Endangered and Disappearing Birds of Appalachia and the Southeast

Book excerpt: From the most unforgiving of concrete jungles to the pastoral reaches of the countryside, birds are among the most plentiful and plainly visible animals on the planet. For millions of years, they have survived in every known biome, carving out ecological niches for themselves and their offspring and often thriving. But this remarkable adaptability can only go so far. With the recent acceleration of habitat loss, climate change, spread of invasive species, and other detrimental environmental developments, birds are disappearing across the world. Yet despite such wide-ranging decimation, birdwatching remains one of the fastest growing hobbies in the United States. Endangered and Disappearing Birds of Appalachia and the Southeast, by award-winning author and photographer Matt Williams, is an essential guide for the bird-curious in the Appalachian and southeastern regions of the United States. Combining brilliant photography with taxonomic classification, identification tips, and other information, the book goes beyond the scope of a traditional field guide. Each profile includes descriptions of current species-conservation efforts, as well as tips on how to get involved in the ongoing work to save these endangered creatures. This carefully compiled guide offers a detailed introduction to the birds that most need our help and to the steps we can all take to protect their future.