Reviews (3)

Superb
Impossible that present day horses would beat any horse trained by Preston Burch.Just read the exercise prescriptions in this book and be blown away.I certainly was.Here is carefully controlled training by a trainer understanding that his horses are participating in an athletic event.This is a book about conditioning equine athletes and also contains every other aspect of training and caring for thoroughbred race horses in a well written book by an individual who apparently understood the great care required.I held off reading this fearing it was dated, but what a pleasant surprise to find the extreme if succinct comprehensiveness here, every aspect is covered by a fellow who tried to do everything correctly.This is Ivers before Ivers, and one does wonder whatever happened to trainers like Max Hirsch and Preston Burch.

Preston Burch, where are you?
If every owner had a trainer like Preston Burch, there would be a lot more owners. If you are just starting in this business...read this book.
If you are just starting out in this business, you should read this book.Preston Burch gives you a simple, direct and enlightening understanding of thoroughbred horses.This book may have been published almost 50 years agobut in every advancement man has made we constantly find ourselves goingback to old knowledge and wisdom. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals / Pets    2. Horse Racing    3. Horses    4. Horses - Showing/Training    5. Nature/Ecology    6. Pets    7. Race horses    8. Sports & Recreation    9. Thoroughbred horse    10. Training   

Subjects:  1. Animals    2. Government & Business    3. Life Sciences - Biology - General    4. Mammals    5. Reference    6. Science    7. Science/Mathematics    8. Squirrels    9. Business & Economics / Government & Business    10. Wild animals   

Reviews (6)

Good, but slightly flawed
Pete Dunne's latest tome, Pete Dunne's Essential Field Guide Companion, has been reviewed several times by various bloggers already including As Necessary as Binoculars, for Making/Confirming I.D.s
I won't repeat the (well-deserved!) accolades. Rather, I write to ensure that potential buyers are aware of one particular feature which is as profoundly helpful as it is unique. Each bird discussion includes the assignment of a V.I., that is, Vagarancy Index. This is best explained by example.
A different approach to identification
Pete Dunne's Essential Field Guide Companion: A Comprehensive Resource For Identifying North American Birds is weightier than most similar/competing field guides; and for a reason: it too offers a different approach to identification, doing so by bird structure and shape as well as observer's general impression of size and shape. When size, color, behavior, flight pattern and vocalizations come into play in the identification process, much mystery is cleared up: this provides hints and clues to streamline identification efforts and builds a fine guide for all levels of birders. No color photos here; just plenty of tips and description.
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Subjects:  1. Bird Watching    2. Birds    3. Birds & Birdwatching - General    4. Identification    5. Individual Species Of Birds    6. Nature    7. Nature/Ecology    8. North America    9. Nature / Birds & Birdwatching   

Reviews (7)

STREAM MONITORING
This book is invaluable to citizen volunteers who monitor the streams of Virginia.

Freshwater Invertebrates of North America
I purchased this title as a fly fisherman wanting to learn more about entomology.This was a very helpful book written at a high school level which is good for someone wanting to tackle the subject for the first time and to get a good grasp of the vocabulary and science before moving on to more detailed college texts on the subject.
Extremely useful to both amateurs and professionals
This book is an excellent guide to family-level invertebrate identification.It has wonderful pictures and excellent background information on the organisms.
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Subjects:  1. Freshwater animals    2. Freshwater invertebrates    3. Identification    4. Invertebrates    5. Lakes & Ponds    6. Marine Life    7. Nature    8. Nature / Ecology    9. Nature/Ecology    10. North America    11. Rivers    12. Ecology    13. Freshwater life    14. Reference works   

Reviews (13)

For all you folks who think wild animals are "cute".......
A wake up call for all those considering a career in the world of care/training and feeding of animals. Amy Sutherland has spent a considerable amount of time researching and getting to know the staff and students of EATM at Moorpark College....truly a unique environment! She recognizes the sacrifices these animal lovers make to give zoo,park and entertainment animals a fulfilling and safe life! Wonderful to read, entertaining and sane and nice to see a little more balance after reading all the press from PETA about how "abused" animals in the entertainment industry are. The Johnson's Elephants live better than most of my friends! Very enlightening and entertaining read.

