The specialized anatomy, communication, nesting and relationships with other species, including humans, are explained amid fascinating pictures. A golden-fronted drinks from a pool; a hairy woodpecker stands her ground with a black bear; various species appear in great detail. This may help you understand that tapping visitor at your home.

Geckos, chaffers, earwigs, katydids... each insect is presented in its habitat with lovely shots of savannas & forests, then close-ups and examples of the natural camouflage the creatures enjoy. The author intends to encourage the discovery or re-discovery of the world around our feet.

If your nightmares feature large snakes, you should skip this one. Amazing photos of colorful snakes from around the world are described in the text, which includes anecdotes from the author, such as the time a “juvenile red spitter” spat in his eye. O’Shea is a regular on television’s “Animal Planet.”

Stunning avian portraits by a teacher of digital photography. Central Park is one of the top birding sites in the United States said to contain more than 200 species in its 843 acres. Vornberger spent every day in the Park for three years to capture these images of almost 100 species living in proximity to speedy urban activities.