Books in W. L. Moody Jr. Natural History Series series

Snakes inspire extreme reactions. Love or hate these limbless reptiles, almost everyone is fascinated by them. Although snakes are widespread and frequently encountered, they may be more misunderstood than any other group of animals. From giant rattlesnakes to mating dances, there are dozens of myths and misconceptions about snakes. In Secrets of Snakes: The Science beyond the Myths, wildlife biologist David Steen tackles the most frequently asked questions and clears up prevailing myths. In a conversational style with a bit of humor, Steen presents the relevant biology and natural history of snakes, making the latest scientific research accessible to a general audience. When addressing myths about snakes, he explains how researchers use the scientific method to explain which parts of the myth are biologically plausible and which are not. Steen also takes a close look at conventional wisdom and common advice about snakes. For example, people are told they can distinguish coralsnakes from non-venomous mimics by remembering the rhyme, “red on black, friend of Jack, red on yellow, kill a fellow,” but this tip is only relevant to coralsnakes and two mimics living in the southeastern United States, and it does not always work with other species or in other countries. Enhanced by more than 100 stunning color photographs and three original drawings, Secrets of Snakes: The Science beyond the Myths encourages readers to learn about the snakes around them and introduces them to how scientists use the scientific method and critical thinking to learn about the natural world.Number Sixty-one: W. L. Moody Jr. Natural History Series

In their second guide to birding in New Mexico, Judy Liddell and Barbara Hussey share their experiences and intimate knowledge of the best places to find birds in and around Santa Fe and other areas in northern New Mexico. Following the same format as their book on the Albuquerque area, the authors describe 32 sites organized by geographic regions. Along with a general description of each area, the authors list target birds; explain where and when to look for them; give driving directions; provide information about public transportation, parking, fees, restrooms, food, and lodging; and give tips on availability of water and picnic facilities and on the presence of hazards such as poison ivy, rattlesnakes, and bears. Maps and photographs provide trail diagrams and images of some of the target birds and their environments. A “helpful information” section covering weather, altitude, safety, transportation, and other local birding resources is included along with an annotated checklist of 276 bird species seen with some regularity in and around Santa Fe.

For many aquarists, information on their hobby is limited to goldfish and exotic tropical fishes commonly available in local pet stores. Existing guides ignore native American species simply because few people have collected, kept, and successfully propagated them, and reliable information is difficult to find. In American Aquarium Fishes, Robert J. Goldstein and other serious aquarists, applying their specialized expertise on North American fishes, have compiled a comprehensive guide to hundreds of native fishes suitable for the home aquarium. American Aquarium Fishes corrects misconceptions about minnows and suckers, pygmy sunfishes and dwarf catfishes, perches and their tiny relatives, the darters, and even the mysterious blind cave fishes. This first-of-its-kind guide provides step-by-step instructions on where to find, how to identify, how to catch, and how to keep and even breed myriad backyard fishes. Goldstein explains why fishes occur where they do and warns against putting fishes where they do not belong. He discusses protected species and offers guidance on the rules for collecting in each state. He also gives detailed instructions on how to transport and ship native fishes across the country and around the world.A chapter on aquarium plants by Richard Edwards, accompanied by 24 line drawings, provides details on collecting and propagating the most adaptable and beautiful aquatic plants likely to be encountered by fish collectors everywhere. The work is enhanced by over 350 spectacular photographs by Goldstein, William F. Roston, Richard Bryant, Fred C. Rohde, and Garold Sneegas, featuring vivid underwater images of spawners in full nuptial coloration. Goldstein has provided a unique tool for American naturalists and a new dimension to the international hobby of breeding aquarium fishes. Destined to become the standard guide for housing and breeding American fishes, American Aquarium Fishes will be equally useful both to aquarists and biologists.