Kicked, Bitten, and Scratched
I am a penguin/seal keeper and trainer and I loved this book.I did not go to the school, but I always heard good things about it and it was very interesting to get an inside look at what goes on there.It was an easy and entertaining read that really reminded me to appreciate the job I have, b/c it really is hard getting into this field.I would suggest this to anyone who love animals.

From a graduate.
I was a graduate of this program in 1991.The book brought back so many memories.It also really gave an emotional look into what a student goes through.It also shows the different walks of life that enter into the program.I was able to really relate to the book since I knew many of the animals.I had two friends read it and even though they never met the animals felt like they had a connection.Great job! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Agriculture - Animal Husbandry    2. Animal Behavior (Ethology)    3. Animal trainers    4. Animals    5. California    6. Education / Teaching    7. Exotic animals    8. Nature    9. Nature/Ecology    10. Teaching Methods & Materials - General    11. Vocational guidance    12. Education / Teaching Methods & Materials / General   

Reviews (3)

My son carries this book everywhere
My son absolutely loves this book, he takes it everyone. I am even learning alot about dinosaurs thanks to this book.It is alot of bang for you buck.Hardcover book very sturdy and easy to read.

Another great "My Big..." book!
The "My Big Dinosaur Book" is a great addition to the Big Ideas for Little People series of books (we also have the Trains and Trucks books).Both of my sons love these books -- my 5 year old STUDIES every name, picture, and category and has been reading the Dinosaur book every day since he received it.My 3 year old loves to look at the pictures over and over.
Nice book
Good book for toddlers, I just wish it had the pronounciations for some of the names! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Dinosaurs & Prehistoric Creatures    2. Children's Baby - Nature    3. Children's Books/Baby-Preschool    4. Children: Kindergarten    5. Juvenile Nonfiction   

Reviews (50)

A Must Read
Anyone who spends time with horses owes it to themselves and the horses to read this book.

Sends a good message
An enjoyable read, well written, easy to understand.I have always questioned the integrity and motivation of the many clinicians out there who have invented and marketed a new mouse trap. He is right on the money when he discusses folks who get so hung up on minor technique that they lose sight of where they are trying to get.The author presents a common sense and deep thinking approach to horsemanship based on experiences learned and observed.Having started hundreds of colts myself, Marks insights into the nature of horses have added to my understanding of them and helped me to become a better horseman...something we should all strive to be regardless of experience or expertise. If you read the whole book and don't learn something worthwhile you aren't trying.

Great read,great philosophy!
This book is a fantastic read, I read it from cover to cover in one sitting.It also presents a great philosophy to training and working with horses.Mark Rashid describes how to be a leader that your horse not only respects, but likes and wants to be with.He also gives great examples of how to overcome resistance issues without any form of force.His approach comes from Aikido which is a martial art in which you use your opponents energy to overcome resistance.I loved this book and want to read all Rashids other books now. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Anecdotes    2. Behavior    3. Colorado    4. Horse trainers    5. Horses    6. Horses - General    7. Nature    8. Nature/Ecology    9. Pets    10. Rashid, Mark    11. Training    12. Management & management techniques   

Reviews (2)

Creating Memories with your Children
My daughter has always been interested in fairy houses since we first watched Kristen's Fairy House.They are delightful little creations that she would spend hours making in the back yard, or we would go on walks and find natural things for her to use in her designs.She is now 8, and still very much into creating unique homes for the fairies.I feel so lucky to see her whimiscal artistic side bloom.She is even creating seasonal fairy house centerpieces for us to decorate our home with.I will always treasure these times with her, and the magical memories that we are making.Sorry if I am long winded.Getting to the point, this book has GORGEOUS photographs of all kinds of fairy houses, in all seasons.It is an inspiration to behold.My daughter and I love to look at the pictures over and over.The authors brought up a really nice fundraiser that they started by having everyone they knew in their neighborhood make fairy houses.What an interesting and unusual idea!Next house tour to raise money for school, can be fairy houses!This book offers the person that would like to get started making houses, lots of ideas, or is a sweet read for the person that just wants to appreciate little bits of beauty.A nice addition to Kristen's Fairy House Video/DVD, and sweet memories for family times together.

