There are many outstanding photography books on the market, and just as many outstanding avian books. For years I have searched for one book that combines the best of both. It seemed that either the images were lacking or the information accompanying the text was weak. After reading and viewing Wings in the Wild I can say I have found the perfect combination of educational text with stunning avian images all in one package.

Well-known avian photographer Tom Vezo captures the essence of his subjects like few photographers can. The images in his book evoke a feeling of intimacy with the subject while Kerlinger's comments take the birder in us to a new realm. It becomes clear early on in the book that both writer and photographer not only share a love for their subjects, but they both have an innermost knowledge of birds and their behavior. Vezo's action shots demonstrate his knowledge of bird behavior. He was able to predict the subjects' next movement and was prepared to capture it on film, while Kerlinger shares his knowledge of the subjects' behavior in a most captivating way.

Avian subjects ranging from smallest to largest, from north to south, are covered in this interesting coffee table book consisting of 190 photos and is 144 pages. The book is sectioned by regions, and many of the photos tastefully include the valued habitat where these birds reside. Vezo's images also include behavioral shots that draw the viewer right into the image. The accompanying text makes for the perfect package.

The first section is on the Artic Tundra and includes such favorites as the Pacific Golden-Plover, Arctic Tern, Snowy Owl and Peregrine Falcon. My personal favorite from this section was the Bluethroat. Vezo captures the subject with perfect technical execution, and the subject is at its' best. Have you ever seen a gull nest in a tree? Bonaparte's do and it is a strange looking sight as Vezo's photograph will show.

In the section Forest and Field, Vezo's images of Black-capped Chickadee and Northern Parula steal the show. An image of a Northern Flicker, with tongue extended toward a less aggressive female, gives Kerlinger the opportunity to demonstrate and discuss markings and behavior of the species.

Kingfishers, Least Bitterns, and Green Herons are just some of the avian subjects in the Marsh, Lake and River section. American White Pelicans are also featured along with Common Mergansers, Marsh Wrens and a beautiful backlit Roseate Spoonbill.

The most inspirational section for me was Desert, Scrub, and Prairie. White-winged Doves, Ferruginous Pygmy-Owls and Broad-billed Hummingbirds were a few of the exotic subjects included in the section. An image of a Burrowing Owl with a lizard afforded Kerlinger the opportunity to discuss the different type owls in Florida and how their diets differ from the Burrowing Owls of the plains. Two of my favorite Texas species are in this section as well, the Pyrrhuloxia and Green Jay. Vezo's portrait of the Pyrrhuloxia is the most artistic image I have seen of this colorful relation of the Northern Cardinal.

Ocean and Sea have images of Surf Scooters in flight. Harlequin Duck and Red-billed Tropicbird images adorn this section. A favorite of all photographers is the Tufted Puffin, and Vezo's behavior shot shows a side of this rather cartoonish species that is not often captured on film.

Seashore is the last section in this incredible book. Black-bellied Plover, American Oystercatchers, and a dainty Piping Plover on a nest are some of the subjects found in this habitat. An American Avocet in breeding plumage makes a great image and can be found in both brackish water as well as the fresh water of the Great Plains as is noted in the text.

While this book will appeal equally to photographers and birders alike, personally I think every avian photographer should have a copy on their shelves. The images will not only motivate but will also give photographers new ideas and goals for their own photography. The behavior that Vezo has done such a magnificent job of recording on film is explained in explicit detail by Kerlinger. Avian photographers need to know bird behavior in order to capture the behavior shots, and this book is a great step in the right direction to equip you with the right knowledge.

Tom Vezo is a professional wildlife photographer and writer who travels worldwide to capture his images in the natural environment.

His work is widely published in the U.S. and Europe in books, calendars, magazines and advertisements. He's been honored twice by Nature's Best Magazines photo contest (1998 and 1999) for his professional wildlife photography and by the BBC in the Dawn to Dusk wildlife photography category (1997).

Editor's Comment: Let us know what you think! Please email the Editor to let us know your thoughts. Debbie is the founder and publisher for PhotoMigrations and would like to invite you to visit her website located at DFSPhoto.com to view a sampling of her stunning images!