Hawks In Flight: Second Edition

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!

Yep, this one is mandatory for anyone who counts or observers "Hawks." This is the one you need to sit down and study. You may not need it in the field however. Crossley ID although large is the one to take into the field. The pictures in Crossley are the best.

The pictures help me distinguish between the different kinds of hawks

We have found this book to be very helpful in our raptor identification. We are happy to see there is a new edition--we keep the first edition in the car and the 2nd edition at the house. The hard cover is good for reference work--wish there were a softcover to take in the car (that is why we still use the first 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.

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 both paper editions, but bought the Kindle version for my Nexus 7; it joins Sibley and iBirdPro android apps and the Kindle ed. of Dunns "Field Guide Companion. Sure saves carrying a lot of books when I travel somewhere. Only quibble with HIF 2nd is the pictures are not nearly as numerous (or show as many angles of view) as other similar books, and they do NOT show the side-by-side comparisons of similar species that are really helpful. That quibble aside, the new ed. is much more complete than the 1st (Short-tailed Hawk, etc.) and it is really nice to have it out in the field with me. Recommended.

I haven't had a chance to thoroughly read the book and digest the details, but it is an amazing book and a great addition to my collection of bird books.

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 cartónFotografías 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.

Very comprehensive coverage, clear text, illustrated with line drawings and mostly good quality photos. I would have liked to see more line drawings, e.g. to distinguish eagles of different ages.