Explores the fantasy world of fairies as a fun task with an appeal to readers of all ages
Fairy Houses... Everywhere!, is a compilation of photographs and writings assembled by Barry & Tracy Kane, into an eccentric collection of brief, illustrated descriptions of wild and intricate fairy homes, mansions, cabins, marinas, gardens created by the artistic imagination of the authors. Providing readers with a complete and timeless anthology of a hobby-turned-profession, Fairy Houses... Everywhere! explores the fantasy world of fairies as a fun task with an appeal to readers of all ages. Fairy Houses... Everywhere! is highly recommended for its undeniably entertaining, wonderfully fun, innovative ideals and explorative concepts.
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Subjects:  1. Activities    2. Garden Furnishings    3. Gardening / Horticulture    4. General    5. Nature    6. Nature/Ecology    7. Outdoor & Recreational Areas - General    8. Wildlife   

Editorial Review

Consider the lynx, a medium-sized cat of boreal regions of North America, "a solitary animal, associated with the opposite sex only during mating." Consider the Oldfield mouse, Read more

Reviews (5)

Field Guide to North American Mammals
From the shrews to the bears, this guide is what one should have in the field. . .especially in Alaska.

Awesome Field Guide
This guide includes all sorts of animals in and around my area.It has a very thorough explanation of the animals and how to identify them.Whats really useful is the pictures.There are several pictures for each species including Summer coat & Winter coat.This is especially helpful if you are out animal watching during different times of year.I love going out exploring and coming home to look up the critters I saw.

The best ..................
These are the BEST field guides we have ever owned.We have the trees, western USA birds, trees and sealife ones and they are a wonderful size and fit easily into a coat pocket or glove compartment of ones car and of course a back pack.They make a GREAT gift and during the Christmas season a great stocking stuffer.Read more

Subjects:  1. Identification    2. Mammals    3. Nature    4. Nature/Ecology    5. North America    6. Nature / Mammals   

Editorial Review

World-renowned birder Kenn Kaufman addresses a long-running paradox of bird field guides with his Read more

Reviews (35)

Kaufman Field Guide to Birds - Excellent
This field guide is a clear, concise, easy to read manual that contributes to the enjoyment of bird watching.I found that the birds I see in my back yard and neighborhood were easy to find and identify correctly.I would recommend this publication for use by any level of bird watcher from beginner to the most experienced.The graphics and color are wonderful.The color coded maps, showing summer and winter ranges for each species, are very helpful.

EXCELLENT CHOICE FORFIELD GUIDE
I do recommend this one highly!I have been birding for well over fifty years now and have used and own quite a number of guides.This work is a great choice.I have used Peterson's guides for years and will probably go to my grave using his guides as my primary choice, but old dogs can learn new tricks and I carry this guide with me along with a few others anytime I am in the field.It is a great supplemental.For myself, as one who has a horrible time with shore birds in particular, often times just one guide will not work.This field guide gives me more information and I find myself turning to it more and mroe for verifications.It is well designed, well organized and quite accurate.Recommend this one highly.

The handiest field guide to North American birds
According to the author, Kaufman Guides are "the best and fastest way to get started... to send you outside quickly, putting names on what you find". If that is the objective, the 'Kaufman Field Guide to Birds of North America' has realised it admirably.
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Subjects:  1. Bird Watching    2. Birds    3. Birds & Birdwatching - General    4. Birds & Birdwatching - Guides    5. Identification    6. Nature    7. Nature/Ecology    8. North America    9. Pictorial works    10. Nature / Birds & Birdwatching   

Subjects:  1. Animals    2. Classification    3. Environmental Science    4. Interior Design - General    5. Mammals    6. Sociology    7. Soviet Union    8. Voles   

Reviews (2)

Peacock is the ticket
Doug Peacock knows more about grizzly bears than the next 10 writers combined. If you want jive-Hollywood-stories, read the other books. If you're interested in the real thing, go for Peacock. And for Edward Abbey fans, Doug's "Walking It Off" is a must read.

Refreshing
. . a breath of fresh air for those of us interested in bears and their fate. Shake off the heavy coat of mind boggling conflicting advice about how to act in bear country and read Doug Peacock's book.He tells it to you straight. "Don't travel into grizzly country reeking of bad karma or old tuna fish." This book leaves others behind with new knowledge and experiences unwritten to date. Doug and Andrea go straight to the heart of the problems and joys of having gizzlies on earth and exhibit hope that people can learn how to behave before we kill or love all the bears to death. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals    2. Animals / Pets    3. Bears    4. Nature    5. Nature/Ecology    6. Nature / Bears   

Reviews (14)

guide to insects
book is full of information, and easy to read,plenty of pictures also.

