahamas
      4. A Guide to the Birds of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands: Revised Edition A Guide to the Birds of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands: Revised Edition
      5. Birds of Mexico and Central America (Princeton Illustrated Checklists) Birds of Mexico and Central America (Princeton Illustrated Checklists)

      ASIN: 069111319X

      Book Description

      Fully illustrated, easy to use, and completely up-to-date, Birds of the West Indies is the only field guide that covers all of the bird species known to occur in the region--including migrants and infrequently occurring forms. Each species is represented by a full description that includes identification field marks, status and range, habitat, and voice. A map showing the bird's distribution accompanies many species accounts, and plumages of all species are depicted in ninety-three beautifully rendered color plates.

      Bird lovers, vacationing tourists, local residents, and "armchair travelers" will all want to own this definitive field guide to the birds of the West Indies.

      Customer Reviews:

      5 out of 5 stars Perfect for Caribbean bird lovers!.......2007-06-01

      Much clearer and more up-to-date than The Birds of the West Indies (by James Bond) This book includes great full colour plates with lots of details.Descriptions are concise but very useful. I highly recommend this book to anyone birdwatching in the Caribbean.

      5 out of 5 stars Ideal reference book.......2007-03-22

      Birds of the West Indies is the ideal refernce publication for residents of and visiitors to the Caribbean whether they be avid bird watchers or amatuurs wishing to satisfy their curiosity in identifying the charming little creature that wished to share their breakfast on the terrace every morning.

      The illustrations are beautifully and accurately produced and reference by species makes the identifying both quick and easy.

      4 out of 5 stars missing the behavioral tips.......2007-02-15

      I used this guide in Februrary 2007 on St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands. Color illustrations were very good. But I missed the short behavioral cues that you find in Peterson's guides, like "scratches in leaves near road edges," "bobs head and swims half submerged."

      St. John's has a Park Ranger-led walk on Francis Bay trail that was very productive.

      4 out of 5 stars Good bird guide.......2006-11-05

      Used in Jamaica;I bought this guide for my husband,a keen bird watcher,he said it was a good field guide, easy to use with clear pictures.Handy to pop in the suitcase.

      5 out of 5 stars The One and Only Field Guide for the West Indies........2006-07-27

      Why is the One and Only?
      The color Plates
      The Cover and size
      The Distribution Maps
      The Basic and accurate Information
      Do I mention the color plates?

      Caribbean Birds: An Introduction to Familiar Species
      Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
      • Caribbean Birds
      Caribbean Birds: An Introduction to Familiar Species
      James Kavanagh
      Manufacturer: Waterford Press
      ProductGroup: Book
      Binding: Paperback

      GeneralGeneral | Caribbean | Travel | Subjects | Books
      GuidebooksGuidebooks | Reference & Tips | Travel | Subjects | Books
      GeneralGeneral | Birdwatching | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
      ReferenceReference | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
      BirdwatchingBirdwatching | Outdoors & Nature | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
      ReferenceReference | Outdoors & Nature | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
      CaribbeanCaribbean | Travel | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
      GuidebooksGuidebooks | Reference & Tips | Travel | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
      All 4-for-3 DealsAll 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
      Similar Items:
      1. Birds of the West Indies (Princeton Field Guides) Birds of the West Indies (Princeton Field Guides)
      2. Snorkeling Guide to Marine Life: Florida Caribbean Bahamas Snorkeling Guide to Marine Life: Florida Caribbean Bahamas
      3. A Field Guide to the Birds of the West Indies (Peterson Field Guides(R)) A Field Guide to the Birds of the West Indies (Peterson Field Guides(R))
      4. A Guide to the Birds of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands: Revised Edition A Guide to the Birds of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands: Revised Edition
      5. A Birder's West Indies: An Island-by-Island Tour (Corrie Herring Hooks Series) A Birder's West Indies: An Island-by-Island Tour (Corrie Herring Hooks Series)

      ASIN: 1583551581

      Book Description

      The Pocket Naturalist Guides introduces novices to common plants and animals and natural phenomena. Each pocket-sized, folding guide highlights up to 150 species and most feature a map highlighting prominent sanctuaries and outstanding natural attractions.

