New and Noteworthy Books

Here is a selection of our new and noteworthy books (updated quarterly).  A selection of our favorite bird and nature themed books can be found here. If you are looking for information on Field Guides, please look here.   If you are looking for a book about native plants and gardening for wildlife look here.

Summer 2026

Adults

The Bird with Flaming Red Feet: Seasons with an Uncommonly Common Seabird  by Maria Mudd Ruth

The Bird with Flaming Red Feet is a lively and heartfelt natural history of the Pigeon Guillemot, a charismatic seabird with a surprising story to tell. Found along the coast around the North Pacific and from Alaska to Southern California, this talkative and often-overlooked bird plays an outsized role in the health of marine ecosystem–earning its status as an “indicator species,” especially for Washington’s Puget Sound.

The Book of Birds: A Field Guide of Wonder and Loss by Robert Macfarlane and Jackie Morris

The Book of Birds is a field guide with a difference: It shows readers not just how to identify birds, but also how to identify with them. Robert Macfarlane and Jackie Morris conjure the unique spirit of nearly fifty once-common species: avocet to yellowhammer, kestrel to kingfisher, skylark to nightingale. In lyrical and incantatory essays, Macfarlane describes each bird’s habits and habitats, their patterns of flight and patterns of song, how they hunt or fish or scavenge or gather, how they nest and raise their chicks, the myths that attend them, the threats that shadow them—and how their lives intersect with our own.

The Company of Owls by Polly Atkin

An observant, lyrical memoir exploring what owls can teach us about nature, chronic illness, and ourselves—so long as we are quiet enough to listen. Polly Atkin book is a love letter to the clutch of tawny owlets residing near her home in the heart of England’s Lake District. Confined to her cottage and surrounding area by a chronic illness, she turns to the trees and the animals among them for companionship—especially the owl siblings who surprise and delight her. As Atkin watches them grow from curious fledglings into sleek raptors, she contemplates the act of survival and our place within it. When should a human intervene? When should nature take its course? What do the owls know that we do not?

The owls encourage her to think differently about solitude and community, individuality and belonging, rest and retreat. And with them as her companions, she weighs the many types of company we keep—in our relationships, in the darkness, and in our entanglement with the digital world that connects us across continents.

The History of Birds by Steve Brusatte

Tens of billions of birds share the planet with us, an astonishingly diverse array of species that are present nearly everywhere humans call home—and many places we do not. With their flamboyant plumage, joyous dawn serenades, extraordinary aerial feats, they have captivated human imagination for millennia. Undeniably delicate creatures with hollow bones and thin skin protected by downy feathers, how did such a seemingly fragile species break the bounds of Earth and begin to fly, how have they survived millennia, and how does their legacy shape our world?

The Return of the Oystercatcher: Saving Birds to Save the Planet  by Scott Weidensaul

As populations fall and once-great migration multitudes wither away, the future of birds may seem grim. But surprisingly, from gnatcatchers and waterfowl to select groups of forest songbirds, some bird populations are soaring. Habitats and species that once neared extinction are now multiplying around the world because bird conservation is making things better.

The Return of the Oystercatcher explores the recovery efforts that are not only preventing declines in bird population, but helping birds to thrive. From the spectacular recovery of North American raptors, whose numbers have tripled in the last fifty years, to the mind-bending resurgence of the Canada goose in Maine, Scott Weidensaul shares amazing stories of hope and progress in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.

Watch and Wonder: Birding as a Spiritual Practice by Ragan Sutterfield

Birdwatching is a delight, a deepening. It puts us in touch with the ineffable, and it draws us toward self-denial for the sake of love. Birding brings us close to hope, abundance, and joy. In fact, it looks a lot like prayer.

From having his vision opened by a rare flycatcher, to learning the power of naming while watching shorebirds, to forging friendships on a Christmas Bird Count, naturalist, birder, and Episcopal priest Ragan Sutterfield delves into how birdwatching shapes our souls. He writes about turning yards into refuges for birds on their long migration. Even as we reckon with the inconsolable grief of habitat loss and species decline, he writes, birds can give us hope amid the desolation.

