Tracking and the Art of Seeing: How to Read Animal Tracks and Sign

Amazon.com

A good observer of nature, walking, say, in an oak forest, may discern that some of the acorns on which he or she is treading are broken into little bits. After reading wildlife interpreter and photographer Paul Rezendes's guidebook to animal signs, that same observer will be able to tell which of those acorns have been split by human footsteps and deer hooves and which have been gnawed apart by squirrels--and by what species of squirrel. A wonderfully thorough, well-illustrated compendium, Rezendes's text covers a wide range of North American animal species, including rodents, hoofed animals, bears, raccoons, opossums, and members of the weasel, rabbit, dog, and cat families. He describes not only the signs these animals leave but also their ways of life throughout the year, and with an appropriately environmentalist purpose. "Ultimately," Rezendes writes, "tracking an animal makes us sensitive to it--a bond is formed, an intimacy develops. We begin to realize that what is happening to the animals and to the planet is actually happening to us." He's right, of course, but one need not take such a macrocosmic view of nature to take pleasure in, and learn from, this fine book. --Gregory McNamee

Book Description

In this newly revised and updated edition of his highly acclaimed field guide, renowned nature photographer and tracking expert Paul Rezendes brings the fields and forests to life with his unique observations on North American wildlife and their tracks and sign. Illustrated with hundreds of his original photographs, Tracking & the Art of Seeing provides complete information on the behavior and habitat of over 50 animal species and shows you how to identify animals by their tracks, tail patterns, droppings, dens, scratches and other signs.

Customer Reviews:

Tracking and the Art of Seeing.......2007-05-30

I live in southeast Alaska and this is the book I have been looking for years. I love it! It goes into such depth, but it is simple to understand.
I enjoy hiking and like being more informed of who/what has also pased this way before me. Great Resource for anybody who enjoys hiking. The photo's are excellent.

quite simply excellent.......2007-05-04

I am an old guy-pushing 60-and have examined books on tracking ever since I was a child. No other book compares to this one. I purchased it based on the positive Amazon reviews and on this book they were right on the mark. I mean, this guy not only provides excellent photos of tracks, he has photos of the ANIMALS' FEET! What a simple yet sensible idea! I very much like his philosophy of tracking, his emphasis on looking at the whole picture of the impact an animal makes on its environment. Good job, Mr. Rezendes.

Excellent introduction.......2003-08-22

This book provides an excellent introduction to reading animal tracks. In the first chapter the author explains why we should try to understand the tracks around us in the forest, and what we might see. He then delves into the kinds of observations we need to make, such as trail widths and trail patterns and scat. The rest of the book is divided into chapters by animal family, including chapters for rodents, rabbits, weasels, dogs, cats, bears, and hoofed animals. There is also an extensive bibliography and index.

Each chapter is comprised of short articles about the specifics of tracking the individual animals that make up the family covered in the chapter. Rezendes provides a short informative description of the animal with a color photograph. The descriptions cover behavior, range, and diet. Rezendes also includes black and white photos of the animal's feet, both front and back. The next section of the article covers tracks and trail patterns, and it includes illustrations or diagrams, photographs, and typical trail width and stride measurements, as well as a lot of information to help you sort out this critter's tracks from all the others out there. He also includes short sections on signs, such as dens, food caches, kill sites, and scat, also with photographs or illustrations.

I purchased this book after moving out into the country because I wanted to identify the critters that visited at night leaving their tracks in the snow around our house. I found Rezendes' approach captivating and easy to understand, even as a beginner. Rezendes explains how tracks can tell us much more than just the identity of an animal- -through a careful study of tracks, you can determine how fast the animal was moving, whether it was browsing, being chased, or chasing another. This book is a highly informative reference; it's also a delightful read on a blustery winter afternoon.

Best Tracking Book to Be Found.......2003-02-17

This is a truly magnificent tracking book. The book has no pseudo-spiritual dribble about tracking ants across rocks or pressure points; it is full of useful information, and it is clear that the author is as genuine of an expert naturalist as they get. He shares an incredible wealth of information on how to examine and analyze the wilderness from a microcosmic level. The photography is outstanding and the descriptions of animal signs are excellent. Being a survival instructor, I have read many fine books on tracking animals and observing their signs, but I have never read one that I learned more from than this one.

My First Choice.......2002-02-23

I do a lot of tracking, both animal and human. I have read most books on the subject in print. This book is excellent for the beginner and expert and focuses on animal tracking. Rezendez helps the tracker learn both the animals track characteristics and its living habits. If I had to recommend only one book on tracking, this would be it, hands down.

