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SPARROWS OF THE UNITES STATE AND CANADA, THE PHOTOGRAPHIC GUIDE

Review by Richard Ditch

In 1996 Academic Press published  "A Guide to the Identification and Natural History of The Sparrows of the United States and Canada," written by James D. Rising and illustrated by David D. Beadle. At the time I said this book should be in every Arizona birder's collection.

Now six years later, Academic Press brings us "Sparrows of the United States and Canada, The Photographic Guide," by David Beadle and James Rising, calling the new book a companion to the previous book.

I was surprised when I found out this new book, by the same authors and covering the same subject, was in the works. I thought the 1996 effort was a great reference, with excellent information, good range maps, and quality drawing from Mr. Beadle. How could the authors, the publisher, and the consumer justify the new version?

Not surprisingly, there is a lot of overlap in the information contained in both books. Beadle’s drawings showing the topography of a typical sparrow is reused in the new volume. The range maps use similar colors, but have been redrawn to reflect the latest data. Text sections have been rewritten and rearranged.



The 1996 book covered 62 "species" of towhees, sparrows, juncos, longspurs, and buntings, and even includes a seedeater and two grassquits. All the familiar Arizona birds are here. The Bell¹s form of the Sage Sparrow was treated as a separate species, and the Fox Sparrow complex was broken into three distinct species (which Rising called Red, Sooty, and Slate-colored). For 2002, the order of the species has been altered, and we now have 64 entries instead of 62. The 

The 2002 book has fewer pages, but is thicker. Page size is slightly smaller as well. Text accounts are shorter but still comprehensive. The authors state that the 2002 text is focused on identification, and that the 1996 book should be used for "the rest of the story." The interesting color maps showing breeding density have been dropped from the 2002 edition as well. The strength of the new version of course is the use of high quality photographs for each species. The authors have done a splendid job of collecting these and show an amazing variety of plumages for each species.  There are 19 photos of Savannah Sparrow, for example. The photos are of good size, usually with 3 per page but often only 2 larger photos per page. Photo reproduction and printing are of high quality. Each photo lists information about the date and place taken, and the photographer’s name with the image.  Arizona birders will be glad to see the single page table comparing fall plumage Clay-colored, Chipping, and Brewer's Sparrows carried over from the 1996 book as Appendix 1 - it might be a good idea to make a photocopy of this page and keep it handy for quick access in the field.  We are also provided with an extensive list of references running seven pages (which includes a suggestion to consult the 1996 book for even more references).

My one major complaint about the 1996 version (the lack of a direct list of page numbers for each species) has been addressed - the 2002 book has a quick index of all 64 species on the inside flap of the front cover.

So, should you buy this book? Certainly, if you don't already own the 1996 version. Of course, if you enjoy quality photography. Yes, if you found the placement of color plates at the back of the 1996 version away from the text a problem. List price is $29.95.

Disclaimer: the Spotted Towhee photograph on page 33 was taken by me, at Boyce Thompson Arboretum. I hope I've been unbiased in this review in spite of that. I feel privileged to have one of my photos included, along with some from Maricopa Audubon’s own Jim Burns, and other first rate bird photographers from around the country.

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Scientists have been surprised at the rate that West Nile virus (WNV) has been spreading across the United States.  Primarily a wild bird disease, WNV has been found in more than 80 avian species and 9 mammalian species since its arrival in this country.  In 1999, WNV was first identified in the U.S. in New York City as the cause of an outbreak of encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) in humans and the death of thousands of birds, especially crows.  Previously, the virus had never been detected in the Western Hemisphere.  By the end of 1999, WNV activity was detected in 4 states. Since then, the virus was detected in 12 states in 2000, and in 27 states and the District of Columbia in 2001.  In 2001 a total of 4,604 crows and 1,497 other birds with WNV infection, the vast majority found dead, were reported from 27 states and the District of Columbia.  The virus has also been confirmed in Canada and in the Cayman Islands, which are south of Cuba.

WNV is transmitted through the bite of mosquitoes, with birds being the primary reservoir.  The virus multiplies well in the blood of certain species of birds.  Mosquitoes become infected with WNV while feeding on infected birds, and then transmit WNV to humans and other animals while biting them to take blood.  Species most susceptible to WNV 

include the Corvid family, raptors, and certain exotic avian species such as those at zoos.  Arizona has a large number and variety of migratory birds, which may play a role in the geographic spread of WNV.  Migration patterns of several bird species in eastern and western states overlap during winter migrations into Central and South America, thus creating the potential for WNV introduction into western avian species. Experts estimate that WNV will reach the western U.S. in the next one or two years.  The Arizona Department of Health Services has partnered with the Arizona Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, county health departments, and other agencies in conducting surveillance for WNV infection in birds.  You can assist public health officials in surveillance for WNV by reporting dead or dying birds to your local or state health department, preferably from April through October.  The most important criteria for submission of a bird for WNV testing, is freshness; necropsy results are best when the bird has been dead less than 24 hours.  For further information please contact the Arizona Department of Health Services, Vector-Borne & Zoonotic Diseases at (602) 230-5932, or visit the following websites: 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention- http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm 

New York State Department of Health West Nile Virus Page-
http://www.health.state.ny.us/nysdoh/westnile/index.htm  

U.S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center-
http://www.nwhc.usgs.gov 

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CAREFREE CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT SUMMARY DECEMBER 28, 01

By Walter Thurber

New species for the count were Common Loon, Dusky Flycatcher, Swamp Sparrow and White-throated Sparrow. Record high totals were set for 23 returning species, among them Mourning Dove, Green-tailed Towhee, Vesper Sparrow, Lark Sparrow and House Sparrow. The dramatic increase in birds this year was likely related to higher rainfall amounts in 2001 as well as more observers.

Our compilation dinner was held at the Satisfied Frog Restaurant in Cave Creek. We enjoyed great food and the Old West atmosphere there. Once again I am thankful for the support of Maricopa Audubon members.

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           In Memoriam Lillian Diven 1920-2002
 
MAS was saddened to learn of the death of Lillian Diven January 16.  Lillian, and her husband Liscum, were two of the original members of the Maricopa Audubon Society.  Lillian served as the second editor of the MAS newsletter, The Roadrunner, for three years from 1956 to 1959.  She was also in charge of publications at the Desert Botanical Garden for many years.  We extend our sympathy to Liscum.. Memorial contributions can be made to The Nature Conservancy of Arizona .