Birds in Flight

Reviews / Votes

Wildlife biologist Henderson is a renowned wildlife photographer and author (Oology and Ralph's Talking Eggs). His latest is much more than the sum of its beautiful photos, answering in remarkable detail a question that has fascinated humans for eons: how birds fly. Using his photographic records of myriad species to lay out the fundamental principles of avian aerodynamics, Henderson explains how birds' bodies are structured for flight and how each species uses flight in its particular ecological niche. He describes how the morphologies of bone, feather, wing and tail combine to help birds find food, evade predators, migrate and interact with other birds. Beautifully rendered drawings by Steve Adams illustrate concepts of lift, drag, thrust and airflow, with plenty of photos showing the principles in action; one highlight is the illustration of the albatross's wingtip vortex, which creates circular airflow to provide extra lift. Other diagrams show how birds use thermals and updrafts to soar, and the unique hovering abilities of the hummingbird. Henderson's lovely, informative volume will be enjoyed by anyone who wants to learn about, or teach about, the biology and mechanics of bird flight. Publisher's Weeklyonline Web Exclusive Review for the week of 11.3.08 St. Paul Pioneer Press (circ.: 246,400) and www.twincities.com, December 20, 2008
"'Birds in Flight' ($25 Voyageur Press) is author Carrol Henderson's contribution to understanding the beauty and science of bird flight. Henderson is a Department of Natural Resources employee who started the Nongame Program and is well-known to bird enthusiasts around the world. Henderson explains the principles of bird flight, as well as the complexity and purpose of bird feathers and bones relating to flight. The photographs are stunning, and Henderson offers an easy-to-read and engaging approach to the mysteries of flight."

Publisher's Weekly Web Exclusive Starred Review November 3, 2008
"Wildlife biologist Henderson is a renowned wildlife photographer and author (Oology and Ralph's Talking Eggs). His latest is much more than the sum of its beautiful photos, answering in remarkable detail a question that has fascinated humans for eons: how birds fly. Using his photographic records of myriad species to lay out the fundamental principles of avian aerodynamics, Henderson explains how birds' bodies are structured for flight and how each species uses flight in its particular ecological niche. He describes how the morphologies of bone, feather, wing and tail combine to help birds find food, evade predators, migrate and interact with other birds. Beautifully rendered drawings by Steve Adams illustrate concepts of lift, drag, thrust and airflow, with plenty of photos showing the principles in action; one highlight is the illustration of the albatross's wingtip vortex, which creates circular airflow to provide extra lift. Other diagrams show how birds use thermals and updrafts to soar, and the unique hovering abilities of the hummingbird. Henderson's lovely, informative volume will be enjoyed by anyone who wants to learn about, or teach about, the biology and mechanics of bird flight. 150 color photos, 15 diagrams."

http://birdfreak.com, December 24, 2008 (645,000 vpm)
"He is an amazing photographer and some of his work is showcased in this book, along with other illustrators and photographers... Birds in Flight combines equally the joy and wonder of seeing birds fly with the science of how they manage it. A good reader from about ten on up could handle this great book and it is a gorgeous addition to any bird lover's library." Star Tribune, and www.startribune.com, January 13, 2009



"Birds in Flight: The Art and Science of How Birds Fly" (Voyageur Press, $25) by Minnesotan Carrol Henderson is a book of beauty, adventure and technology made clear. Henderson, a wildlife biologist with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, gives a detailed analysis of how birds fly. He does it with personal stories punctuated with a clear explanation of the physics of flight. Wonderful photographs of birds on the wing help us understand the complexities of the amazing feat that birds perform so effortlessly -- flight. Henderson is author and photographer of several other fine books. This one moves to the top of that list.