Post Description

Basics: softcover; 136 good color photographs of 23 seabird species; 1-2 general paragraphs on description and natural history for each bird; brief chapters address birds in the Hawaiian culture, on conservation, and on photo tips.

This is a smaller version of what may be categorized as a coffee-table book. The primary focus is to display nice photographs of Hawaii's seabirds while also offering a general overview of the bird's background.

Each bird receives its own mini-chapter of 2-4 pages that includes 3-6 good color photographs. The birds are typically shown in flight and nesting on the ground. The larger sizes of many of the photos - which can take up a full page of this oblong 9x10-inch book - make them even more appealing. Additional photos are peppered throughout the book showing the habitat, the ocean, conservation efforts, bird-related history, and a few other animals of the region. These include the Hawaiian Monk Seal, Green Sea Turtle, Spinner Dolphin, and one photo each of the endemic Nihoa Millerbird and the Laysan Finch.

The 1-2 pages of text to accompany each bird offer a general description of the bird along with notes on its natural history. These notes discuss the bird's breeding, nesting, and feeding behaviors. The information is not extensive, but it still gives the casual birder a nice overview.

Three other short chapters (2-4 pages each) talk about the role of seabirds in Hawaiian culture and on the conservation efforts of many of the species that have become seriously affected. Another single page offers tips for photographing the birds.

Nature enthusiasts who may want to learn a little more about the birds circling around them during a stroll along a Hawaiian beach will find this book both attractive and informative. - (written by Jack at Avian Review / Avian Books, November 2009)