      Customer Reviews:

      5 out of 5 stars Caribbean Birds.......2007-01-10

      I thought this guide was very helpful,well done, and inexpensive. It is fully laminated, and folded such that it is easily carried in your pocket into the field for "birding". I can't imagine anyone would be unhappy with this purchase for the price. mg
      A Field Guide to the Birds of the West Indies (Peterson Field Guides(R))
      Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
      • Good only for 007 fans.
      • Review of "Birds of the West Indies."
      • West Indy Birds
      • A disappointment
      • Book makes a cameo in "Die Another Day"
      A Field Guide to the Birds of the West Indies (Peterson Field Guides(R))
      James Bond
      Manufacturer: Houghton Mifflin
      ProductGroup: Book
      Binding: Paperback

      GeneralGeneral | Birdwatching | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
      ReferenceReference | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
      OrnithologyOrnithology | Zoology | Biological Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books
      Similar Items:
      1. Birds of the West Indies (Princeton Field Guides) Birds of the West Indies (Princeton Field Guides)
      2. Caribbean Birds: An Introduction to Familiar Species Caribbean Birds: An Introduction to Familiar Species
      3. A Birder's West Indies: An Island-by-Island Tour (Corrie Herring Hooks Series) A Birder's West Indies: An Island-by-Island Tour (Corrie Herring Hooks Series)
      4. A Guide to the Birds of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands: Revised Edition A Guide to the Birds of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands: Revised Edition
      5. Snorkeling Guide to Marine Life: Florida Caribbean Bahamas Snorkeling Guide to Marine Life: Florida Caribbean Bahamas

      ASIN: 0618002103

      Book Description

      Descriptions of more than 400 species of birds found in the islands of the West Indies include local names of birds, notes on migrants and winter residents -- as well as birds that breed there -- and voice, habitat, and range information. More than 340 illustrations aid in identification.

      Customer Reviews:

      1 out of 5 stars Good only for 007 fans........2006-05-17

      You will find the Ornithologist James Bond's old employer, Philadelphia's Academy of Natural Sciences does not sell copies of this book. They will sell you Herbert Raffaele's updated version of this book instead.

      Why?

      Because, it is at least from the 1930. it contains information which is seriously dated. Not to mention that the pictures are mostly in black and white with only about 10 colour plates. The pictures that are contained in the volume are not very representative of the birds you will encounter.

      This book is acceptable if you intend on bird watching on your caribbean holiday, but we spent much of our time guessing if we were really looking at a bird. Yes, you can take a book of Eastern US birds with you, but do you want to take a birdwatching library with you on your holiday? Not to mention there are birds which will not show up in a US Bird book (e.g., bananaquit and parrots).

      You will notice that the most effusive reviews of this book come from fans of Ian Fleming's 007, not bird watchers. That is because this book is much more a piece of 007 trivia than useful to modern bird watchers.

      The story of How Ian Fleming's agent was named was that Fleming was at Goldeneye, his Jamaican house, and needed a name for the protagonist of his spy novel. Fleming wanted a plain name and his eye came upon his copy of James Bond's "Birds of the West Indies", which Fleming described as his bible. Fleming thought that James Bond would be the perfect name for his spy (No, Audobon would not have been a possibility). Mr. Fleming paid the ornithologist a dollar a year for the privilege of using the name James Bond in his novels.

      Serious bird watchers are better served buying Herbert Raffaele's updated version of this book or James Kavanagh's "Caribbean Birds".

      You could also be sentimental and want this because it was what you used when you were young during the period that this version of "Birds of the West Indies" was the only show in town.

      In case you haven't guessed, I am both a bird watcher and James Bond fan who owns two copies of this book. Consider this review with that in mind.

      1 out of 5 stars Review of "Birds of the West Indies.".......2004-02-22

      Unless one is collecting Peterson Field Guides, I do not recommend this book. Its organization is dated. Color plates are segregated from the bird descriptions. Many of the descriptions are accompanied by a black and white sketch. Some of the birds described lack any sketch or color plate. The book does not contain distribution maps. Redeeming aspects of the book are (1) it is small in size and (2) it includes a comprehensive list of species in the area with a written text for each.

      4 out of 5 stars West Indy Birds.......2003-03-01

      Yea, The book could definently use some improvements, but overall the pictures did depict the birds pretty well. The only species illustrated {in color} are those endemic ONLY to the Carib islands. Any birds that are seen in the continental US are only given black and white drawings, and small descriptions. So a field guide and familiarity to eastern migratory birds are a plus! I am VERY dissapointed with the quality of the pages in the book. After a week in the Islands, mine looks worse than any of my regular guides! Bring a water-proof sleeve or something, because it's going to get wet! Not a bad book though, I had a lot of fun, and pretty much every bird you see tends to be a new species! Have fun!

