On my office shelf I have at least 7 different field guides to North American raptors dating from 1973 to 2018. Even as a raptor “geek” I have seriously wondered whether I could possibly need any more raptor guides. What more is there to cover? However, after reading this new 2-volume set by Brian K. Wheeler, I can firmly say yes, I definitely need these books, and I suspect you will as well.
The 2 volumes represent a 13-year effort by the author to produce “enhanced field guides” to eastern and western North American birds of prey. They are produced in standard field guide size, 5½ inches by 8¼ inches, making them easy to fit in your coat pocket or a small backpack. The paper is durable and binding secure, making them ready for field use. The species accounts include detailed descriptions adjacent to color plates followed by highly detailed...