The 500 Most Important Bird Areas in the United States
by The American Bird Conservancy
The 500 Most Important Bird Areas in the United States (Random House, $25.95) should be required reading for ornithologists, land managers, conservationists and bird-watchers seeking to understand how their favorite birding spots fit into Earth's complicated fabric. "If one knows what role a site plays in the overall conservation of birds," the authors note, "one sees it through new eyes." Produced by the American Bird Conservancy, in association with The Nature Conservancy, the book leads readers to both well-known and unexpected destinations, providing information about habitats, species and how to visit. Without a doubt, it inspires those who have transformed a hobby into a deliberate cause, and attracts attention to the places where birds need it most.
— Sara M. Kaplaniak