      2 out of 5 stars A disappointment.......2003-01-03

      When I ordered this guide, I was expecting a format that was similar to the other Petersen bird guides. Unfortunately, this book is nowhere near as well organized. The plates are small, the artwork is not as good, and not all the species are illustrated. The text was also rather thin in life history information. If you are traveling to the Caribbean in winter and aren't up to speed on North American migratory singbirds, you will need to take an Eastern U.S. bird guide with you as well, as the numerous migrants that comprise the wintertime fauna are merely mentioned. I managed to identify most birds that I saw while using this guide, but it was a frustrating process.

      4 out of 5 stars Book makes a cameo in "Die Another Day".......2002-11-25

      Hard core 007 afficianados will notice a pile of 007 in-jokes that are scattered throught the latest Bond film, "Die Another Day". Among them: While in a Cuban office, Pierce Brosnan casually picks up a first edition of this book, which, as others have noted, is where Ian Fleming came up with 007's name. Better than available alternatives I suppose ("My name is Audobon - - John James Audobon..."
      A Birder's West Indies: An Island-by-Island Tour (Corrie Herring Hooks Series)
      Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
      • Just like being there (but without the map)
      A Birder's West Indies: An Island-by-Island Tour (Corrie Herring Hooks Series)
      Roland H. Wauer
      Manufacturer: University of Texas Press
      ProductGroup: Book
      Binding: Paperback

      GuidebooksGuidebooks | Reference & Tips | Travel | Subjects | Books
      BirdwatchingBirdwatching | Adventure | Specialty Travel | Travel | Subjects | Books
      GeneralGeneral | Travel | Subjects | Books
      GeneralGeneral | Birdwatching | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
      Similar Items:
      1. Birds of the West Indies (Princeton Field Guides) Birds of the West Indies (Princeton Field Guides)
      2. Caribbean Birds: An Introduction to Familiar Species Caribbean Birds: An Introduction to Familiar Species
      3. A Guide to the Birds of the West Indies A Guide to the Birds of the West Indies
      4. A Field Guide to the Birds of the West Indies (Peterson Field Guides(R)) A Field Guide to the Birds of the West Indies (Peterson Field Guides(R))
      5. A Guide to the Birds of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands: Revised Edition A Guide to the Birds of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands: Revised Edition

      ASIN: 0292791011

      Book Description

      The West Indies offer so much more than sun, sand, and shopping. This sweeping arc of islands, which runs from Cuba to Grenada and includes the Virgin Islands, teems with a rich diversity of plant and animal life. Up to 40 percent of the plants in some forests are found nowhere else on earth, while the West Indian flyway is a critical link in the migratory routes of many birds.

      In A Birder's West Indies, Roland Wauer takes you on an island-by-island journey of discovery. He describes the unique natural features of each island and recounts his often fascinating experiences in seeking out the nearly 400 species of birds known in the West Indies. His accounts give insight into the birds' habitats, status, and ecology and record some of the threats posed by human activities.

      For readers planning trips to the West Indies, Wauer also includes helpful, up-to-date facts about the best times to travel, the kinds of entry and customs systems to expect, the money exchange services available, and general information about weather, food, and accommodations. Filling a unique niche among current guides, A Birder's West Indies offers both professional ornithologists and avocational bird watchers a chance to compare notes and experiences with an expert observer. And for readers who haven't yet visited the islands, Wauer's fluid prose and lovely color photographs will be the next-best thing to being there—and an irresistible invitation to go.

      Customer Reviews:

      4 out of 5 stars Just like being there (but without the map).......2007-02-16

      Readers that have read Roland Wauer's "A Birders Mexico" will enjoy this guide to all the islands of the Caribbean. This book is primarily aimed for birders and nature or eco-tourists. It is a joy to read and after getting it out again this morning to review it during breakfast I was almost late for work as it was hard to put down. It was also very difficult to make the transition from his discription of the Island of Monteserrat to my driving in the snowy cold morning to work.