A Field Guide to the Tracks and Signs of Southern and East African Wildlife

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A Field Guide to the Tracks and Signs of Southern and East African Wildlife
Chris Stuart , and Tilde Stuart
Manufacturer: Struik Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Shooting | Hunting & Fishing | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 1868725588

Animal Tracks and Signs (Pocket Nature Guide)

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Animal Tracks and Signs (Pocket Nature Guide)
Preben Bang
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Reference | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0199299978

Book Description

Animal Tracks and Signs was first published in English in the 1970s, and immediately established itself as an all-time classic. Totally unique in its accessible, down-to-earth approach and detailed coverage of more than 200 creatures, it is the only book in print that enables readers to determine which animals have passed through the countryside by examining the traces they have left behind, opening up a captivating new world that might otherwise remain unseen. Whether following footprints in mud, sand, or snow; feeding marks on cones, nuts, trees, and animal remains; homes and hiding places above and below ground; or feathers, pellets, and droppings, readers are taught how to identify the bird or mammal that has been before them, aided by hundreds of beautiful, informative colour photographs, line drawings, and diagrams, and clear descriptions of the anatomy, behaviour, movement patterns, and habitat of different species. Quick-reference plate sections compare actual-size prints, pellets, and droppings for fast identification on the move, covering such diverse wildlife as the shrew, hedgehog, fox, elk, and bear; the sparrow, kestrel, and eagle owl. This new reissued edition includes a new Foreword by Ray Mears, who has found this book to be an invaluable point of reference throughout his career, and recommends it to students on his Bushcraft and Survival courses.

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Signs of the Wild
Clive Walker
Manufacturer: New Holland Publishers,
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Africa | Travel | Subjects | Books

Reference | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1868258963

Where the Wild Things Are CD: In the Night Kitchen,Outside Over There, Nutshell Library,Sign on Rosie's Door, Very Far Away

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Where the Wild Things Are CD: In the Night Kitchen,Outside Over There, Nutshell Library,Sign on Rosie's Door, Very Far Away
Maurice Sendak
Manufacturer: HarperChildrensAudio
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD

Action & Adventure | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0061227404
Release Date: 2007-05-29

Book Description

Maurice Sendak's Where the Wild Things Are was published in 1963 to great critical acclaim. Brian O'Doherty of The New York Times said that Mr. Sendak's work, "disguised in fantasy, springs from his earliest self, from the vagrant child that lurks in the heart of all of us."

Where the Wild Things Are is the first book in a trilogy that includes In the Night Kitchen, published in 1970, "a profoundly engaging fantasy that ought to become a classic" (The New York Times) and Outside Over There, published in 1981, which Newsweek called "extraordinary... triumphantly moving."

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What Kind of Critter Was Here?
original
Finally, a key to tracking!

Mammal Tracks and Sign of the Northeast
Diane K. Gibbons
Manufacturer: UPNE
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Nature & Ecology | Science | Subjects | Books

Mammals | Field Guides | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

Reference | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 158465242X

Book Description

Mammal Tracks and Sign of the Northeast is a field guide for identifying the tracks of mammal species native to the region which extends from New England, New York, and Pennsylvania to eastern Canada. Simple to use and light and easy to carry in the field, the book contains the most important information that a tracker will need--including life-size illustrations of tracks and scat, gait patterns, trail width, species habitat, food sources, scat and urine information, breeding seasons, range maps, and special tracking tips for all thirty-seven species. A unique dichotomous key devised by the author allows trackers to identify even the most confusing track through a process of elimination. The charming, highly detailed, and to-scale pencil illustrations are indispensable aids to accurate identification. Mammal Tracks and Sign of the Northeast is an artistic and accurately rendered guide suitable for professional trackers, naturalists and wildlife professionals, outdoor educators, hunters, and amateurs alike.

Customer Reviews:

What Kind of Critter Was Here?.......2004-07-26

Do you find yourself scratching your head when you examine tracks in the snow in your back yard? Have you wondered what beast left that distinctive scat on a wooden footbridge? Diane Gibbons' book is going to illuminate your world. Where the book is most useful is in differentiating among the signs of closely-related animals, such as wolf, coyote, and fox. And then there are the seldom-seen, difficult to identify signs, such as martin tracks and lynx scat. The book is wonderfully illustrated, and makes a great reference for the swift and accurate identificatioin of the tracks and signs of all mammals in the nine northeastern states. The diagrams illustrating the range of each animal are a welcome bonus.

original.......2003-10-03

There are numerous original concepts in this book: a key to identifying tracks, key identification features with arrows, species comparison pages (i.e. otter vs. fisher), and mating seasons compared across species. A wonderful addition to the diversity of tracking books on the market! And a generous book filled with wondrous illustrations created with real heart. Buy it.