Where the Earth Meets the Sky: A Story of Penguins, People, and Place in Antarctica by Louise K. Blight 

Where the Earth Meets the Sky is a chronicle of Louise’s time working in the most isolated place in the world. With just one other human being and two thousand penguins for company, this remote Antarctic laboratory allowed her not only to advance the study of seabirds, but also to discover important truths about grief, loss, and the capacity of the natural world to help us heal.

Children

A Forest Begins Anew by Louise M. Aamodt and Elly MacKay (Ages 4 to 8)

Told through lyrical rhyme and stunning 3D cut-paper illustrations, this is the captivating story of a forest’s renewal as it goes from ashes to new growth in the aftermath of a sweeping forest fire.

Set against the backdrop of a devastating forest fire, A Forest Begins Anew unfolds the life cycle of a particularly resilient ecosystem. As smoke jumpers leap from planes and pinecones eventually unseal from the heat of the fire, the story poetically weaves the effects of a forest fire into a vibrant tapestry that reveals a delicate balance between destruction and renewal.

A Pathway for Pollinators  by Michelle Schaub and  Blanca Gómez (Ages 4 to 8)

Flitter. Flutter. Buzz. Hum. Come watch a meadow thrum.

But what happens when a meadow meets a metropolis? There’s not much pollen to be found with steel buildings, concrete roads, and primly trimmed lawns. So, this classroom plans and builds urban gardens to create an inviting pathway for pollinators to visit.

With lively, lyrical language and beguiling illustrations, A Pathway for Pollinators provides an upbeat and actionable approach to an important environmental issue, empowering readers with the tools to create a habitat for wildlife, grow healthy plants, and support local ecosystems.

Songbird Stories: Tales From the Pennsylvania Woods: Coming Home by Stacie Dale (Ages 4 to 10)

This is a heartwarming story about non-migratory birds preparing for a welcome home party for their migrating bird friends who are returning from a long journey.  Through its charming narrative, told through the eyes of songbirds and nature-filled illustrations, Songbird Stories: Tales from the Pennsylvania Woods, educates young readers on the wonders of bird migration while fostering an appreciation for the natural world in their own backyard.

Who is Singing? by Janet Halfmann (Ages 2 to 7)

Have you ever heard a tune from the treetops and wondered, Who is singing?

Birds are singing and calling all around us, but every bird’s sound is different. Some even sound like familiar words, like the cardinal’s wheet, wheet, wheet, birdie, birdie, birdie! In this interactive read-aloud book, children (and adults) can learn to identify twelve common birds by sight as well as by sound. Next time you visit your local park, close your eyes and listen closely. Soon you’ll be able to tell who is singing!

Spring 2026

Adults

An Experiment In Birding by Stacey Pazar Huth and Noah T. Gibb

Two friends, Stacey Pazar Huth (a scientist) and Noah Gibb (an avid birder, photographer, and birding tour guide) embarked on a Maine Big Year and discovered how their team effort was a winning combination. What started as an occasional bird walk at the local marsh grew into the concept of their Integrated Birding Process and “The Experiment.” They combined top-notch birding expertise with remarkable strategic planning. The outcome resulted in a new state of Maine record of 332 species of birds seen in a calendar year!

The Feather Wars: And the Great Crusade to Save America’s Birds by James McCommons

The Feather Wars is an entertaining and expansive work of American history, an incredible story about how disparate characters—progressive politicians, free-thinking society belles, nature writers and artists, bird-loving U.S. presidents, gunmakers, business titans, and brave game wardens—came together to save hundreds of species of birds. Heroes, martyrs, villains, and conflicted do-gooders—the early bird conservation movement had them all. Together they transformed how Americans thought and cared about birds, forever altering the American landscape.

An Illustrated Guide to Birds that Sound Like Insults by Brass Brass Monkey

Birds are beautiful majestic creatures—that happen to have names better suited for that guy who just cut you off in traffic. Features 160 pages, with illustrations and fun facts about all 75 birds, based solely on how well their names roll off our tongues when we’re mad.. Impress people with both bird knowledge and witty comebacks. It’s a bird guide disguised as comedy gold! These are real birds, which really makes you wonder what was going on the day they named ‘Ash-breasted tit-tyrant.’