      This 238 page book is packed from cover to cover with information on the birds, forests, plants, and history of the Caribbean Islands with photographs and excellent pen and ink drawing of endemic island birds by Mimi Wolf. There is a checklist of 161 Island bird species in the first section of the book and an excellent list of references in the back. There is a chapter devoted to each island. Wauer walks you around the best natural areas of the islands recounting his personal visits there and the sights he encountered with his keen observation skills and rich knowledge of natural history. If you are a birder, or ecotourist this book will give you very convincing reasons to plan a trip and if you have already bought the tickets it will rachet up your excitement over it.

      The only shortcoming of this book is the lack of maps or specific instructions to the parks and reserves mentioned in the book. A good compliment to this book would be Wheatly and Brewer's "Where to Watch Birds in Central America, Mexico and the Caribbean" which has all the specific lists, maps and directions you would need. If you don't get this book (A Birder's West Indies) you will though miss out on a more literary and rich reading experience of the islands.
      A Guide to the Birds of the West Indies
      Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
      • A good book but be sure you know what you want.
      • Bahama Birds
      • It is the Bible for birding in the West Indies
      • More of a reference book than field guide
      • A good comprehensive fieldguide
      A Guide to the Birds of the West Indies
      Herbert Raffaele , James Wiley , Orlando H. Garrido , Allan Keith , and Janis I. Raffaele
      Manufacturer: Princeton University Press
      ProductGroup: Book
      Binding: Hardcover

      GeneralGeneral | Birdwatching | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
      ReferenceReference | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
      OrnithologyOrnithology | Zoology | Biological Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books
      All TitlesAll Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
      Similar Items:
      1. Birds of the West Indies (Princeton Field Guides) Birds of the West Indies (Princeton Field Guides)
      2. A Birder's West Indies: An Island-by-Island Tour (Corrie Herring Hooks Series) A Birder's West Indies: An Island-by-Island Tour (Corrie Herring Hooks Series)
      3. Caribbean Birds: An Introduction to Familiar Species Caribbean Birds: An Introduction to Familiar Species
      4. A Guide to the Birds of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands: Revised Edition A Guide to the Birds of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands: Revised Edition
      5. Field Guide to the Birds of Cuba (Comstock Books) Field Guide to the Birds of Cuba (Comstock Books)

      ASIN: 0691087369

      Book Description

      This is the first comprehensive field guide to the birds of the West Indies to appear in more than fifty years. It covers all 564 bird species known to occur in the region (including migrants and infrequently occurring forms). Each species is represented by a full description that includes identification field marks, local names, status, habitat, voice, nesting, range, and comments about the bird. A map showing the bird's distribution accompanies each species account. Plumages of all species are depicted in eighty-six beautifully rendered color plates. Twelve of these plates feature individual endemics from each of twelve islands. Another seven plates feature the island endemics of the largest islands: Cuba, Hispaniola, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico.

      Because the region is known for its extraordinary variety of avifauna and because no other accurate modern account of its birdlife exists, this book is a landmark publication that will be widely hailed by serious birders and amateur birdwatchers alike. The authors pay particular attention to endangered and threatened birds. For each island or island group, local experts have been invited to provide a survey of efforts made to date to conserve birds and their habitats. For many years there has been a need for an up-to-date field guide that could satisfy local residents, vacationing tourists, and "armchair travelers." At last, that need has been met with this fully illustrated Guide to the Birds of the West Indies.

      Customer Reviews:

      4 out of 5 stars A good book but be sure you know what you want........2007-02-27

      Raffaele's book is a very good one for the birds of SOME THE CARIBBEAN ISLANDS ONLY. He specifically states that he is not including birds of the islands off the Venezuelan coast or birds of Central America. We went on a cruise that included Aruba, Curacao, Panama and Costa Rica and my Birds of the West Indies was not useful at all. It's for birds of the Greater and Lesser Antilles only excluding islands off Venezuela. None of the rainforest birds we saw were in the book. So just be sure of what you want.

      5 out of 5 stars Bahama Birds.......2005-07-03

      Just what I was looking for in a field guide to birds of the Carribean.

      5 out of 5 stars It is the Bible for birding in the West Indies.......2004-03-10

      This book is THE authority in the region. Yes, it is a heavy little sucker, and no, it is not a field guide per-se, but this book has so much useful information for the serious birder (not the coffee-table birder, but the take-it-to-the-toilet-with-you-to-read birder) that these handicaps are largely overcome.

