Shorebirds of New Zealand

Book excerpt: Shorebirds of New Zealand is a beautiful, informative and lyrical account of the many shorebirds found here - those living and breeding in the same area year after year, those that migrate within New Zealand, and those whose migrations link the hemispheres. It examines the lifecycles, habits and histories of our shorebirds, such as red knots (some 50,000 of which reach New Zealand from Siberia annually), or red-necked stints (birds the size of a sparrow that make a similar journey), and our own shorebirds - stilts and oystercatchers, terns and gulls, dotterels and wrybills, snipes and godwits. Author Keith Woodley connects these shorebirds with everyday people and the environment, looking into our social and cultural values, the work of researchers and community conservation groups, as well as the ways in which our lives impact those of shorebirds - both harmoniously and harmfully. Shorebirds of New Zealand is a significant and thought-provoking book, with many stories to tell and a strong environmental message elegantly stated. 'Keith Woodley's beautiful book highlights the magic of our shorebirds and their struggle for survival.' --Canvas (Weekend Herald) 'Keith Woodley ... has put his heart along with his vast knowledge of lifecycles, habits and histories of our shorebirds into this book ... [it's] packed with discreet and skilful photography.' --Andrea Fox, Waikato Times 'That Keith is deeply interested and concerned about the plight of shorebirds, about their future and about the diverse landscapes they occupy is apparent in the beautifully crafted Shorebirds. ... a beautifully written and presented book with a strong conservation message.' --Kate Graeme, Forest & Bird