Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum Book of Answers

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The 200,000 or so people who stroll through Tucson's Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum each year bring with them many questions: What is a desert? How is it that gophers and rattlesnakes can live in the same hole? How can I stop Gila woodpeckers from whittling down my house? If I find a desert tortoise, can I make it a pet? David Lazaroff, a biologist and writer, answers these and dozens more questions in this entertaining, intelligent book, which belongs on every Southwesterner's bookshelf. --Gregory McNamee

Product Description

What exactly is a desert? How can I attract hummingbirds? Are cactus spines poisonous? Is a javelina a pig? This book provides detailed answers to 42 questions that the staff at the Desert Museum are most often asked. Supplemented with nearly 100 illustrations, this 200 page book is broken down into three sections: getting to know the desert, the desert as one's backyard, and enjoying the desert. Seven useful appendixes cover a range of topics including hummingbird gardening, venomous bites and stings, climate, and additional sources of information about desert life. A fun way to learn how wild and fascinating our deserts really are!

Customer Reviews:

A New Resident's Perspective.......2007-01-31

As a new resident, I had lots of questions about such a strange and beautiful land. Everywhere I turned for answers, I was pointed toward this book. So I bought it. The first night after it's arrival I opened it and didn't put it down until it was finished. It's not in my library, however. My wife and I refer to it so much we have to keep it closer.

A wonderful book about this beautiful part of the country.......2000-09-19

This is a great book for anyone that wants to learn about this desert and the plants and animals that live in it. Unlike some of the other books about this topic that are written in an academic/textbook style, this book is written in a lively, question & answer format and is full of interesting and unusual facts. I've lived in this region for over 25 years and I learned quite a bit by reading this book.

just by flipping through it, I wanted to buy it!.......2000-04-04

I only saw this once in the bookstore, and just by flipping through it, I knew it had to be a part of my book-collection. Just moving to the desert southwest, I have been thirsty for more about my new eco-system and home........I may not have so many dilemmas now on critters and plants..........

Audubon Guide to the National Wildlife Refuges: Southwest: Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas (Audubon Guides to the National Wildlife Refuges)

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Audubon Guide to the National Wildlife Refuges: Southwest: Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas (Audubon Guides to the National Wildlife Refuges)
Daniel Gibson , and Theodore Roosevelt IV
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Griffin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Audubon Guide to the National Wildlife Refuges: Southeast: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, ... Guides to the National Wildlife Refuges)
Audubon Guide to the National Wildlife Refuges: South Central (Audubon Guides to the National Wildlife Refuges)
Audubon Guide to the National Wildlife Refuges: Northern Midwest: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, ... Guides to the National Wildlife Refuges)
Audubon Guide to the National Wildlife Refuges: Rocky Mountains: Idaho, Colorado, Montana, Utah, Wyoming (Audubon Guides to the National Wildlife Refuges)
Audubon Guide to the National Wildlife Refuges: Alaska & the Pacific Northwest: Alaska, Oregon, Washington (Audubon Guides to the National Wildlife Refuges)

ASIN: 0312207778

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The southwestern United States--in this case, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, and Texas--harbors several dozen federally administered wildlife refuges, 31 of them open to the public and profiled in this guidebook. Some of the refuges, such as New Mexico's heavily visited Bosque del Apache, are stopovers for great numbers of birds (in this instance, more than 17,000 sandhill cranes alone) and residences for diverse plants and animals. Others, such as Texas's 3,500-acre Attwater Prairie Chicken National Wildlife Refuge, are devoted (but, of course, not limited) to a single endangered species. Natural-history writer Daniel Gibson gives a thorough description of the region's wildlife refuges and of the wildlife they shelter, providing a guide that nature-minded visitors will want to have on hand when visiting the desert country. --Gregory McNamee

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Informative book

Arizona Wildlife
James Kavanagh
Manufacturer: Waterford Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Pamphlet

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Arizona Trees & Wildflowers: An Introduction to Familiar Species
Birds of Arizona Field Guide (Our Nature Field Guides)
Plants of Arizona
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum Book of Answers
Cacti of the Desert Southwest

ASIN: 1583551352

Customer Reviews:

Informative book.......2005-09-24

Moving to Arizona in the near future, we wanted to learn as much as possible about the state: Wildlife, plants, etc. This book has been very helpful in teaching us what to expect in our area.

