Thursday, August 01, 2019

Book Review
Birds of Haryana -A Field Guide

Authored by Dr Rajiv Kalsi, Mr Suresh C. Sharma and Dr Janak Choudhary, Birds of Haryana-A Field Guide is a comprehensive and authouritive  bird guide on the 530 species of birds found in Haryana State of India. It has just hit the stands.

The guide is richly illustrated with coloured photographs with the accompany text covering significant details on morphology, behaviour of the birds and their habitat.  Pointers on how to identify the birds accompany the photographs in an easy and understandable way. Voice indications are also mentioned.

The 602 page guide is divided into chapters based on the order and family of the species which are 79 in number.  The guide indicates not only the status of the birds but also when and where to look for them.

A word about the authors. Dr Rajiv S. Kalsi is an Associate Professor in Zoology and has worked on number of birds and mammal species . He has done extensive research on habitat interactions, wildlife and conservative biology. Mr S.C.Sharma has spent over 40 years wandering in the wild across the country , seeking birds and photographing them. Dr Janak R. Chaudhary a renowned ENT surgeon took to bird photography as a hobby. His interests include macro photography and making Bonsai.

Published by Unique Publications, Panipat the guide has been modestly priced at RS 895 (US$19).

The guide also  contain an article written by me on Ethics in Birding and Bird Photography for which the authors have very kindly acknowledged.