Hawks In Flight: Second Edition

Hawks are beautiful and distinctive when perched, but this is often not how one gets to view them in the wild. This book gives a systematic overview of all North American birds of prey, including the rare ones. It analyzes their shape, coloration, and behaviour, giving one a complete overview of field marks, posture under various flight modes (soaring, gliding, and powered flight), and general behavioural tendencies. And it discusses how to identify them from great distance, not just on the rare occasions when we get a good close-up view.

very good reference book

My primary interest is watching and identifying raptors. I started out with the Peterson's guides as a child and was thrilled when the "Peterson Field Guide to Hawks of North America" was published (see my review). Then last year I started using Jeff Ligouri's "Hawks at a Distance." And recently added a copy of this volume - "Hawks in Flight," 2nd Edition - which has been expanded to include raptors in western North America. I have found it to be very useful. Specifically - Pete Dunne describes characteristics about each specie in simple and engaging language. Next - the photographs in the book (by Sutton, Ligouri and others) were well chosen in presenting key profiles. Finally, I find that David Sibley has the ability to educate me to certain specifics with his drawings - for me it has been posture. Between his "The Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Western North America," and this book, I am beginning to appreciate how much information he packs into one of his pen and ink drawings. Added together, the combination makes it easier for me to get a lock on what I am seeing in the field. No one guide has been "the answer," for me when it comes to identifying raptors. I seem to need a variety of references. This is a great addition and could stand alone. However if I can encourage new birders here, get a variety of guides so that you can check with various resources and are not stuck with one. Not being sure of your ID is part of the challenge (and fun) of being a birder. Books like this add to your ID tool box. Highly recommended!

The book is nicely organized, well-written and contains tons of drawings and photographs. As a hawk enthusiast, this is my new go-to guide. No other book even comes close. I only wish the printing/binding was as good as the rest of the book. Printed in China to save a few cents -- and it shows.

Bought for my wife... she says the pictures/sketches are good, the color is good, the photography is good, and the text is good (but "could be in a larger font, but then again I'm getting older"). The binding quality is good as well.

I have three other books on identifying hawks to help my work counting hawks in migration on hawk hill above the golden gate bridge with the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory. This is the best. The words stick in your brain, the pictures are magnificent to look at and lead you to gain the knowledge to tell the difference between the species. Accipters are the hardest to identify not as accipiters but whether they are Cooper's or Sharp shinned because the two look so much alike. If this is your problem too then this is the book for you. Jeff Wilkinson

Hawks in Flight was the first "specialty" guide I ever read in birding, and I found it very useful. Between Sibley's drawings, Dunne's writing, and Sutton's photographs, I felt like I had advanced a few grades in mere days. At the hawkwatch, I saw EXACTLY what they were pointing out. When the second edition came out, it was even better: photographs, text, drawings, and MORE SPECIES! Expanding it to cover Southwest birds and the rarities like California Condor and Aplomado Falcon was all the more reason to acquire and devour this book. One feels like you have received a college education in hawk I.D. when one has finished this book, while simply having the pleasure of reading. Can't wait to see how much better my I.D. knowledge has improved this season!

This is a great reference book, especially if you see a lot of raptors in flight. It's been my go-to book for over 30 years (it was one of the first of its kind) and I'm replacing my original copy, which is falling apart. The second addition has color photos, as well as the black and white.

I have been using this guide extensively to assist me in tracking the Hawk migration this year. It has been very helpful in confirming my sightings. Easy to use and very informative.

Tipo de Guía: Para confirmar especies en el estudio o en su lugar favorito. El trabajo realizado en este libro denota el nivel de conocimiento sobre el tema que tienen sus autores. Sin duda una Guía para coleccionar. Nivel de Pajareo: De Intermedio a Avanzado. Estilo: Texto descriptivo, Fotografías & Ilustraciones. Encuadernación cartoné: Tapa dura, cocido y forrado en una cubierta rígida de cartón Fotografías bien escogidas logran explicar las características de cada especie, Dibujos precisos y simplificados por D. Sibley, una autoridad en ese tema. Fichas de Identificación; En vuelo, Comparaciones...

Seems very well done with numerous quality photos.

I read the original a number of years ago and really enjoyed the second addition. the addition of the regional raptor is a great plus and the photos are a great addition. it has got to be a must have for any birders library.

I'll have no trouble identifying the hawks I see now with this awesome reference book! I was very happy to see kites, falcons, and vultures also included.