A Natural History of the Sonoran Desert (Arizona Sonora Desert Museum)

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An Essential Guide to a Great Desert
Scholarly
Armchair nature watching
natural history of the sonoran desert
natural history of the sonoran desert

A Natural History of the Sonoran Desert (Arizona Sonora Desert Museum)
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Manufacturer: University of California Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Similar Items:

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum Book of Answers
Plants of Arizona
National Audubon Society Field Guide to the Southwestern States: Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah (Audubon Field Guide)
Sonoran Desert Wildflowers: A Field Guide to the Common Wildflowers of the Sonoran Desert, Including Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Saguaro National Park, Organ Pipe National Monument, Ironwood Forest National Monument, and the Sonoran Portion of Joshua Tree National Park
Cacti of the Desert Southwest

ASIN: 0520219805

Book Description

The Sonoran Desert is one of the most wildly diverse and fascinating regions in the world. Covering southeastern California, the southern half of Arizona, most of Baja California, and much of the state of Sonora, Mexico, this vast area is home to an amazing variety of plants and animals. Its terrain varies dramatically, from parched desert lowlands to semiarid tropical forests and frigid subalpine meadows. A Natural History of the Sonoran Desert provides the most complete collection of Sonoran Desert natural history information ever compiled and is a perfect introduction to this biologically rich desert of North America.
The authors--experts in many fields--begin with a general look at the region's geology, paleoecology, climate, human ecology, and biodiversity. The book then looks in depth at hundreds of plants, mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, native fishes, and invertebrates that live in the northern part of the Sonoran Desert. Throughout, the text is supplemented with anecdotes, essays, color and black-and-white photographs, maps, diagrams, and 450 finely-rendered drawings. This comprehensive, accessible natural history is written for nonscientists and will surely become an invaluable companion for nature enthusiasts, birdwatchers, hikers, students, and anyone interested in the desert Southwest.
A copublication with the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

Customer Reviews:

An Essential Guide to a Great Desert.......2005-06-11

I grew up in the Sonoran Desert, in the ultra hot (and humid!) city of Yuma, Arizona. During my time there I visited the Californian and northern Baja Californian sections of this huge hyperarid land. I eventually moved to the less humid (if less hyperarid in terms of rainfall) city of Tucson, where I explored a considerable part of the eastern Arizonan part of the desert, as well as taking trips into the desert in southern Baja California and Sonora itself. This is a fascinating land and one with great surprises, such as a fauna of fish and aquatic insects, desert crusts of cyanobacteria, tropical birds, army and leaf-cutting ants and strange plants.

Now Steven J. Phillips and Patricia Comus of the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum have edited a neat guide to the area in "A Natural History of the Sonoran Desert". The various sections contain numerous bits of information, many of which were new to me despite about 25 years of wandering in the Sonoran Desert. The discussions of the structure and history of the desert are particularly informative. This book should be in the bookshelf, and indeed in the knapsack (despite its size), of all travelers in this fantastic desert.

I have to admit that I know five of the authors- namely Steve Prchal, Renee Lizotte, Gary Paul Nabhan, Carl A. Olson and Thomas Van Devender- excellent writers all- but I can also say that it is a worthwhile book based just on the work of writers whom I've never met and so I can claim some non-bias.

To add to this praise I have a few very minor quibbles. I wish that there had been more reference sections- certainly there are several books on the identification of desert plants, birds, mammals and fish! Also, as a jumping spider specialist I was disappointed that the quite readily seen red and black Apache jumping spider (Phidippus apacheanus), which appears to mimic velvet ants, was not mentioned (but then I am prejudiced!). Also not mentioned were the bright red velvet mites that emerge after desert rains (I get these brought to me all the time by people wanting to know what they are.) In addition, I could not find any reference in the index to tadpole shrimp- a very abundant inhabitant of desert temporary pools. I suppose that there was little room to add such in this already over 600 page work, but it is a pity, as I think they are of interest to the visitor. One other quibble is that I personally dislike the term "brown spider" as there are lots of "brown spiders"- including wolf spiders, some crab spiders, and many others. I prefer "violin spider" as being more specifically descriptive, although I could never get W. J. Gertsch to agree with me on this (I believe that he is the original source of this common name!)