The best field guide to North American insects
"In this century," according to ecologist Paul R. Ehrlich, "no one has done more to promote an interest in living creatures than Roger Tory Peterson, the inventor of the modern field guide." Peterson's "Guide to the Birds" - "the first modern field guide" - was published in 1934. Its pioneering approach was to use visual characteristics rather than technical data to identify species. This was achieved by grouping similar species together on a plate, using clear, two-dimensional illustrations, and pointers to key field marks as well as succinct text, a combination known as the Peterson Identification System. That revolutionary style was later applied to a host of field guides covering anything from the night sky to moths and geology to mushrooms and including the present volume.
Field Guide to Insects
I have used this book many times in my entomology courses.This time, I ordered 2 copies to give as gifts.
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Subjects:  1. Identification    2. Insects    3. Insects & Spiders    4. Nature    5. Nature/Ecology    6. United States    7. Insects (entomology)    8. Nature / Insects & Spiders   

Reviews (2)

Systemic Approach
This book has been very helpful as I begin my hobby in aquarium science. Fish will get sick and I like the systemic approach that this book takes.Many books on fish disease barely cover the surface and don't discuss anything but the most common ailments.Well done, well referenced.

Well done....the best book I've ever seen on fish health!
This is an excellent book for fish health professionals and students alike.It contains methods for diagnosing fish diseases as well as detailed biology, life history, and the current most effective treatmentregimen for each organism.The book covers environmental problems, as wellas bacteriology, virology, parasitology, and nutritional deficiencies.It iswell written and organized making it a good resource book for thelaboratory. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Diseases    2. Fish    3. Fish Culture (Specific Aspects)    4. Fisheries & Aquaculture    5. Fishes    6. Medical    7. Medical / Nursing    8. Nature/Ecology    9. Veterinary Medicine - General    10. Veterinary Medicine Practice For Specific Animals    11. Aquaculture & fishing: practice & techniques   

Subjects:  1. Birds    2. Birds, Fossil    3. Earth Sciences - General    4. Evolution    5. Fossils    6. Mesozoic    7. Paleontology    8. Science    9. Science/Mathematics    10. Birds (ornithology)    11. Palaeozoology    12. Science / Earth Sciences   

Reviews (9)

A must for the duck hunter
This booklet is for the duck hunter, not a PETA activist.The duck needs to be in your hand so you can match the bill and feet to the pictures for accurate ID.This is an excellant booklet for waterfowl ID.

Rip off
This wasn't a "book".It was a few flimsy pages of very thin poor quality paper, tied together with a plastic ring.It did nothing to help identify water fowl in flight.Anyone can identify a duck once it is in hand.This pamplet was a big disappointment.A fair price for it would have been about $1 dollar, not $10.

A Duck Hunter's Must Have.
Great book for in-flight and in-hand ID.The bill ID/comparison charts are excellent.NOTE: The pages are water resistant, not water proof. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bird Watching    2. Birds & Birdwatching - General    3. Hunting - General    4. Identification    5. Nature/Ecology    6. Sports & Recreation    7. Waterfowl    8. Birds & birdwatching   

Reviews (21)

wonderful
Always on end reading these book s for one never knows what will happen to the pe some stories are sad others miracolus.A must read for people who love a good yarn and intresting humans as well as animals.

Fantastic
This is a book you will want to read again and again, just so you can relive a particularly funny moment. James Herriot is such a gifted story teller that he draws the reader right into the story. You truly feel as if you are standing by his side and observing what is happening. As you read you get a picture in your mind's eye of what is described in each page. Absolutely brilliant.

