Birds of Michigan Field Guide (Bird Identification Guides) - Softcover

Tekiela, Stan

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1591939003 ISBN 13: 9781591939009

Publisher: Adventure Publications, 2019

Synopsis

Learn to Identify Birds in Michigan!

Make bird watching even more enjoyable. With Michigan’s best-selling bird guide, field identification is simple and informative. There’s no need to look through dozens of photos of birds that don’t live in your area. This book features 118 species of Michigan birds organized by color for ease of use. Do you see a yellow bird and don’t know what it is? Go to the yellow section to find out. Crisp, stunning full-page photographs present the species as you’ll see them in nature, and a “compare” feature helps you to decide between look-alikes. Plus, Stan Tekiela’s naturalist notes feature fascinating tidbits and facts.

This new edition includes six new species, updated photographs and range maps, expanded information, and even more of Stan’s expert insights. So grab Birds of Michigan Field Guide for your next birding adventure―to help ensure that you positively identify the birds that you see.

About this title

About the Author

Naturalist, wildlife photographer and writer Stan Tekiela is the originator of the popular state-specific field guide series that includes Mammals of Michigan Field Guide. Stan has authored more than 190 educational books, including field guides, quick guides, nature books, children’s books, playing cards and more, presenting many species of animals and plants.

With a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural History from the University of Minnesota and as an active professional naturalist for more than 30 years, Stan studies and photographs wildlife throughout the United States and Canada. He has received various national and regional awards for his books and photographs. Also a well-known columnist and radio personality, his syndicated column appears in more than 25 newspapers, and his wildlife programs are broadcast on a number of Midwest radio stations. Stan can be followed on Facebook and Twitter. He can be contacted via www.naturesmart.com.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Bald Eagle
Haliaeetus leucocephalus

• Size: 31–37" (79–94 cm); up to 71/2-ft. wingspan
• Male: White head and tail contrast sharply with the dark brown-to-black body and wings. Large, curved yellow bill and yellow feet.
• Female: same as male, only larger
• Juvenile: dark brown with white speckles and spots on the body and wings, gray bill
• Nest: massive platform, usually in a tree; female and male build; 1 brood per year
• Eggs: 2–3; off-white without markings
• Incubation: 34–36 days; female and male incubate
• Fledging: 75–90 days; female and male feed the young
• Migration: partial migrator, to southeastern states
• Food: fish, carrion, birds (mainly ducks)
• Compare: Turkey Vulture (pg. 39) is smaller, has two-toned wings and holds them in a V shape in flight. The Eagle holds its wings straight out.

Stan’s Notes: Nearly became extinct due to DDT poisoning and illegal killing. Now making a comeback in North America. Returns to the same nest each year, adding more sticks and enlarging it to huge proportions, at times up to 1,000 pounds (450 kg). In their midair mating ritual, one eagle flips upside down and locks talons with another. Both tumble, then break apart to continue flight. Not uncommon for juveniles to perform this mating ritual even though they have not reached breeding age. Long-term pair bond but will switch mates when not successful at reproducing. Juveniles attain the white head and tail at 4–5 years of age.

About this edition

• Publisher: Adventure Publications
• Publication date: 2019
• ISBN 10: 1591939003
• ISBN 13: 9781591939009
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 3
• Number of pages: 316