AMAZING HUMMINGBIRDS YOU CAN FIND IN ARIZONA

An illustrated guide to hummingbirds in the Grand Canyon State.

Isley, a photographer, here presents an overview of the 15 hummingbird species that make the American Southwest their home. The author details the amazing biology of these birds, whose wings flap 50 to 80 times a second and whose hearts beat up to 1,360 times per minute. Their brisk metabolisms and specialized feeding strategies are covered in detail before Isley moves on to identify the species most likely to be seen in Arizona, such as Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna), whose males are “known for their beautiful iridescent pink to red throat and crown feathers, while females have an understated greenish appearance with a hint of pink”; “A single Anna’s hummingbird may need the nectar output of 1,000 flowers to get water and calories daily that it needs to survive.” The author discusses hummingbird migration patterns by species to both demystify these incredible creatures and help readers attract them to their yards and bird feeders. (Hummingbirds are territorial, readers learn, so multiple feeders in one yard space will help to facilitate the presence of more than one species for viewing and conservation.) Isley’s magnificent full-color photography adorns every page of the book, and the information she provides is both sweeping and specific. She advises her readers, for example, on the practicalities of bird rescue: “If the hummingbird is conscious and seems to be in need of food, you can offer it a very diluted sugar water solution (about one part sugar to four parts water)”; “Don’t force it into the bird’s beak, and avoid using honey, as it can be harmful to them.” It’s easy to enjoy the visit of a hummingbird on a bright summer day, and this lovely book will enhance that enjoyment in every way.

A beautiful and informative reference work.