      Though recent hyperactivity by taxonomists and ornithologists working the region have made just a tiny teensy bit of the info in the book outdated, it is still a must-have for the no-nonsense Caribbean birder.

      3 out of 5 stars More of a reference book than field guide.......2002-04-02

      Just slightly smaller than 8.5 x 11 inch letter size with 500 pages and an inflexible, non-weather resistant cover, this book is too big and rigid to fit in anything other than a back-pack. It's not a quick reference field guide than you can quickly pop out of your coat pocket, and you'll ruin it if it gets caught in an otherwise lovely tropical drizzle. Additionally the way the book is organized does not facilitate quick on-the-fly identifications, the very kind that you most frequently need in the field. For instance, the first 200 plus pages contain color plates of the birds (86 full page plates in total, each containing between 1 and 15 species). If you open the book flat you're looking at the color plate on the right page and a numbered list of the birds on the left giving common name, biological name, size in centimeters and inches and a page reference number. It's this last point - page reference number - where A GUIDE TO THE BIRDS OF THE WEST INDIES really shows up its weakness in the field. The range and distribution maps, distinguishing characteristics, flight, voice, habitat and nesting information; basically all the data you'll need to pin down a firm sighting, are all on a different page than the birds picture. This information comprises the second half of the book.

      Birders will have the same problem with this book as we do with all those guides that present illustrations and/or photographs of the bird on one page and it's range map and other vital information somewhere else. A typical example. The bird takes to the air. From the glimpse we get we know it's a hummingbird with green back and white underparts. The most likely candidate we come up with is a female Streamertail. Fine, except that once we flip to the back and read about range we realize the Streamertail in endemic to Jamaica and we're still in Puerto Rico; I guess it did look more like a female Antillean Mango afterall! It's worse with warblers, flycatchers, and especially vireos. There is much flipping back and forth between pictures and descriptions, particularly so for novice birders who may not be familiar with endemics and the very limited ranges that are major factors to be aware of when dealing with bird species in islands.

      This book is very colorful and informative and very up to date. It's just not very well laid out for work in the field. I wish I could be more helpful by recommending another book but unfortunately there are issues with most of the regional guides. Rather than a West Indian guide you may want to use island specific ones (some available locally) for your field trips and leave this one in the hotel for detailed reference later.

      4 out of 5 stars A good comprehensive fieldguide.......2000-08-17

      This book is an excellent field guide. The descriptions are great and the colourplates are high quality. The book includes plates which features endimic species from the largest islands - a very valuable part of the book. Another fine thing is the locality index. The index is a great help when identifying species on localities where you have never been before. For my part I used the book on my first trip ever to Cuba, and I will bring the book with me again if I ever returns to Cuba. The text is very informative and descriptions of both juvenil and adult birds are included which is a great help. Furthermore the illustrations are very good. The book have a size that makes it possible to use it in the field. The only problem as far as I can see is that it could have been usefull with more illustrations e.g. more flying raptors, ducks and waders. All in all: A book worth using and buying.
      Caribbean Time Bomb: The United States' Complicity in the Corruption of Antigua
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        Caribbean Time Bomb: The United States' Complicity in the Corruption of Antigua
        Robert Coram
        Manufacturer: William Morrow & Co
        ProductGroup: Book
        Binding: Hardcover

        AntiguaAntigua | Caribbean & West Indies | Americas | History | Subjects | Books
        GeneralGeneral | Caribbean & West Indies | Americas | History | Subjects | Books
        GeneralGeneral | Central America | Americas | History | Subjects | Books
        GeneralGeneral | United States | Americas | History | Subjects | Books
        GeneralGeneral | Politics | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
        ASIN: 0688115438
        Birds of the West Indies Revised & Enlarged
        Average customer rating: Not rated
          Birds of the West Indies Revised & Enlarged
          James Bond
          Manufacturer: Collins
          ProductGroup: Book
          Binding: Hardcover
          ASIN: B000KDZUJI
          Cry of the Frigate Bird : A Virgin Gorda Adventure
          Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
          • Wilson made me feel like I was there with him!
          Cry of the Frigate Bird : A Virgin Gorda Adventure
          Harold Wilson
          Manufacturer: Averasboro Pr
          ProductGroup: Book
          Binding: Paperback

          GeneralGeneral | Caribbean | Travel | Subjects | Books
          GeneralGeneral | Travel | Subjects | Books
          ASIN: 1888879254

          Customer Reviews:

          5 out of 5 stars Wilson made me feel like I was there with him!.......2001-05-08

          Frigate bird is a great example of how one can live off the land in style. The book is filled with great stories. Just reading it made me feel like I was on a vacation. It left me envious of the author. I wish I had the nerve to live on an island with nothing but $14.00, a jar of horseradish, and the barter system. This book is pure entertainment! It sends a message regarding our need to preserve the environment.
          Birds of the West Indies.
          Average customer rating: Not rated
            Birds of the West Indies.