Finally, a key to tracking!.......2003-07-14

Diane Gibbons does an amazing job helping amateur trackers to decipher what we see in the field. I have yet to see a book that has a key, similar to botanical field guides, allowing us to piece together the tracks we see. The key is key! The illustrations are wonderful, as well, and equally helpful. Finally, the book is small enough to fit in a daypack. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about the wildlife around us.

Animal Tracks and Signs of North America: Recognize & Interpret Wildlife Clues

Average customer rating:

Excellent descriptions, but disappointing photos

Animal Tracks and Signs of North America: Recognize & Interpret Wildlife Clues
Richard P. Smith
Manufacturer: Stackpole Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Natural History | Nature & Ecology | Science | Subjects | Books

Reference | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0811721248

Customer Reviews:

Excellent descriptions, but disappointing photos.......2000-04-05

This book had excellent descriptions of tracks and habitats of different animals in North America, but I was disappointed in the photos. Most of the photos of tracks were in snow, not dirt or mud. Also, in order to get a description of track size,you must read the text. There were very few pictures of scat and other signs as well. This is a good book if you want to sit down and read about animal tracks and signs, but a poor reference in the field. If you want a field book, look elsewhere.

Animals, Tracks and Signs (Usborne Spotter's Guides)

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Animals, Tracks and Signs (Usborne Spotter's Guides)
A. Leutscher
Manufacturer: Usborne Publishing Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Average customer rating:

At the Sign of the Wild Horse
Louise Seymour Hasbrouck
Manufacturer: The Century Co.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000JNC7ZY

The Hamlyn Guide to Animal Tracks, Trails and Signs (Hamlyn Guide)

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The Hamlyn Guide to Animal Tracks, Trails and Signs (Hamlyn Guide)
R.W. Brown , M.J. Lawrence , and J. Pope
Manufacturer: Hamlyn
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Book Description

Guides travelers to Washington's best cultural and historic sights-and offers helpful hints on how to beat the crowds and avoid long waits
More than 75 in-depth restaurant reviews explain where to find a good meal
Incisive hotel ratings show how to find the best lodgings at the best prices
Shows how to get around, how to see the government work, and where to find parks and outdoor activities.

Customer Reviews:

Doesn't "Officially" measure up.......2007-08-05

Bought this book because I wouldn't go to Disney World without the Unofficial Guide. Several errors. Should have mentioned the Circulator. We took a family of 4. The review on several attractions - including the International Spy Musuem contained too much of the author's own political agenda. There were not enough family oriented and reasonably priced restaurants reviewed. I discovered I was only a couple blocks from a lot of good restaurants, but couldn't figure out, from this book how far they were. I would buy the other books before this one.

Good basic guide to traveling in the District of Columbia.......2007-06-26

A good basic guide to travel in the District of Columbia, although the author (at least in the 2007 edition I read) seems unnecessarily obsessed with crime in DC (I traveled in DC mostly by myself this past week and felt pretty safe) and gives out some dangerous advice for dealing with crime (such as throwing your wallet at a thief and running in the other direction and shouting at the top of your lungs, which sounds like a great way to get shot or stabbed). Some details are also just inaccurate: a week pass for the Metro costs $32.50, not $11.00. The instructions on using Metro farecard machines are too detailed to do anything but confuse you if you've never used the machines before. There's a little too much space spent on getting oriented and not enough spent on what you can do for fun and excitement and interest once you've gotten oriented.

But the book does have some good descriptions of the basic tourist attractions (not much on attractions in the outer neighborhoods, though), along with some detailed and helpful advice on how to navigate the confusing DC area as a first-time visitor. All stuff you could find in other guidebooks, perhaps, but there are also some surprisingly good maps of the center of DC, and there's even a map of the Convention Center. The informal tone of the book is a nice change from the usual bland tone you find in Frommer's and other guides.

Invaluable planning guide.......2007-04-30

The Unofficial Guide to Washington, DC offers comprehensive information in a clear, concise style. There is plenty of basic information about how to get around in the city using the Metro, what time of year to go, how to stay safe, etc. In addition, you will find hotel ratings and detailed entries on all major attractions inside the city. The hotel section is probably the weak point of the guide. It offers a numerical rating system but only a few basic items of information on the hotel. There is no written description with the pros and cons of each hotel spelled out for you.

The section on attractions is where this guide makes up for the lack of hotel info. It covers all the museums, memorials, monuments, government buildings, etc. Each entry is highly detailed with full contact information, nearest Metro stop, tips on when to go, full descriptions, touring tips, and other things to do nearby. It is literally everything you want to know when considering a visit to one of the many tourist attractions in the city.

