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

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 336 pages
• Published by: Collins; 2 Sub edition March 24, 1999
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0062735241
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0062735249
• Book Dimensions: 10 x 6.9 x 0.6 inches
• Weighs: 1.8 pounds

Product Review
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 enyclopedia, 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

Product Review
"Better than any other field guide to tracking I've seen." -- -- Pittsburgh Post Gazette



"Better than any other field guide to tracking I've seen." -- -- Pittsburgh Post Gazette



"If Thoreau's Concord neighbors led lives of quiet desperation, many people today rush through lives of frantic, noisy alienation. Paul Rezendes's book is about tracking, but also much more; it shows how to find your way home to the great web of life. For the woods walker, this book offers the key to a new kingdom." -- -- The Boston Globe



"Paul Rezendes's work reflects his commitment to living in concert with the planet and his breadth of knowledge and insight into animal tracks and sign. His book is a central resource to our environmental awareness program at Earthlands International." -- -- Larry Buell, Director, Earthlands International



"Rezendes has produced a fascinating book filled with gorgeous color photographs and detailed illustrations. Hunter and hiker alike will find this book helps them to see the world of nature with a more knowing and appreciative eye." -- -- Albuquerque Tribune



"This book is a step beyond a guide to tracking. The illustrations and photographs are superb, another world beyond traditional guidebooks on the subject." -- -- Spokane Review

Reader Reviews
Understanding elusive animals is a bit like being a detective: all you have are the clues they've left behind. As a professional ecologist, I heartily recommend "Tracking and the art of seeing" to anyone interested in the outdoors. Paul (and Paulette!) have created a marvelous contribution to both science and art. I especially appreciate Paul's emphasis on using all of your senses effectively, which is the most difficult skill to master. Sounds like a 5 star review so far, right? Unfortunately, I feel compelled to warn those who live west of the Mississippi that Paul does not discuss some of the West's most noteworthy animals, including mule deer, bighorn sheep (he does discuss Dall sheep), pronghorn, prairie dogs, badgers, and so on. Likewise, Paul does not include domestic cattle, sheep, goats, and horses, although I've discovered that novices can often mistake these for wild ungulates. Nevertheless, "Tracking and the art of seeing" is a wonderful example of what an outdoor reference can be: a source of both information and inspiration. It deserves an honored place on your shelf, or in your pack!