            Manufacturer: Houghton Mifflin Company.
            ProductGroup: Book
            Binding: Hardcover
            ASIN: B000I9TGX0
            A Photographic Guide to Birds of the West Indies
            Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
            • Great book -- all my friends want one.
            • Photographic guide to the Birds of the West Indies
            A Photographic Guide to Birds of the West Indies
            G. Michael Flieg , and Allan Sander
            Manufacturer: Ralph Curtis Publishing
            ProductGroup: Book
            Binding: Paperback

            GeneralGeneral | Birdwatching | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
            ReferenceReference | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
            Similar Items:
            1. Birds of the West Indies (Princeton Field Guides) Birds of the West Indies (Princeton Field Guides)
            2. A Birder's West Indies: An Island-by-Island Tour (Corrie Herring Hooks Series) A Birder's West Indies: An Island-by-Island Tour (Corrie Herring Hooks Series)
            3. Caribbean Birds: An Introduction to Familiar Species Caribbean Birds: An Introduction to Familiar Species
            4. A Field Guide to the Birds of the West Indies (Peterson Field Guides(R)) A Field Guide to the Birds of the West Indies (Peterson Field Guides(R))
            5. A Guide to the Birds of the West Indies A Guide to the Birds of the West Indies

            ASIN: 0883590506

            Customer Reviews:

            5 out of 5 stars Great book -- all my friends want one. .......2004-10-24

            I bought this book to check out local birds in the US Virgin Islands, as well as several similar books that were recommended to me. Not only do I really love it but, during a recent hurricane when our house was filled with folks, our guests raved about the quality of the book, great pictures, etc. And this was after they got a chance to compare it to other books on the same subject. Of all the Virgin Islands birding and wildlife books we have, this is the one our guests all want. It is easy to use, the pictures are accurate, and I recommend it.

            4 out of 5 stars Photographic guide to the Birds of the West Indies.......2001-07-20

            This pocket guide contains photos and descriptions of virtually all of the endemic birds of the West Indies. It also covers introduced species and water birds of the Caribbean. It is an exceptionally usuable pocket guide for the birder to take along on a cruise or holiday to the islands.

            Books:

            1. Boosting the Adolescent Underachiever: How Busy Parents Can Unlock their Teenager's Potential
            2. Brain Is Born: Exploring the Birth and Development of the Central Nervous System
            3. Breast-feeding and Natural Child Spacing: The Ecology of Natural Mothering
            4. Brothers And Sisters: 100 Reasons Our Relationship Is Like No Other
            5. Cancer, Culture and Communication
            6. Catholic Parent Know-How: Discover the Riches, Lent
            7. Centuries of Childhood: A Social History of Family Life
            8. Childhood Cancer Survivors: A Practical Guide to Your Future (Childhood Cancer Guides)
            9. Children's Clothing: Designing, Selecting Fabrics, Patternmaking, and Sewing (F.I.T. Collection)
            10. Children Who Say No When You Want Them To Say Yes: How to Deal with Stubborn, Defiant, and Oppositional Youngsters, from Toddlerhood Through Teens

            Books Index

            Books Home

            Recommended Books

            1. The Towers of Trebizond
            2. Systems Analysis and Design, Sixth Edition
            3. Organic Materials for Photonics: Science and Technology
            4. Tell My Horse : Voodoo and Life in Haiti and Jamaica
            5. Painting People: Figure Painting Today
            6. Seeds of Deception: Exposing Industry and Government Lies About the Safety of the Genetically Engin
            7. Raising Peaceable Powerful Children
            8. Close Cover Before Striking: The Golden Age of Matchcover Art
            9. Objects on a Table: Harmonious Disarray in Art and Literature
            10. Algal Ecology: Freshwater Benthic Ecosystem