Herons (Early Bird Nature Books)

Staub, Frank J.

ISBN 10: 0822530171 ISBN 13: 9780822530176

Publisher: Lerner Pub Group, 1997

Synopsis

Describes the physical characteristics and behavior of various species of herons, as well as their mating habits and hunting methods

About this title

From Kirkus Reviews

Herons are the long-legged, needle-beaked birds that vigilantly comb marshlands for food. Ranging in color from blue to gray to white, these birds were almost hunted to extinction at the turn of the century for their magnificent plumes (used in women's millinery). Thanks to wildlife protection laws, herons are once again common in the US. This entry in the Early Bird Nature series explores, in a simple format, some of the lesser-known facts about herons and their habits. For example, while herons are found near water, they avoid getting their feathers wet, which would make them unable to fly. Helping them stay dry is powder down--a down that traps water and dirt and turns into powder when the bird preens. This kind of intriguing fact makes for good reading, but there isn't enough information about the birds' precarious-looking twig nests, their feeding and flying habits, or their mating rituals. A note for adults that includes hints for using the book seems self-evident. (map, glossary, index) (Picture book/nonfiction. 7-10) -- Copyright ©1997, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-7. This introduction to the heron family, which includes egrets and bitterns, provides basic information about the birds' physical characteristics, behavior, and life cycles. Staub focuses on the commonalties among the species but does touch upon ways in which they differ. The text, written in short declarative sentences, is simple but often stiff. Nonetheless, the overall format is attractive with good-quality, full-color photographs on every page. Follow-up bird-study activities are appended. Wyatt Blassingame's Wonders of Egrets, Bitterns, and Herons (Dodd, 1982; o.p.) is more detailed and is written in a livelier manner, but is a blander looking package. Herons will be useful for reports and will appeal to nature lovers.?Cynthia M. Sturgis, Ledding Library, Milwaukee, OR
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Lerner Pub Group
• Publication date: 1997
• ISBN 10: 0822530171
• ISBN 13: 9780822530176
• Binding: Library Binding
• Number of pages: 48