Saving Migrant Birds: Developing Strategies for the Future.

Austin, TX University of Texas Press, 2002. Paperback First Ed, so stated. First Ed, so stated. Fine in Wraps: binding square and secure; text clean. Virtually 'As New'. NOT a Remainder, Book-Club, or Ex-Library. 8vo. 256pp. Paperback: Pictorial Wraps. This work is an excellent primer on the problems facing avian species in North America, as well as providing a timely update for those who already understand the issues. The introductory chapter focuses on the sources of the data which first brought attention to these issues, and cogently dissects the lack of clarity in the sound-bite term "neotropical migrant". Causes of declines in migrant bird populations are discussed, including habitat loss, habitat fragmentation, wintering ecology etc. It is gratifying to see that the author recognizes that some grassland birds are exhibiting the most severe population declines, even though these species are not as colorful and "sexy" as the woodland warblers which garner most of the media attention. However, even though the author bemoans the paucity of data for some demographic parameters (e.g. noting on p. 91 that "juvenile birds are almost never recaptured"), he inexplicably ignores the MAPS initiative. This nation-wide effort, begun in 1989, is focused on providing precisely those missing data, and also is part of the Partners in Flight program, which he justifiably praises as helping focus attention on many aspects of avian population declines.