If you’re looking for a good read, head over to livingbird.org, where you can now read the entire Autumn issue of Living Bird magazine for free. In this issue we take you to central Florida’s gnarled scrublands, where genetic analyses have recently revealed just how tenaciously the Florida Scrub-Jay inhabits its diminishing habitat.
Tour the vast Tejon Ranch wilderness, where a landmark conservation deal has set aside some 400 square miles of pristine Southern California landscape containing Spotted Owls and California Condors. And follow Marie Read’s heartfelt remembrance of the gifted wildlife photographer Tom Vezo, who passed away suddenly in 2008, leaving a life’s work packed with photographs both breathtaking and serene.
Mel White suggests the days of endless gas-fueled road trips may be drawing to a close, and Jack Connor pauses to appreciate the way birding plugs us in to rhythms that city-bound members of society often miss. We’ve also got reviews of books, DVDs, and a great little birding spot nestled in bustling South Florida. Pete Dunne notices a subtle change in birding’s public image, and artist John Schmitt catches some California Thrashers having a territory dispute.
Lab members should be receiving their Winter 2009 copies of Living Bird any day now. I’ve said it before, but I’ll just mention again for new readers how important – and easy – it is to join the Lab. We’re a nonprofit organization that’s financially independent from Cornell University. Memberships, along with research grants and donations, form a major part of the funding that we depend upon to keep going. Thanks to everyone who supports us – and enjoy the new issue.
(Image: Tim Gallagher)