Plant This, Not That: Over 200 Native Plant Swaps for a More Sustainable, Pollinator-Friendly Garden by Elise Howard

Plant This, Not That considers some of the most common non-native (and often, invasive) plants in North American gardens and suggests substitutions for more beneficial and equally beautiful natives. Each native plant listing includes a full-color photo, along with sun, water, and soil requirements; ornamental features (including bloom time and color and whether the plant has berries, fruit, and/or fall color); and the pollinators known to depend on and support that plant. Accompanying maps show every plant’s locally native range, down to the county level. The book also features an overview of how native plants contribute to our local ecosystems

World Without Birds: How to Save Our Planet, One Bird at a Time by Nick Lund and Asia Orlando (Ages 10+)

If you look out the window, chances are high you’ll spot a bird soaring in the sky or perched on a tree. Nearly 100 million Americans spend time birdwatching every year. Birds provide beauty, pollination, pest control, waste management, a food source, recreation, cultural enrichment, and many other functions important to human life and environmental balance …

… and now they’re disappearing at ever greater rates, thanks to climate change, habitat destruction, and invasive species, among other causes. Written by an acclaimed journalist associated with the Audubon Society, World Without Birds examines the many factors contributing to this devastating loss and what our planet would look like in birds’ absence. For adults and children 10 and above

Children

Every Bird Builds a Home: The Amazing Ways Birds Make Their Nests by Suzana Bulatovic (Ages 4 to 8)

How do birds build their homes?

Some sew.
Some drill.
Some glue with mud.
Some build with stones.

In this beautifully illustrated children’s book, young readers discover eight remarkable birds and the surprising ways they build their nests around the world. From tiny cup nests shaped with mud to hanging woven baskets tied in real knots, each page reveals nature’s creativity in action.

Written in a simple, engaging style with fascinating facts woven into lyrical storytelling, this book invites children to look closely at the natural world and see birds not just as animals, but as skilled builders and clever architects.

Light as a Feather: Fifteen Phenomenal North American Birds by Will Hillenbrand (Ages 4 to 8)

Why are feathers so light? Why do woodpeckers drum? What should you do if you find an injured bird? Acclaimed picture book author Will Hillenbrand has the answers that are sure to make readers’ imaginations soar!  In these pages you’ll meet North America’s most fascinating birds, like nature’s drummers (the woodpecker) to its most dynamic dancers (the sandhill crane) and flashiest fliers (the blue jay), and more. Colorful maps explore the bird’s habitats, and bright, accessible infographics invite readers to experience every part of the birds’ world, from the brown pelican’s seven-plus foot wingspan to the light waves that make bluebirds so blue.

The Weedy Garden: A Happy Habitat for Wild Friends by Margaret Renkl and Billy Renkl  (Ages 4 to 8)

This debut picture book from acclaimed and New York Times bestselling author Margaret Renkl (The  Comfort  of Crows) —with collage illustrations by her brother, fine artist Billy Renkl—invites readers to observe and wonder about the various inhabitants in the vibrant ecosystem of a wildlife-friendly backyard garden. Margerat Renkel asks questions that draw young readers deeper and deeper into the garden, inviting observation and conversation along the way. Each page introduces a new plant or animal friend, buzzing and dancing with quiet wonder. The fine artist Billy Renkl, Margaret Renkl’s brother and frequent collaborator, brings the weedy garden to life through his signature mixed-media collages.

Whose Nest Is Best?: A Book of Bird Homes by Lyndsay Wasko (Ages 3 to 7)

Fly alongside birds of the world in this stunning picture book

All birds are different, like you and like me,
but not all birds make their home in a tree.
Each has their own way of making a nest,
and each one will tell you that their way is best.

This is a unique, fun, and educational exploration of birds around the world and the types of nests that they build for their families. Includes back matter on birds and their homes.

