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Animal Tracks of Atlantic Canada By Ian Sheldon and Tamara Eder Illustrated by Gary Ross Lone Pine Publishing - 144 pages Cost: $8.95 Softcover ISBN 1-55105-254-7 Making Tracks... reviewed by Ronnie Scullion
The bounding hare is not an uncommon sight in the four Atlantic Provinces. With this guide you’ll be aware of its presence not only through sightings, but also by observing the distinctive trails it leaves as its mark. The adventure and excitement of tracking is well conveyed by authors Sheldon and Eder. The reader can share their fascination of the energetic Long-Tailed Weasel as it "leaps, bounds and zigzags through its territory" or of the predatory Fisher whose "eager hunting antics" make it a formidable hunter. Devoted primarily to describing the tracks made by mammals found in the region, the book also includes a sampling of prints made by common birds, amphibians and reptiles. Like other Lone Pine publications it is well organized and includes quick visual, as well as, text references. Each species' entry consists of an illustration of the animal; a detailed rendering of the prints and tracks it makes; a text description highlighting the animal's movements; and itemized specifics such as animal size and weight, and track stride and trail straddle dimensions. Nature artist, Gary Ross, sketched the animals portrayed in natural surroundings. The black and white reproductions lose none of the attention to detail characteristic of his work. The accounts are concise with particulars on where one is likely to spot the animal or tracks. As trail sightings are often connected to the animal's behaviour, supplementary information about feeding habits or other activities is included where it supports or explains the occurrence of the prints. Appended to each description is a note on similar species, with the page number given for quick comparison. Comparing species is further facilitated by using the visual reference (in the appendix). Here, the tracks and trails are pictured side-by-side, showing their relative size. The practicality of this guide is apparent from cover-to-cover. In addition to the specific information supplied on each animal, the book includes general tips on tracking for those new to the activity. The authors suggest following tracks and trails to learn more about an animal's behaviour. A glossary of tracking terms explains the types of measurements used and some of the obscure terminology associated with tracking. The novice will soon be looking for and identifying not only prints and trails, but also 'sitzmarks' and strike patterns. I was somewhat confused by the order the animals are presented in. However, the index at the back has all the animals listed by both common and scientific name. This index plus the visual reference makes it simple to find any entry. Practicality continues: the back cover displays a metric ruler enabling you to take measurements (and take one less item into the field). This smart, pocket-sized field guide is one both the novice or experienced tracker will not want to be without when venturing outdoors - tracking, hunting or hiking.
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maintained by Outdoor Nova Scotia, Liverpool, N.S. BOT 1KO |
Remember
those flipbook animations you used to get as a kid? Well, the innovative
publishers, Lone Pine, have included a flip style animated rabbit hopping
through the pages in the bottom right corner - a whimsical touch!
