Friday, June 3, 2011

Review: Avian Architecture: How Birds Design, Engineer & Build

This has got to be one of the coolest bird books I've ever come across! Maybe its because I'm a home builder, or maybe its just because bird nests are universally appealing and awe inspiring.  Avian Architecture may unravel some of the mystery behind how birds make their nests, but Peter Goodfellow thoroughly reveals a complexity in nest building that makes birds all the more astounding!

The Bullock's Oriole hanging-sock nest has long been a feat of bird engineering that boggles my mind.  I've seen their nests come together in a matter of days, but I've yet to take the time to observe how they do it.  Well, Goodfellow has taken the time to study and watch how birds build their nests.  What's more is that he has found a creative way to share his knowledge in this fantastic compilation of blueprints, building techniques, materials used, nest design, and lots of beautiful photographs of all the varieties of nests from around the world.

Nest Types discussed in Avian Architecture:  Scrape Nests, Holes & Tunnels, Platform, Aquatic, Cup-shaped, Domed, Mud, Hanging, Woven & Stitched, Mound, Colonies & Group, Courts & Bowers, Edible nests & Food Stores. 

I'll let the pages of this must-have book speak for themselves.  Trust me, you're gonna want this!  Here are some sneak-peeks courtesy of the publisher, Princeton University Press:

3 comments:

  1. This sounds and looks like a fascinating book! I think I will have to check it out. Great review!

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  2. Thanks, Robert, for reviewing this book. After reading your post and looking at the pages I went ahead and ordered it from Amazon.com

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  3. Julie & Hilke - Thanks for commenting on my review of this book. It really is spectacular and is a lot of fun to read and learn.

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