For those who find joy in the sight and sound of the panoply of North American wildlife, The Waterfowl of North America is an indispensable book.  With the clear-eyed accuracy of a scientist, and the insight and affection of a portraitist, Robin Hill depicts North America's 51 species in full page colour plate (after watercolours). Essays by emeritus director of the Smithsonian Institution S. Dillon Ripley and by the artist himself introduce the paintings, and explore the importance of waterfowl in our lives -- as visually beautiful animals, as fascinating social creatures, and as sensitive barometers for measuring the state of our continent's delicate rivers, wetlands and marshlands.

Arranged in accordance with the American Ornithologists Union Checklist, the paintings -- each accompanied by distribution maps and authoritative technical descriptions by Paul A. Johnsgard -- represent a complete catalogue of North American waterfowl.

view these examples of plates from the book...

In addition to the large colour plates, dozens of pencil studies throughout the book provide intimate glimpses that bring the ducks, geese and swans, vividly to life. Published, printed and produced entirely in the United States, this folio volume is large enough to do justice to Robin Hill's subtle detailed paintings. Moreover, this is more than a beautiful lavishly produced art book. Its comprehensive treatment of North American waterfowl will satisfy the ornithologist. Its technical range and accuracy earn its place on the shelf of the wildlife biologist. Its splendid plates, typography and design will please the connoisseur of fine books. The books paintings, essays and technical text will deepen all bird lovers' enchantment with North America's ducks, geese and swans. 

view these examples of the studies from the book...