Hawks at a Distance - the fantastic new book from J. Liguori
For anyone that spends time at our local hawkwatch at Lighthouse Point, this latest book from author and photographer Jerry Liguori, entitled ‘Hawks at a Distance’ is a must-have!
It focuses on hawk identification primarily when birds are viewed from a distance and, except for the species intros, there are no fabulous close-ups or perched shots – the photos are just how you see the birds in the field at places like Lighthouse – soaring, gliding, flying away and backlit!
Jerry is well-respectedy his peers (among them are some of the top raptor experts in the country) for his incredible knowledge and field skills as it relates to raptors. He is also a talented photographer and 95% of the images in this book are his, carefully chosen and sized for consistency. It’s hard to take “good” pictures of distant birds and still maintain a modicum of identifiability. Liguori has accomplished that well.
I can attest to Jerry’s knowledge and field skills - I have known him since the early 90s when he was the hawkwatcher at Cape May, New Jersey from 93-97 and we have remained friends since. His dedication and devotion to this one group of birds is apparent in his books and many published articles and I have no hesitation in recommending this to everyone before the fall season begins. I am still flicking through it, but here’s a copy of a recent review from Amazon.com . You can check out more info on Jerry at: http://www.birdingisfun.com/
“For hawk migration enthusiasts, there is perhaps no better guide available. Liguori’s unique approach here is to help birders see what hawks actually look like on migration, not show glossy blow-ups that depict every feather detail. Each species is presented in multiple positions and lighting situations, allowing birders to get a sense of how field marks can change depending upon the situation. Liguori’s knowledge of hawk identification in the field is unsurpassed, and he delivers that knowledge here mostly visually, but also through concise captions that help boil down the real identification challenges and pitfalls that confront each and every hawk watcher. The number of take-home ‘pearls of wisdom’ here for hawk watchers is phenomenal. The silhouette scatters showing all species in comparable positions at the back of the book are simply incredible. I can see birders clipping these out (or copying them) and posting them at local hawk watches. If you’re looking for a book full of pretty hawk close-ups, this isn’t the one; but if you’re serious about becoming a better hawk watcher, and indeed a better birder, then this book is for you.”
– Brian Sullivan, Carmel, CA
American Kestrel page from Hawks at a Distance (J.Liguori)
Northern Harrier page from Hawks at a Distance (J.Liguori)
