Review by Booklist Review
Ornithologist Beehler indulges his lifelong interest in shorebirds in this briskly intelligent natural history of the Hudsonian Godwit and fellow shorebirds he deems "the Magnificent Seven." Backed by artist Alan Messer's sublime illustrations, Beehler shares his knowledge of shorebird history, physical characteristics, migration, breeding, habitats, and more. Peppered with tidbits about other experts who have studied shorebirds, Beehler's narrative is a detailed portrait of the birds who captivate him and a deep immersion into their immensely busy lives. Following various godwit and curlew species and other shorebirds from the eastern U.S. to western Canada and Alaska, Beehler shares his camping and bird-watching adventures, which include humorous asides and delightful observations of destinations as varied as Tombstone Territorial Park in the Yukon Territory ("one of the prettiest wild places in North America") to Great Bend, Kansas, where he enjoyed a "magnificent" breakfast at Granny's Kitchen. All the while, he chronicles the activities of the birds he is committed to studying, revealing the countless things that make them special. A most worthy addition to any birdwatching and nature collection.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