Winter 2025

Adults

An Inconvenience of Penguins: Epic Voyages in Pursuit of the World’s Most Beloved Bird by Jamie Lafferty

From Kings and Emperors to Macaronis and Rockhoppers, penguins are one of the most immediately recognisable animals on Earth. Yet for all that familiarity, what do we really know about them? An Inconvenience of Penguins follows award-winning travel writer Jamie Lafferty as he visits all eighteen species in a bid to understand the birds and their extraordinarily varied habitats a little better. Featuring cameos from a wide cast of characters including Ernest Shackleton, Charles Darwin and Sir Francis Drake, as well as beautiful photographs of each penguin species.

The Biggest Year in American Birding: A Quest to Find 900 Birds in the USA and Its Territories by Nicholas Komar and Richard Wilks Taylor

Nicholas Komar set out on a yearlong effort to establish a new world record, finding the most species of birds in a single year in the USA and its Territories. His mammoth effort included not only a wide swath of the US states but also Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. His adventures took him to some of the best birding locations in the USA. He traveled to Alaska’s Aleutian and Bering Sea Islands, the volcanos of Hawaii, the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, Arizona’s sky islands, the Florida Everglades, and dozens of other spots across the western hemisphere. Nicholas faced several challenges, including his own struggles with Parkinson’s Disease, and some associated close calls while driving at night. Despite his fear of the ocean, Nick spent parts of 17 days at sea. Birding every day put a strain on his family and friends, but he also made new personal connections that deeply affected him during his odyssey.

Bird City: Adventures in New York’s Urban Wilds by Ryan Goldberg

Ryan Goldberg came to birding unexpectedly, but as many first-timers do after seeing their “spark” bird, he fell hard. Enamored with the incredible variety of species that pass through his hometown of New York City, and with the other passionate birders he meets, he embarks on a year of reporting on the natural wonders hiding amidst the skyscrapers. He learns that millions of birds migrate through the city each year—more than four hundred different species have been found in New York, many more than in Yellowstone National Park.

Through the four seasons, Goldberg takes readers to all five boroughs, through the city’s most famous parks and landmarks. He pursues rare and common species alike, increasing his count and deepening his understanding of how and why birds make their home in this smoggy, noisy, concrete-coated environment. Along the way, he meets many delightful and idiosyncratic characters, both human and feathered.

Creatures of Darkness: 100 of the Planet’s Weird and Wonderful Animals That Come Out at Night by Dani Robertson (Available March 2026)

When the sun sets and the stars emerge, the planet truly comes alive. Creatures of Darkness takes readers on an extraordinary global journey, revealing the hidden world of 100 nocturnal species that thrive when the lights go out. Creatures of Darkness is packed with fascinating facts and stunning visuals, bringing to light the mysterious behaviors, unique adaptations, and survival strategies of nocturnal animals. Whether it’s the silent flight of an owl, the bioluminescent glow of deep-sea creatures, or the secretive prowling of big cats, each page is dedicated to the awe-inspiring reality of life after dusk.

Squirrel: How a Backyard Forager Shapes Our World by Nancy Castaldo

Squirrels are more than amusing backyard entertainers, and few of us know much about them or fully appreciate their role in keeping the environment healthy. As stress on the natural world intensifies, should we be paying more attention to the plight of squirrels? In Squirrel, Nancy Castaldo shines new light on this familiar backyard mammal, exploring their staggering diversity (they’re found on all continents but Antarctica) and the many surprising ways they shape our world, our communities, and our cultures.

Super Natural: How Life Thrives in Impossible Places by Alex Riley

Transporting readers to far-flung environments we could never call home, in Super Natural, award-winning science writer Alex Riley paints an awe-inspiring portrait of life’s remarkable resilience even under the harshest circumstances.

Riley illuminates ecosystems on every continent to tell the stories of creatures exquisitely adapted to endure unimaginable deprivations—of water, oxygen, food, sunlight—and extremes of heat and cold, of pressure and altitude. From scorching deserts to frozen seabeds, from the highest peaks of the Himalaya to the hadal depths of the oceans, there are habitats on this Earth that appear hostile to life—yet where, nevertheless, life flourishes. In North American forests, wood frogs awaken each spring from solid blocks of ice. Under the Saharan sun, shielded by silvery hairs, desert ants sprint through the midday heat that is lethal to any other animal. At the bottom of ice-covered lakes, painted turtles pass months without breathing oxygen.