Having said this, I will reiterate that anybody who wants to have some idea of what they are seeing in the Sonoran Desert has to have this book! They can find no better guide on the market!

Scholarly.......2002-12-28

Subjects are thoroughly covered and the information is written in a friendly and interesting manner. If you have a question about the Sonoran Desert, you will most likely find the answer here. Among other surprises, this book offered my first look at the "creeping devil cactus" - how interesting! I'd never even heard of it before. "A Natural History of the Sonoran Desert" is a book you will turn to for detailed information that can be trusted as well as entertainment. Very nice photographs and illustrations. A great book for a nature lover, even if the Sonoran Desert holds no particular interest to them.

Armchair nature watching.......2002-10-16

This is the ideal book to take along on trips to the Sonora Desert. Whether it is the Cailfornian , including Baja, Arizonian(it actually covers five states) or Mexican portions of the vast and diverse Sonara Desert, the details and complexities of this eco system are truly amazing. This book is an indespensible guide to all facets of this immense gift, including the many plants and animals that inhabit this harsh yet bountiful environment. It is a book to read before, as well as after the trips to the desert. Since it is so diverse and vast , covering some 100, 000 sq.mi., the amount of information given is quite a bit but done in such a mannner that one can easily navigate the text to the desired area of interest Inevitably one will stray into an area of new found interest. The little known facts are a lay persons path to knowledge about what the heck they just saw or are about to see. The black and white illustrations for the plants and animals you will or did encounter are excellent and extremely helpful for identification. There is a section with color photographs as well to further illustrate the beauty of the Sonora Desert. With contributions by some thirty five different experts in their pespective field this book is the ultimate guide. Do not hesitate to buy this book if you are visting the Sonora Desert as it will prove to be a valuble reference tool that can be used over and over. Since there is so much to learn about the Sonora Desert and it's inhabitants, this book can be read anytime, anywhere since it is nearly impossible to experience it all. Recommended for the tourist, naturalist or anyone interested in learning more about the 2000 species of plants, 550 species of verbrates and thousands of unknown invertebrate species who make the Sonora Desert home. This is truly fascinating material that only nature can provide so don't hesitate to purchase this book.

natural history of the sonoran desert.......2001-03-03

we agree with all of the other reveiws.... a great discovery and a great resource....Glad we got it...

natural history of the sonoran desert.......2001-03-03

we agree with all of the other reveiws.... a great discovery and a great resource....Glad we got it...

Animal Tracks of the Rocky Mountains: Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico

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Animal Tracks of the Rocky Mountains: Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico
Chris Stall
Manufacturer: Mountaineers Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Mammals | Field Guides | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0898861853

Arizona Wildlife Viewing Guide (Watchable Wildlife (Adventure Publications))

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Arizona Wildlife Viewing Guide (Watchable Wildlife (Adventure Publications))

Manufacturer: Adventure Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Reference | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
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Arizona Wildlife

ASIN: 159193141X

Arizona Wildlife Viewing Guide (Wildlife Viewing Guides Series)

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Arizona Wildlife Viewing Guide (Wildlife Viewing Guides Series)
John N. Carr
Manufacturer: Falcon
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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New Mexico Wildlife Viewing Guide, 2nd
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California Wildlife Viewing Guide (Wildlife Viewing Guides Series)
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Washington Wildlife Viewing Guide

ASIN: 156044097X

Book Description

From the starkly beautiful Sonoran Desert, through the scenic Mogollon Rim country, to lush mountain meadows, the Arizona Wildlife Viewing Guide will lead you to 90 premier wildlife viewing areas and will better your chances of seeing wildlife once you arrive. Included are detailed descriptions of each viewing site and its wildlife, photographs of Arizona's diverse wildlife and scenic natural areas. This guide was made possible by the National Watchable Wildlife Program, a unique partnership of state and federal resource agencies and educational, and conservation opportunities. Each viewing site was selected with the help of experts from many of the following agencies and organizations. These groups also make significant technical contributions to the research and development of this guide: Defenders of Wildlife; Arizona State Parks and Fish Department; Arizona State Parks Board; Bureau of Land Management; USDA Forest Service; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Bureau of Reclamation; Arizona Department of Transportation; The Nature Conservancy; National Fish and Wildlife Foundation; Arizona Public Service Company; Arizona Chapter of The Wildlife Society; Salt River Project.