A Great Collection of Stories
This book is a great collection of stories by and about a Yorkshire veterinarian. If you can get over some of the assignments he has which may make you squeemish, the stories are really really enjoyable and his verbal sketches of people in the small towns are insightful. Overall a fun book that will make you laugh (and is easy to read in bits and pieces when you have time!). ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals    2. Biography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. England    5. General    6. Herriot, James    7. Medical - Physicians    8. Nature    9. Nature/Ecology    10. Veterinarians    11. Yorkshire   

Reviews (55)

20 stars
If I could I would rate this book "20 stars".
Excellent Book!
This is one of the best books that I have ever read. It touches you on both emotional and mental levels. I have to admit that it made me smile, it made me cry, but most importantly, it made me think. Willis tells stories based from an animal's point of view. Most of us don't think about the consequences of our actions - or how little acts of kindness can make a difference to our furry friends. You will laugh on one page and be touched so deeply that you are crying on the next. I recommend this book for both animal lovers and skeptics, both of whom can benefit from the wisdom and heartwarming stories inside.

He's the new James Herriot, this is the new "All Creatures Great and Small"! Buy it, Read it, Give it!!
It is because of this man's writings that I adopted a shelter dog, then started volunteering at a shelter, and then started rescuing animals (not many, but it's a start). I heard other people say that this book changed their lives. When his "How Could You?" was broadcast on a local radio station it STOPPED TRAFFIC! People had to pull over they were crying so hard and the shelter where I volunteer had people coming in to adopt who said they heard it on the radio. My husband and my son read it and blubbered like babies. I print it out from his book's website and distribute it all over the place. Don't be afraid to read the book though because it isn't just sad. Others have called it an emotional rollercoaster ride and that it is. And its a ride you'll never forget. I still reread parts of it and find myself shaking my head in agreement. He gets inside animals heads like no other author and his way with words is as good as or better than James Herriot (who I love dearly!). ... Read more

Subjects:  1. American - General    2. Animals    3. Essays    4. Literary Collections    5. Literary Criticism    6. Literature - Classics / Criticism    7. Nature / Animal Rights    8. Nature / Animals    9. Animal Rights    10. Animal welfare    11. Literary Collections / American / General    12. Nature    13. Nature-Animals    14. Nature-Essays   

Reviews (1)

Beautiful & Massive Documentation of Life on the Savannah.
Anup and Manoj Shah have distinguished themselves in the populous field of wildlife photography by producing expressive and beautiful portraits of wild animals thatdocument the individuals' lives while achieving impressive aesthetic grace. Many of the brothers' photographs are simply unforgettable works of art that I never tire of looking at. "The Circle of Life" is a massive book that contains 235 photographs of wildlife on the African Savannah. About 40 species of mammal are represented, as well as some birds and reptiles. In the most comprehensive photographic essay of wildlife that I have ever seen, the Shah brothers document the lives of the many animals who live and die in this vast African ecosystem that spans much of Kenya and Tanzania. The authors have organized this photographic odyssey by dividing the book into 20 chapters, each showcasing one aspect of life on the Savannah. The early chapters show us the basic elements that create and sustain life. Some example chapters are: "Driven by Wet andDry", "Light and Energy", and "Shaped by Fire and Elephants". The book then moves on to the subjects of birth and growing up on the Savannah. "Natural Selection", "Adaptation and Diversity", "Peaceful Coexistence", and "Mother and Offspring", for example. Then we see the lives of adult animals. Some examples are: "Herds and Social Groups", "Grazers and Browsers", and "The Hunters". And finally these animals die, returning to the earth, and the "circle of life" begins again: "Scavengers and Decomposers", "Land and Life". Each chapter begins with an essay written by Anup Shah that explains what that particular facet of life on the Savannah entails and how it fits into the greater life cycle.Read more

Subjects:  1. Africa    2. Grassland animals    3. Grassland ecology    4. Life Sciences - Zoology - General    5. Nature    6. Nature/Ecology    7. Photography    8. Pictorial works    9. Subjects & Themes - Plants & Animals    10. Subjects & Themes - Travel - World/Africa    11. Wildlife    12. Kenya    13. Nature / Wildlife    14. Photographs: collections    15. Places & peoples: general interest    16. Tanzania    17. Wild animals   

Subjects:  1. Animals - Dinosaurs & Prehistoric Creatures    2. Children's Books/Baby-Preschool    3. Children: Preschool    4. Color    5. Concepts - Colors    6. Dinosaurs    7. Fiction    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Stories in rhyme    10. Juvenile Fiction / Concepts / Colors