The Return of Iowa’s Bald Eagles
Text and Photography by Ty Smedes, published October, 2011
After closely watching and also reading about Bald Eagles for the
better part of four decades, I thought I knew the biology and habits
of the species rather well. Until very recently, I’ve had four books
specific to Bald Eagles on my shelf, and I foolishly believed that,
taken together, these covered the lives of this great species
adequately enough. I was wrong!
When I began the very pleasant task of investigating The Return of
Iowa’s Bald Eagles, I became fearful that I could not find the
appropriate vocabulary to adequately describe this wonderful piece of
work, and give it the credit it definitely deserves. That fear
continues. . . .
With highly readable text and exquisite photography by Ty Smedes, I
truly believe that The Return of Iowa’s Bald Eagles, has raised the
bar on books about individual bird species, let alone about our
national symbol, to such heights that others may not produce an
equivalent book for years to come.
Readers should know upfront: this book is about the lives, the
majesty, and the recovery of Bald Eagles across the entire Upper
Midwest, and even a majority of the Lower 48 States – and not just
within one state. No other bird commands as much attention, respect,
and admiration as our national symbol. And, there is no better way
for the average person to investigate, comprehend and appreciate these
phenomena than with this new book!
This beautiful work is divided into two primary sections: Chapters 1-8
educates the reader about the full history of the Bald Eagle in our
nation, and every chapter contains an abundance of jaw-dropping close-
up color images. Chapters 1 & 2 explain how the bird became our
national symbol, the array of serious troubles it has encountered, and
it’s road to nation-wide recovery. Chapter 3 is “Bald Eagle – Biology
101” with 13-pages of photos and concise, entertaining text covering
physical attributes and diet, color phases and plumages, North
American populations, reproduction, conservation and more.
Chapters 4-8 (again, with each chapter having an abundance of
incredible close-up images), covers current population status; how
eagles endure severe winters; interesting facts, anomalies and
anecdotes; challenges eagles face; and best opportunities to view Bald
Eagles across the Midwest.
Although I am fascinated by, and dearly love all parts of this very
fine book, my favorite component is likely the one called: 2010 Diary
of a Bald Eagle Nest. In 39 fascinating pages, author and
photographer Smedes gives us a nearly day-by-day and hour-by-hour look
into the lives of two adults and two young eagles at a single nest he
had permission to observe at close range. The photos and descriptions
in this section alone are worth the cost of this very modestly priced
book.
The scores of gorgeous color images and many first-hand observations
and stories in the first eight chapters are sure to amaze and delight
readers, and draw them into the day-to-day lives of eagles until the
birds feel like favorite family members! Any person who is open to
learning about this magnificent bird is likely to be deeply moved, and
perhaps permanently so, by these first chapters.
Chapter 9 is a 113-page photo gallery for all who wish to simply
enjoy, visually, the daily lives of Bald Eagles. It is a wonderful
treat to be able to do this with the scores and scores of superb
images that Mr. Smedes and his publisher chose for this book. Many of
these exceptional images are made up of frame-by-frame sequences of
actions: diving for fish, catching fish, eating while on the fly,
etc. These are simply magnificent full-color images, with nearly all
being close-up and filling the entire 11.25 by 7.5 inch pages. Wow!!
I am truly amazed that such a magnificent book, with an incredible
number of spectacular color photographs – among the most incredible
ever taken in the United States – could be priced at just $24.95.
What a bargain!!
The Return of Iowa's Bald Eagles chronicles a conservation success
story of such national significance that it should become well
understood and deeply appreciated by citizens of all ages. Captured
here are the power, grace and majesty of the Bald Eagle in all its
glory. I recommend purchases for Christmas, birthdays, or for any
other reason you can possibly think of. This inexpensive masterpiece
is available wherever better books are sold; or directly from The
Iowan Books at http://www.iowan.com/, or from Ty Smedes, at: http://www.smedesphoto.com/
.
Review by Ric Zarwell, Lansing, Iowa
Ric
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Ric Zarwell
Email: [email protected]
Home/Office: 563-538-4991
Mobile: 563-419-4991
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