BOOK 



MARKET 



comprehensive reference book. With its 381 

 color photographs, the book includes 59 new 

 species recorded in the Carolinas since the 

 first edition in 1980. Also, thoroughly revised 

 entries for all species reflect the current status 

 of bird life. 



The authors draw from the collective 

 experience of scientists and other experts who 

 have observed the region's birds for decades. 

 One book reviewer suggests that the book 

 "has the homey feel of a bird club meeting 

 where scholars and laymen share their 

 observations and passion for birds." 



The Carolinas have become a 

 destination for bird watchers from many parts 

 of the United States. It is far from being an 

 "elitist" activity. 



"The truly wonderful thing about 

 bird study," the authors write, "is that 

 seeing a species for the first time is 

 exciting even if the bird is an abundant 

 one found in your own yard. . . . The point 

 of bird watching is to enjoy it and share 

 that enjoyment with others." 



Identification can be tricky because 

 plumage varies between male and female 

 birds, life stages, and mating habits. Thus, 

 the authors focus on more permanent 

 features such as bills, which relate to food 

 habits and are usually relatively constant 

 for sexes and ages. 



For example, "The short bills of 

 cardinals and sparrows are designed for 

 crushing seeds, while the slender bills of 

 warblers are adapted for catching insects." 



In addition to identification tips, the book 

 includes information on migration through the 

 Carolinas, grooming and comfort behavior, 

 bird habitats, conservation, and species 

 protection. 



Carolinas 



Gardener's Guide 



NATIVE PERENNIALS 

 FOR THE SOUTHEAST 



PETER LOEWER 



In other words, the authors not only 

 include who's who among our feathered 

 friends, but also when, where and why 

 particular birds occur in our region. 



This book is a "must" for anyone 

 interested in observing birds at the backyard 

 feeder or identifying the new ones spotted while 

 traveling. 



• The Carolinas Gardener's 

 Guide, by Toby Bost and Jim Wibon. 

 2004. Cool Springs Press, Nashville, 

 Term. 272 pages. Soft cover, $24. 99. 

 ISBN 1-591186-113. 



Toby Bost, a North Carolina State 

 University extension specialist, and 

 Wilson, co-host of the popular PBS 

 television show. The Victory Garden, 

 put their talents together to produce this 

 handbook for planning, planting and 

 maintaining a successful garden in North 

 and South Carolina. Colorful photos 

 and icons portray 180 plants, including 

 important aspects such as sun and 

 irrigation needs, whether the plant 

 is native, and if it attracts butterflies, 

 hummingbirds and/or bees. 



• Native Perennials for 

 the Southeast, by Peter Loewer. 

 2004. Cool Springs Press, Nashville, 

 Tenn. 1 91 pages. Soft cover, $22. 99. 

 ^ ISBN 1-59186-121-7. 



The author, who lives and 

 gardens in Asheville, presents a 

 helpful guide for novice and veteran 

 gardeners. Native perennials are 

 naturally compatible with the climate 

 and soil conditions of the region, 

 he explains. Each entry includes a 

 color photo of the plant; its scientific 

 and common name; light, soil and water 

 needs; propagation method; and the author's 

 interesting observations and tips. He suggests 

 first drawing a simple sketch of the area to 

 be planted. "Only you can decide how much 

 land is to be cared for and how much time 

 you'll have for weeding and cultivating," he 

 wisely advises. □ 



Coastwatch I High Season 2006 I www.ncseagrant.org 29 



