SCIENCES

White Feathers: The Nesting Lives of Tree Swallows

by Bernd Heinrich
Houghton Harcourt. Feb. 2020. 256p. ISBN 9781328604415. $27. NAT HIST
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Heinrich (Life Everlasting) expands upon his works describing the natural history of Maine. Here, he focuses on tree swallows, covering everything from their breeding behavior and nesting habitats to their relationships with other species and rival tree swallows, along with their sense of play and ecology. The engaging work is enhanced by the author’s own drawings and photographs as well as a survey of scientific literature. The detailed, inviting prose contains precise dates and times, forming a diary of Heinrich’s own observations, which also include thoughts on birdwatching and biology in general. Heinrich is a prolific, wide-ranging author who always finds nature compelling and makes it accessible for others.
VERDICT This inviting work will draw in naturalists and birders, along with anyone wishing to learn more about animal behavior from a trusted guide.
Reviewed by Henry T. Armistead, formerly with Free Lib. of Philadelphia , Jan 01, 2020
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