This article is taken from the monthly Sciences et Avenir n°934, dated December 2024.
The title of the book “Extraordinary birds” is perfect: extraordinary, they are! Extraordinary too, this book, whose reproductions of European birds, captured in the gentle intimacy of song, of a parade, or in the tension of a scene of predation, is astonishing in its sharpness, realism and proximity.
Produced in collaboration with the Swiss Ornithological Station of Sempach, the book brings together images from experienced nature photographers and texts from ornithologists teeming with scientific curiosities.
You don’t have to be a bird lover to enjoy
Whether you are a bird lover or not, it is impossible to remain indifferent to the seductive red-rimmed eye of the bearded vulture, this “peaceful vulture” who loves this color to the point of treating themselves to iron mud baths to beautify their feathers!
Or not to smile when learning that the oak jay with its elegant plumage streaked with blue, surprised here with a seed hanging in its beak, knows how to chirp but also imitate the cry of the common buzzard. It’s very beautiful, and the birds are well worth it.
Credit: Salamander
“Extraordinary birds“, under the direction of Alessandro Staehli, Salamandre, 264 p., €45
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