While planning my trip to Washington, DC I bought three guidebooks to the area. This is the only one that I used in the latter stages of planning and also the only one I used when I got to the city. It was easily the most comprehensive and useful of the lot once I had booked my hotel. If you're planning a trip to the capitol and can only buy one guide, get this one.

All things unoffical.......2007-03-18

I really like these guides they provide detail information on anywhere you may decide to travel. I own 3 disney, las vegas and washington dc. I learned where to eat, sleep and tour.

Ehh, I took it, I used it, I found the errors.......2006-07-25

The errors in this guidebook, let me count them.
(1) Information on the Mount Vernon tours was wrong. The departure times for the two touring companies were mixed up. (It's a good thing I thought to call ahead!)
(2) The phone number given for the National Archives was no longer in operation.
(3) Yes, it's true the subway doesn't go to Georgetown, but as of 2006, D.C. offers a bus line, The Circulator, that does.
(4) The Smithsonian National Museum of American History had already begun a staggered closing of many of its exhibits for a 2007 building renovation, something this guidebook never mentioned. (Thanks NMAH web site!)
I bought this title particularly because it was published in 2005 & it was the most up-to-date, well-reviewed title I could find, but I found a handful of time-wasting errors in it over a span of four days.
Being a first time visitor to Washington D.C. I would have appreciated a guidebook that had color photographs of buildings, monuments, & major art works, but except for the front cover this book has no photos. As for the book layout, I appreciated the subway & D.C. maps on the inside front & back cover, but I had a hard time finding sections of the book without laboriously using the index. This is not a guidebook to be looking through while you're on the go. The restaurant listings also seemed unnecessarily limited. I didn't spend much time sightseeing because I was attending a convention, or I, no doubt, would have encountered more inaccurate information.
After thumbing through several guidebooks before my visit, I would recommend the DK (Dorling Kindersley) Eyewitness or Top 10 glossy photographic guidebooks. You can probably find sites with hotel ratings & information just as easily on the web. And you can always look up phone numbers & addresses for attractions in your hotel's yellow pages, which you may have to do anyway with this book. I wanted to purchase a guidebook that was text-heavy, but that also increases the odds that some of the information will be wrong.
If you e-mail your U.S. Senator or Representative or visit the D.C. tourism website, they will send you free guidebooks with a Calendar of Events & descriptions of tourist attractions that are as helpful as what you will find in this book &, in my experience, more up-to-date. Three-and-a-half out of five stars for this guidebook. Wasted time is wasted money.

The Unofficial Guide to Dining in Washington, D.C. (Unofficial Guide to Dining in Washington Dc)

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The Unofficial Guide to Dining in Washington, D.C. (Unofficial Guide to Dining in Washington Dc)
Eve Zibart
Manufacturer: Macmillan General Reference
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Hospitality, Travel & Tourism | Industries & Professions | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books

General | Travel | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0671881310

The Unofficial Guide to Washington, D.C. 1996 (Issn 1071-6440)

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The Unofficial Guide to Washington, D.C. 1996 (Issn 1071-6440)
Joe Surkiewicz , Bob Sehlinger , and Eve Zibart
Manufacturer: Macmillan General Reference
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Guidebooks | Reference & Tips | Travel | Subjects | Books

Washington, D.C. | United States | Travel | Subjects | Books

North America | Travel | Subjects | Books

General | Travel | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0028606663

The Unofficial Guide to Washington, D.C. 1997 (Issn 1071-6440)

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The Unofficial Guide to Washington, D.C. 1997 (Issn 1071-6440)
Joe Surkiewicz , Eve Zibart , and Bob Sehlinger
Manufacturer: Macmillan General Reference
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Guidebooks | Reference & Tips | Travel | Subjects | Books

Washington, D.C. | United States | Travel | Subjects | Books

North America | Travel | Subjects | Books

General | Travel | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0028612426

The Unofficial Guide to Washington, D. C.

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The Unofficial Guide to Washington, D. C.
Joe; Zibart, Eve; Sehlinger, Bob Surkiewicz
Manufacturer: MacMillan Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000O8T1KS

Average customer rating:

The Unofficial Guide to Washington, D.C
Bob Sehlinger, Eve Zibart Joe Surkiewicz
Manufacturer: Macmillan General Reference
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000O94U8K

Where To Go To The Bathroom In Washington D.C. (The Unofficial Bicentennial Guide)

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Where To Go To The Bathroom In Washington D.C. (The Unofficial Bicentennial Guide)

Manufacturer: Where To Go
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000G0SKGU

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