cover image Two Eagles / DOS Aguilas: A Natural History of the United States-Mexico Borderlands

Two Eagles / DOS Aguilas: A Natural History of the United States-Mexico Borderlands

Tupper Ansel Blake. University of California Press, $65 (0pp) ISBN 978-0-520-08482-7

Published in conjunction with the Nature Conservancy, this magnificent volume transports us to one of the most biologically diverse-and endangered-areas of the continent. Subtropical and temperate species converge along the 2000-mile border, which links a chain of varied landscapes: desert, mountains, forest, grasslands, coastlines, wetlands. In his text, freelance writer Steinhart blends discussion of the history, culture, natural history and ecology of the borderlands. He considers environmental degradation, loss of habitat, urban pressures and efforts to reclaim the land. Blake's (Wild California) stunning photographs almost overshadow Steinhart's words. Steinhart and Blake coauthored Tracks in the Sky: Wildlife and Wetlands of the Pacific Flyway. (Oct.)