North Atlantic Field Guide

[Stellar Jay]

I am taking a cruise from New York to Newfoundland, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, and then to London. Is there a field guide that addresses the seabirds and/or shorebirds of the North Atlantic? I haven't been able to find what I'm looking for. I don't want to be burdened with 4 or 5 different field guides especially since this won't be a birding specific vacation. Any assitance would be appreciated.

[Colin Key]

Hi,

Not perfect for what you want, but "Flight Identification of European Seabirds" by Blomdahl, Breife & Holmstrom (published by Helm 2003 ISBN 978-0-7136-8616-6) is a very useful guide.

Colin :smile:

[MichaelF]

The Collins BirdGuide will have everything in that you're at all likely to meet. There's hardly any of the shore or sea birds on the N American side that aren't found at least occasionally on this side as well; mostly, it is the same species. About the only exception I can think of offhand that's not shown in it is Willet.

[Colin Key]

The Collins BirdGuide will have everything in that you're at all likely to meet. ......

He will probably be back home before that is available! :laugh:

Colin :biggrin:

[KenM]

Webbed feet to one side! What might be equally interesting....or even more so, whilst 'deck strolling'. Looking out for any 'stowaways,' ie landbirds that have hitched a ride. It's a bit late in the season, but I suspect your 'floating platform' might just hold the odd straggler. If there are any trees on board especially adjacent to, or near any 'lit' areas, you might score!... Have a good trip.

KenM

[john c]

If your interest is solely birds, then I'm sure any of the suggestions above will more than satisfy your requirements. You might be interested, though, in "A Field Guide to North Atlantic Wildlife" by Proctor & Lynch (pub 2005 - Yale University Press). It has pretty good coverage of the birds you're likely to see (although the illustrations aren't as good as those in Collins), but also covers seals, whales, dolphins, turtles & the larger fish. Unlike the others it's an American publication and so may be easier to locate,

John

[MichaelF]

If there are any trees on boardTrees on board a ship??!? :elvis::swoon:

You gotta be joking!

[KenM]

Check out the 18 deck 'Oasis' it's got a park and hanging gardens!:laugh:

[MichaelF]

Grief!! Hope they select species highly tolerant of salt spray!

And who is going to water them when they spend a couple of years in a small Somali port, I wonder?? :laugh:

[J. Moore]

If your interest is solely birds, then I'm sure any of the suggestions above will more than satisfy your requirements. You might be interested, though, in "A Field Guide to North Atlantic Wildlife" by Proctor & Lynch (pub 2005 - Yale University Press). It has pretty good coverage of the birds you're likely to see (although the illustrations aren't as good as those in Collins), but also covers seals, whales, dolphins, turtles & the larger fish. Unlike the others it's an American publication and so may be easier to locate,

John

There's also a similar guide called "Guide to Offshore Wildlife of the North Atlantic" by Michael Tove, which came out in 2000. Pretty good, though the paintings of the birds aren't Sibley quality or anything.

I'd think one of these north atlantic guides plus Sibley or Collins (or Nat Geo 5th ed., which covers some rare species Sibley doesn't) would be sufficient.

Best,
Jim

[Stellar Jay]

I purchased the Field Guide to North Atlantic Wildlife" by Proctor & Lynch since it looked so interesting. I'm interested in all wildlife, not just birds. I'm considering the Collins Bird Guide but it's rather spendy. The Flight Identification of European Seabirds may be too technical for me. I'd like to look at a copy before I buy one. I have until next July so I'll keep researching.

On a cruise I took through the Panama Canal two Yellow-Headed Caracaras perched on the ship's antenna for a while. I'll keep my eye open for any hitchhikers.

I appreciate all the responses and suggestions. Thanks.

[J. Moore]

I'm considering the Collins Bird Guide but it's rather spendy. The Flight Identification of European Seabirds may be too technical for me. I'd like to look at a copy before I buy one. I have until next July so I'll keep researching.


The new edition of the Collins guide will hopefully be out by then (March 2010 is the word). There are different versions; the compact paperback (put out by Princeton in the US) is generally inexpensive. However, the first edition has become scarce and expensive recently because everyone is anticipating the new edition coming out.

Best,
Jim