The Wild Duck Chase: Inside the Strange and Wonderful World of the Federal Duck Stamp Contest by Martin J Smith

The basis for the documentary film, The Million Dollar Duck, Martin J. Smith’s The Wild Duck Chase (updated for 2025) reveals the peculiar world of the only juried art competition run by the US government. Hatched during the Great Depression, the Federal Duck Stamp Program requires hunters to buy stamps to validate a hunting license, with proceeds going toward wetland conservation. Though the first stamps were designed by noted wildlife artists, a contest for new illustrators opened to the public in 1949. Over the years, the competition has attracted artists from across the nation and the stamp has generated more than $1 billion to purchase or lease more than 6 million acres of waterfowl habitat in the United States.

Smith takes readers behind the scenes of the contest to discover personalities like the Hautman brothers of Minnesota (recently profiled in Audubon magazine), painters with a success record that rivals that of the New York Yankees. Smith additionally probes the intense debate between rural hunters and the urban conservationists who condemn shooting wildlife for sport. There’s also the high-stakes drama between the artists competing and the judges who decide which work will be awarded the honor of appearing on the coveted, collectible stamp.

Children

Bird Block by Christopher Franceschelli  and Peski Studio  (Preschool and up)

From the tiny bee hummingbird to the giant condor and , no bird is left behind in this fabulous addition to the acclaimed Abrams Block Book series! In this small but sturdy block-shaped board book, young readers are introduced to an incredible array of birds. Follow our young protagonists and their avian-expert grandfather as they explore what makes birds amazing—from the nests of bald eagles to the swift running speed of an ostrich.

The Bird in the Egg by DG Alonso (Ages 6-10)

The Bird in the Egg is a heartwarming children’s story about a shy blue bird named Finch who discovers the courage to face the world after hiding his head inside an abandoned egg. This is a 450-word picture book written in English, that celebrates self-discovery, courage, and the beauty of embracing life’s adventures.

The Bird Song by Willie Beesley and David Daniels

In The Bird Song, Willie Beesley shows readers of all ages how every bird finds their song. This is a rite of passage told through the perspective of a little bird learning to connect with others, realizing the truth about acceptance, and finding his source of strength in the big world.

Five Little Penguins by Lily Murray and Holly Surplice (Baby to 3 years)

Join five adorable penguins on a lift-the-flap walk through a winter wonderland. There’s so much to see as Mama Penguin and her chicks waddle through a frosty forest, skate down an icy river, and sled down snowy slopes. Along the way, they meet all kinds of animals playing in the snow. But wait—the chicks are disappearing one by one. Whatever could they be up to? Lift the flaps to find the missing penguins and discover a fantastic surprise ending.

Tāne and the Birds: A New Zealand Story by Natalie McManus, Raissa Urdiales, and Mistilei Wriston (Ages 3-13)

The God of the Forest, Tāne (Tah-ney), is concerned that the beautiful, colorful trees of New Zealand are dying. When he discovers that it is because some terrible bugs, worms, and beetles are eating the roots of the trees, he decides to ask the birds if they would be willing to give up their wings and live on the forest floor, getting rid of these pests, to save the beautiful New Zealand land. Tane finds that only one of the birds are willing to make this sacrifice. This is the tale of how the Kiwi became the national hero of New Zealand. To honor and help protect the Kiwi, part of the proceeds of this book will be donated to the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa.

Fall 2025

Adults

The Genius Bat: The Secret Life of the Only Flying Mammal by Yossi Yovel

Yossi Yovel, an ecologist and a neurobiologist, is passionate about deciphering the secrets of bats, including using AI to decipher their communication. In The Genius Bat, he brings to vivid life these amazing creatures as well as the obsessive and sometimes eccentric people who study them–bat scientists. From muddy rainforests to star-covered night deserts, from guest houses in Thailand to museum drawers full of fossils in New York, this is an eye-opening and entertaining account of a mighty mammal.

The Merlin: The Ecology of a Magical Raptor by Frank Rennie

Frank Rennie has spent many years observing and researching the characteristics of this important raptor. His landmark volume brings together for the first time many important sources of information from Europe, Asia and North America to better explain the complex and adaptive nature of the Merlin, which make it such a fascinating bird to observe.

