Winged Sentinels: Birds and Climate Change

Description

'The ability of the birds to show us the consequences of our own actions is among their most important and least appreciated attributes. Despite the free advice of the birds, we do not pay attention', said Marjory Stoneman Douglas in 1947. From ice-dependent penguins of Antarctica to songbirds that migrate across the Sahara, birds' responses provide early warning signs of the impact of climate change. Winged Sentinels: Birds and Climate Change uses colourful examples to show how particular groups of birds face heightened threats from climate change and to explore how we can help birds adapt in a warming world. Generously illustrated with colour photographs, the book is a fascinating insight into what climate change means for birds, and the potential consequences of ignoring these warning signs.

Janice Wormworth is a freelance science writer. Cagan H. Sekercioglu is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Utah.

'Generously illustrated with colour photographs, the book is a fascinating insight into what climate change means for birds, and the potential consequences of ignoring these warning signs.' The Guardian '... there is much to enjoy in Winged Sentinels ... impressive combination of thoroughly researched scientific summaries and colorful, entertaining writing. These two factors, so rarely seen together in academically inspired literature, should bestow [this book] an important spot on the bookshelves of ornithologists or those who simply care about birds.' Journal of Field Ornithology '... thorough, up-to-date ... well written ... I can recommend this book to those who are concerned about declining global biodiversity.' Scottish Birds '... excellent ... very readable ... accessible to the non-specialist ... This is ... a call to arms to consider the likely negative implications of climate change on birds, and therefore, on the environment. Given the urgent need to address greenhouse gas emissions to achieve the 2 DegreesC target ... this is an important message, and the book should be widely read as a result.' Ibis: The International Journal of Avian Science '(An) essential volume ... this book gives us a timely warning.' Birdwatch 'The authors' methodical, thorough style and the depressing preponderance of bad news for birds, and for the people who study and enjoy them, mean that this book is not an uplifting experience. However, the cataloging of what is and is not known about climate change and birds will make this book a valuable resource for those who would attempt to avert disaster. Highly recommended.' J. L. Hunt, Choice '... this is a useful consideration of changes in bird biology with climatic change and well-illustrated with good examples. It would suit an undergraduate audience or interested and well-informed amateur naturalists.' British Ecological Society