Birds of Prey in the American West is a photographic feast for the eyes that captures the spirit of both the magnificent subjects and the lands where they reside. Each image depicts the subject in its natural habitat, so that the vast feel of the open spaces of the American West is captured and appropriately conveyed to the viewer. This book has the true feel of the wild and untamed the West is so noted for. On the cover is the most impressive image I have ever seen of a Bald Eagle in flight. Its outstretched wings and superb pose and lighting, sets the tone for the more than 100 extraordinary photographs of thirty-four species by Tom Vezo. The informative text written by raptor expert Richard L. Glinski that is included in this 128 page coffee table book published by Rio Nuevo Publishers in Tucson, Arizona adds to the wonder of these secretive birds.

The graphic design sets this book apart from other books currently on the market. The images are large for the viewer to appreciate the photography of Tom Vezo as well as the beauty of the subjects themselves. The text is concise and takes the reader on an educational journey with Glinski as he shares his expert knowledge as a raptor biologist. Combining these two extraordinarily talented and knowledgeable people for this project makes Birds of Prey in the American West a winning work.

Exciting and dramatic photographs of the subjects grace each of the pages. A Crested Caracara, which is a south Texas specialty, is shown in flight with all its beauty against a backdrop of greenery. An extremely beautiful image of a Northern Harrier is pictured with its kill, giving the viewer a sense of what this bird is really all about. A special treat are the images of raptors in-flight. These in-flight images truly demonstrate the birds' grace and beauty along with Vezo's' ability to handle difficult photographic situations. Images taken at the nest, such as the Harris Hawk, American Kestrel and Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl, and others are also included. These images show the parents taking food to the nest and evoke a sense the struggle that goes on between the predator and prey and the reason for it. Whether it is the photo of the Osprey with a large fish held securely in his talons, the Burrowing Owl who resides on the grasslands, or the Great Horned Owl hatchling, the images all have the same precise technical execution combined with the ability to show the subject and how it lives in the most interesting settings.

Glinski shares his in-depth knowledge of raptors throughout the book, giving the reader lots of interesting facts that most people are unaware of about the behaviors shown in the images and other information on how these birds survive. This insight demonstrates the intimacy that this biologist has shared with his subjects. It should come as no surprise that this biologist has years of experience studying birds of prey and has worked for the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

Vezos' stunning photographs reveal the photographers' extensive knowledge of the subjects. His ability to successfully capture these difficult subjects on film, their poses, posturing, and other behavior is a true demonstration of this photographers' photographic expertise. These moments can be over in a second, making the anticipation of the coming behavior monumental in actually documenting this on film. I think Don and Lillian Stroke's summed it up best with their quote from Vezo's first book, Wings in the Wild "Tom Vezo has it all: An artist eye for composition, superb photographic technique, and an ability to convey the true essence of a bird on film."

This book has everything a nature photographer, bird watcher or nature enthusiast could possibly want. The photography in this book is incredible, the subjects exciting, and the information contained within will make a better naturalist out of any reader. The action, the impact and the insight into the subject makes this a necessary addition to any library.

You can order Birds of Prey in the American West, from Amazon.com

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Debbie Ferrell-Smith's interest in nature began many years ago while living in Missouri. There, where she spent much of her childhood at her grandparents' home, she learned a deep appreciation and respect for nature that has only grown through the years and continues to this day. Texas became her home in 1986. Shortly after moving she realized that this state offers an abundance of wildlife and her yearn to capture nature's beauty on film returned once again.

This past year Debbie had the opportunity to participate as Pre/Post Chair for the NANPA 9th Summit. Naturephotographers.net and Birdzilla.com are two sites where both her images and articles have been published. "I am proud to have been accepted at Profotos.com and to have my gallery displayed on their wonderful site." Her work is represented by one stock agency with images being sold for publication in both Canada and the United States. Photographers who have had the greatest influence on her work are Tom Vezo, Jim Zuckerman, Erwin and Peggy Bauer, Arthur Morris, and John Shaw to name just a few. Each of these pros offers a unique and well-defined style that has inspired and enriched her photographic experiences.

Debbie's charitable contributions include memberships with Audubon, Ducks Unlimited, and the ASPCA. Please take a few minutes and browse her website located at Debbie Ferrell-Smith Nature Photography - I think you will be pleasantly surprised!