The Social Lives of Birds: Flocks, Communes, and Families  By Joan Strassman

In The Social Lives of Birds, evolutionary biologist and author of Slow Birding Joan Strassmann examines what it means for birds of a feather to flock together. Some birds sleep together. Some join the foraging groups of other species. Some are only social during breeding season, forming nesting colonies in trees, cliffs, and sandbanks. Some are altruistic, helping to rear young that are not their own. Some males perform mating dances together.

Strassmann explains how flocks provide safety in numbers, roosts offer warmth and shelter, and colonies allow for protected breeding. But group behavior is not without its costs—including increased competition, tick infestations, and more. Strassmann exposes the conflicts birds face and the many ways in which they resolve these conflicts.

We Should All be Birds by Brian Buckbee

A charming and moving debut memoir about how a man with a mystery illness saves a pigeon, and how the pigeon saves the man.  On a spring evening in Montana, Brian Buckbee encounters an injured baby pigeon. Heartbroken after the loss of the love of his life and increasingly isolated by a mysterious illness that overtook him while trekking through Asia, Brian is unaware that this bird—who he names Two-Step—will change his life. Brian takes in Two-Step, and more injured birds, eventually transforming his home into a madcap bird rehabilitation and rescue center.

Children

I Am We: How Crows Come Together to Survive by Leslie Barnard Booth (Author), Alexandra Finkeldey (Illustrator)  (Ages 5 to 8)

A riveting informational picture book that explores the beguiling mysteries of crow behavior. Gorgeous illustrations take us into a crow’s environment and community, making this an incredible—and unforgettable—reading experience.  Crows are fascinating and resilient birds. What is the secret to their abundance and survival, especially throughout winter seasons crawling with crow-eating creatures? I Am We unpacks these mysteries, exploring how and why crows roost together by the thousands and their reliance on cooperation and community. Sharing a home in our urbanized ecosystem, crows are the ideal subject for learning about how animals interact with the environment and with each other.

Little Owl’s Fog by Divya Srinivasan   (Ages 3 to 5)

The bats have invited Little Owl to visit their cavern! He’s never been to that part of the forest and feels a shiver of excitement at the thought. But when Skunk reveals that he once saw something strange near the cavern, Little Owl worries about what he might find on the way. Good thing he’ll have his friend Raccoon by his side!

As they make their way, fog comes tumbling down the mountains. Veiled in mist, even the usual places look mysterious. But that turns out to be half the fun. In his beloved night forest, where good friends are never too far away, Little Owl discovers that strange can also be WONDERFUL!

The Strawberry Thief: A Story of Sparrows by JC Chandler (Ages 9 to 12)

Two sparrows, Bradley and Beth’s home is invaded by men clearing the land to plant a strawberry field. Bradley and Beth work together to save their home. They enlist Mockingbirds, Magpies, and Crows to defeat the men in a series of exciting adventures in this tale of the power of nature, and success through collaboration.  The author recently brought this book to our attention.

Summer 2025

Adults

The Birding Dictionary by Rosemary Mosco

Acclaimed science communicator and cartoonist Rosemary Mosco offers a clever, humorous pocket guide that’s perfect for any birdwatching obsessive. It is a “dictionary” filled with hilarious and informative definitions for more than 200 birding terms, plus over 50 witty full‑color illustrations. Terms range from bird species, anatomy, and behaviors to the insider birdwatching jargon that all birders know and speak fluently, from “alpha code” to “zygodactyl.”

Bird Talk:  Hilariously Accurate Ways to Identify Birds by the Sounds They Make by Becca Rowland

Have you ever gone for a walk in the woods and wondered what bird was making a sound like a siren going off, or somebody revving a chainsaw engine—or sneezing? Do you hear birds every day, in the park or your neighborhood, but never know quite what you are listening to?

Birds are singing all around us and Becca Rowland connects the dots between their songs and the birds who make them, helping you to easily identify and remember their calls. Combining illustrations of common and rare birds with fascinating facts and whimsical descriptions of their calls, this book is full of humor and charm. From space lasers to cheeseburgers, Bird Talk introduces you to the weird and wonderful world of bird songs.

