Gibson, Lorna - Birds Up Close: An Engineer Explores Their Hidden Wonders

A renowned engineer and ornithologist reveals the marvel of how birds work—from the tips of their beaks to the sheen of their tailfeathers. Presents a unique and original view of creatures we think we know, exploring the secrets of how birds fly and hunt, how they attract mates, how they feed, how they mate, and how they give birth to and raise their young. Gibson spotlights birds’ engineering to show how they accomplish amazing feats, from the rapid-fire flapping of a hummingbird's wings and the astonishing long-distance flights of sandpipers Featuring 157 colour illustrations and diagrams that readers won’t find in other bird books, from microscopic images of the honeycombing of bird bones to the intricacies of feather structure. Gibson is one of the foremost materials scientists and engineers in the world and also an avid birder, who serves on the board of the Massachusetts Audubon Society. Feathers, bones, bills, eggs, flight: all come in for scrutiny in this engaging book. Drawing on her expertise and personal experience in both engineering and ornithology, the author explores the hidden microscopic structures and engineering principles that keep birds aloft and alive—how an egg is formed, how a bird generates lift; how raptors soar and glide, albatrosses fly thousands of miles, hummingbirds hover, puffins and penguins “fly” underwater. She also considers the longer view of birds in their habitats and natural history. Her up-close look at avian mysteries provides a perspective like no other for the expert ornithologist and curious observer alike.