The Southwest: New Mexico and Arizona (The Smithsonian Guides to Natural America)

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Attractive and informative

The Southwest: New Mexico and Arizona (The Smithsonian Guides to Natural America)
Jake Page
Manufacturer: Random House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Southwest: Three Peoples in Geographical Change, 1600-1970 (Historical Geography of North America Series)
The Smithsonian Guides to Natural America: The Southern Rockies: Colorado and Utah (Smithsonian Guides to Natural America)
Adventuring in Arizona (A Sierra Club Travel Guide)
The Smithsonian Guides to Natural America: Pacific Northwest: Washington, Oregon (Smithsonian Guides to Natural America)
The Smithsonian Guides to Natural America: The Far West: California, Nevada (Smithsonian Guides to Natural America)

ASIN: 0679761543
Release Date: 1995-06-24

Book Description

Featuring glorious color photos and maps throughout, this new edition of the Smithonian Guide to Natural America covers the parks, wilderness preserves, nature sanctuaries and scenic wonders to be found in Arizona and New Mexico.

Customer Reviews:

Attractive and informative.......1999-11-03

All of the Smithsonian Guides to Natural America are excellent, and this one is no exception. It is one of the best guides available to the natural history of the Southwest, and is beautifully illustrated with color photographs. Not only visitors to this region but residents as well would find their understanding and appreciation of the natural environment enhanced by this attractive and informative book.

Southern Arizona Nature Almanac: A Seasonal Guide to Pima County and Beyond

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Every Newcomer to Southern Arizona Should Read this Book!

Southern Arizona Nature Almanac: A Seasonal Guide to Pima County and Beyond
Roseann Beggy Hanson , and Jonathan Hanson
Manufacturer: University of Arizona Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Almanacs | Almanacs & Yearbooks | Reference | Subjects | Books

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Arizona Wildlife
Tucson Hiking Guide (2nd Edition)
A Natural History of the Sonoran Desert (Arizona Sonora Desert Museum)

ASIN: 0816523053

Book Description

This handy guide highlights the region's most compelling features and natural phenomena for each month of the year: blooming plants, wildlife activity, places to visit, weather, and prominent constellations. From migratory birds to snakes to insects, the almanac tells what to expect in the sky or under your feet, no matter what season you venture out. Includes illustrations, photos, weather charts, and species lists.

Customer Reviews:

Every Newcomer to Southern Arizona Should Read this Book!.......2007-02-11

Someone recommended this book to me when I first moved to Tucson after living "up north" all my life. I had relocated to Arizona for a job and was in somewhat of a state of culture shock at the lack of green grass, no four seasons, etc. This book was a real god-send for me. It breaks the year into 12 months and describes what is happening in the environment in terms of climate, wildlife, plant life, and the constellations. It is filled with fun-facts and things to do and watch for, so adults and children alike will find this book fun and interesting to read. It is fascinating learning about the unique-ness of the Sonoran desert and it made me really appreciate how incredible and diverse it really is! I now recommend this book to everyone (native or newcomer) and buy it regularly as a "welcome" gift to my colleagues that relocate here from other parts of the country. I highly recommend it.

Ambushed on the Jaguar Trail: Hidden Cameras on the Mexican Border

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Ambushed on the Jaguar Trail: Hidden Cameras on the Mexican Border
Jack L. Childs , and Anna Mary Childs
Manufacturer: Rio Nuevo
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1933855096

Book Description

Caught in the act: Southwestern wildlife in their natural habitat.

Jack and Anna Childs went hunting for the elusive Southwestern jaguar, but what they found was bigger than the rare spotted cat, and even more surprising. Founders of the Borderlands Jaguar Detection Project, the Childs set up "camera traps," or remote-sensor cameras activated by motion and body heat, along the U.S.-Mexico border. They did "catch" the first live, wild jaguar ever photographed this way in the U.S. But their non-invasive, candid cameras also captured fascinating animal behavior across the entire eco_system. The jaguar, it seems, is a minor figure in a habitat that supports over 20 other large mammals. Black bears, mountain lions, bobcats, javelinas, coyotes, and human beings were also caught in behavior—and misbehavior—characteristic of their species. 72 color photos.

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