Birds at Rest: The Behavior and Ecology of Avian Sleep by Roger Pasquier

Birds at Rest is the first book to give a full picture of how birds rest, roost, and sleep, a vital part of their lives. It features new science that can measure what is happening in a bird’s brain over the course of a night or when it has flown to another hemisphere. From the poles to the tropics, how, when, and where birds sleep reflect the ecology and behavior of each species, as well as their evolution from dinosaur ancestors. Some sleep briefly, their brain half awake, others spend long cold nights in torpor, and a few can sleep while flying. Their roosting habits are also varied. Most birds sleep alone, some in pairs or families, while others in flocks of millions. Birds at Rest explains how each strategy works over the course of a season, a year, or a lifetime by providing protection, mating opportunities, information about food, and other survival benefits.

How Can I Help?: Saving Nature with Your Yard By Doug Tallamy

In How Can I Help?, Tallamy tackles the questions commonly asked at his popular lectures and shares compelling and actionable answers that will help gardeners and homeowners take the next step in their ecological journey. Topics range from ecology, evolution, biodiversity and conservation to restoration, native plants, invasive species, pest control, and supporting wildlife at home. Tallamy keenly understands that most people want to take part in conservation efforts but often feel powerless to do so as individuals. But one person can make a difference, and How Can I Help? details  how.

Starlings: The Curious Odyssey of the Most Hated Bird by Mike Stark

Has there ever been a more hated bird than the European starling? Allegedly let loose in New York City’s Central Park by a misguided aristocrat, the starlings were supposed to help curb insect outbreaks and add to the tuneful choir of other songbirds. Rather than staying put, the dark and speckled starlings marched across the continent like a conquering army. In less than sixty years, they were in every state in the contiguous United States and their numbers topped two hundred million. Cities came under siege; crops buckled beneath their weight. Public sentiment quickly soured.

A bitter, baffling, and sometimes comical war on starlings ensued. Still, artists and scientists marveled at their undulating aerial formations, which seemed equal parts poetry and mathematics. Keen listeners recognized the starling as one of the world’s great vocal mimics, imitating everything from fellow birds and cell phones to barking dogs, car alarms, and TV commercials. And then there were their undeniable skills of adaptation and survival.

Mike Stark’s Starlings is a first-of-its-kind history of starlings in America, an oddball, love-hate story at the intersection of human folly, ornithology, and one bird’s tenacious will to endure.

Children

Blue by Suzanne Kaufman (Ages 4 to 8)

This sweet story about a child’s magical night with a blue heron is the perfect bedtime story for little ones.

One summer morning, Boy wakes up to discover Blue. Curious, he follows this mysterious bird on a day’s worth of adventure, play, and exploring the nooks and crannies of their coastal home. And at night, they soar, with hands and wings reaching for the stars. But as the sunrise peeks out, Boy is forced to say goodbye to Blue. For now.

Can You Still See Me?: A Story of Grief and Hope Through the Eyes of a Child by Megan Bryzelak (Ages 3 to 12)

Inspired by the author’s own journey through grief after the loss of her father, Can You Still See Me? is a comforting picture book for children navigating the confusing emotions that follow the death of a loved one.

Told through gentle rhymes and vivid illustrations, the story follows a young boy who wonders if the person he lost can still see him—when he plays baseball, rides his bike, or searches for treasure. With each question, a red cardinal quietly appears, offering a beautiful reminder that love doesn’t disappear, even when someone we love is no longer physically here.

More than just a story, this book is a source of comfort, healing, and connection. It opens the door for families and caregivers to have honest, hopeful conversations about grief, while offering children a safe space to feel seen and understood.

Henry the Rockhouse Pelican by Alison Norris Roslyn and Rachel Moss (Ages 2 to 7)

Fly along with Henry as the young pelican soars over the waters of Negril, Jamaica and learns about the wisdom of elders, the kindness of acquaintances, and the strength we all have inside.

