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A World on the Wing: The Global Odyssey of Migratory Birds

Name: A World on the Wing: The Global Odyssey of Migratory Birds
Price: 13.19 USD
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Rating: 4.6 (773 reviews)

4.6 of 5 Stars: Field Guides - A World on the Wing: The Global Odyssey of Migratory Birds

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Book Synopsis: New York Times Bestseller Finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize A Library Journal Best Science and Technology Book of the Year An exhilarating exploration of the science and wonder of global bird migration.

In the past two decades, our understanding of the navigational and physiological feats that enable birds to cross immense oceans, fly above the highest mountains, or remain in unbroken flight for months at a stretch has exploded. What we’ve learned of these key migrations—how billions of birds circumnavigate the globe, flying tens of thousands of miles between hemispheres on an annual basis—is nothing short of extraordinary.

Bird migration entails almost unfathomable endurance, like a sparrow-sized sandpiper that will fly nonstop from Canada to Venezuela—the equivalent of running 126 consecutive marathons without food, water, or rest—avoiding dehydration by “drinking” moisture from its own muscles and organs, while orienting itself using the earth’s magnetic field through a form of quantum entanglement that made Einstein queasy. Crossing the Pacific Ocean in nine days of nonstop flight, as some birds do, leaves little time for sleep, but migrants can put half their brains to sleep for a few seconds at a time, alternating sides—and their reaction time actually improves.

These and other revelations convey both the wonder of bird migration and its global sweep, from the mudflats of the Yellow Sea in China to the remote mountains of northeastern India to the dusty hills of southern Cyprus. This breathtaking work of nature writing from Pulitzer Prize finalist Scott Weidensaul also introduces readers to those scientists, researchers, and bird lovers trying to preserve global migratory patterns in the face of climate change and other environmental challenges.

Drawing on his own extensive fieldwork, in A World on the Wing Weidensaul unveils with dazzling prose the miracle of nature taking place over our heads. 16 pages of color photographs; 15 maps

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Experience the awe and wonder of global bird migration with "A World on the Wing: The Global Odyssey of Migratory Birds." This New York Times Bestseller is a finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize and a must-read for bird lovers and nature enthusiasts alike. Discover the incredible navigational and physiological feats that enable birds to cross oceans, fly over mountains, and endure months of unbroken flight.

With our expanding knowledge of bird migration, we've come to appreciate the extraordinary journeys these winged creatures undertake. Billions of birds circumnavigate the globe each year, covering tens of thousands of miles between hemispheres. Imagine a sparrow-sized sandpiper flying nonstop from Canada to Venezuela, equivalent to running 126 consecutive marathons without food or water. This remarkable bird avoids dehydration by "drinking" moisture from its own muscles and organs, while using the earth's magnetic field to stay on course.

But it doesn't stop there. Some birds cross the entire Pacific Ocean in just nine days of nonstop flight. They can even put half of their brains to sleep for a few seconds at a time, allowing them to rest while maintaining a swift reaction time. From the mudflats of the Yellow Sea in China to the remote mountains of northeastern India, and even the dusty hills of southern Cyprus, join Pulitzer Prize finalist Scott Weidensaul on an exhilarating journey around the world.

With breathtaking nature writing and stunning color photographs, "A World on the Wing" brings the miracle of bird migration to life. Weidensaul's extensive fieldwork informs and inspires, as he introduces us to the scientists, researchers, and bird lovers dedicated to preserving migratory patterns in the face of environmental challenges like climate change.

Don't miss out on this captivating exploration of avian migration. Immerse yourself in the beauty and wonder of "A World on the Wing: The Global Odyssey of Migratory Birds" and discover why birds truly are nature's ultimate travelers.

Get your copy of A World on the Wing today and embark on an incredible journey through the skies!

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