Song of Friendship by Angie Dalrymple Reens and Lynn Dalrymple (Ages 3 to 8)

In Song of Friendship a young girl named Lindsay struggles to make friends after moving to a new town in Nebraska. Her loneliness fades when a baby black bird, drawn to her cheerful singing, appears on her windowsill and becomes her first friend. The two share joyful moments together as they explore the town, filling Lindsay’s days with laughter and song. But as the seasons change and the baby black bird prepares to migrate south for the winter, Lindsay must confront the bittersweet reality of their friendship. However, a chance encounter with another young girl, sparked by the mischievous baby black bird, opens Lindsay’s heart to the possibility of new friendships in her new town.

Spring 2025

Adults

Habitats of North America: A Field Guide for Birders, Naturalists, and Ecologists by Phil Chaon, Iain Campbell, and Benjamin Jacob Knoot

A richly illustrated field guide to all of North America’s major habitats—packed with invaluable information to help you get the most out of your outdoor adventures.

Whether you’re a birder, naturalist, outdoor enthusiast, or ecologist, knowing the surrounding habitat is essential to getting the most out of your experiences in the field. This compact, easy-to-use guide provides an unparalleled treatment of the wonderfully diverse habitats of North America. Incisive and up-to-date descriptions cover the unique features of each habitat, from geology and climate to soil and hydrology. Requiring no scientific background, Habitats of North America offers quick and reliable information for anyone who wants a deeper understanding and appreciation of the habitats around them.

Turning to Birds: The Power and Beauty of Noticing by Lili Taylor 

Most people don’t really know birds—or rather, they aren’t aware of them. Lili Taylor used to be one of those people. She knew birds existed. She thought about them, maybe even more than the average person. But she didn’t know them. And then something happened. During a much-needed break from her work as an actor, Lili sought silence and instead found the bustling, symphonic world of birds that had always existed around her. Since then, she has kept a keen eye pressed to her binoculars in search of vivid stories that elevate the everyday, if only one pays attention.

Through a series of beautifully crafted essays, Taylor shares her intimate encounters with the birds that have captured her heart and imagination—from tracking flitting woodpeckers through oak trees to spotting majestic blue jays perched on a Manhattan fire escape; from the exhilaration of witnessing a migratory flock from the top of the Empire State Building to the quiet joy of observing a nest of hatchlings in her own backyard. Through simply paying attention to birds, Lili has been shown a parallel world that is wider and deeper, one of constant change and movement, full of life and the will to survive.

Children

Little Explorers: A Journey Through Nature by Zack Callahan (Ages 3 to 7)

Embark on an exciting journey through the wonders of nature. This beautifully illustrated children’s book takes young readers on an adventure across forests, jungles, oceans, deserts, and farms, introducing them to the amazing animals and plants that call these places home.

With playful storytelling and interactive questions, kids will learn about different habitats, seasons, and the magic of the natural world. From the sound of birds singing in the trees to the waves crashing in the ocean, this book encourages children to use their imagination and explore the beauty of nature all around them.

Pollinators & Native Plants for Kids: An Introduction to Botany (Simple Introductions to Science) by Jaret C Daniels  (Ages 6 to 12)

Learn about the importance of bees, butterflies, and other pollinators in this children’s book that includes an introduction to botany and a plant identification guide.

Native plants surround us every day, so it’s easy to take them for granted. But they are vital to the existence of all animals—including humans! Native plants provide sources for food and shelter that wildlife can’t live without. Become a young botanist. Learn all about native plants, wildflowers, trees, and shrubs. Professional entomologist Jaret C. Daniels presents a kids’ introduction to botany. From beautiful wildflowers like the common sunflower to majestic trees like the red maple, this easy-to-understand book is a perfect guide for beginners.

The Urban Owls: How Flaco and Friends Made the City Their Home by Christian Cooper (4 to 8 years)

Lifelong birder Christian Cooper introduces us to the majestic owls that have made New York City their home. Learn about Flaco, the Eurasian Eagle-Owl that captured all our hearts, Barry the Barred Owl, Geraldine the Great Horned Owl, and Rocky the Saw-whet Owl.

With robust backmatter that provides more details on owl characteristics, hoots, and conservation, The Urban Owls will help foster love for wildlife in our youngest generation.