Book Review: ‘The Birds of Saudi Arabia’ by Abdullah Alsuhaibany

Book Review: ‘The Birds of Saudi Arabia’ by Abdullah Alsuhaibany
The collection is published by Aramco, showcasing their dedication to advancing knowledge in environmental research and conservation. (Supplied)
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Updated 05 December 2024
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Book Review: ‘The Birds of Saudi Arabia’ by Abdullah Alsuhaibany

Book Review: ‘The Birds of Saudi Arabia’ by Abdullah Alsuhaibany

“The Birds of Saudi Arabia” offers a comprehensive exploration of the diverse avian species in the Kingdom, showcasing the expertise of its authors.

For bird enthusiasts, nature lovers, and researchers, the two-volume set is an exciting compendium that explores the diverse bird life found in the Kingdom, written by Abdullah Alsuhaibany, secretary-general of the Saudi Environmental Security Coordinating Council, and Chris Boland, director of Arabian Biodiversity Consultancy. 

The collection is published by Aramco, showcasing their dedication to advancing knowledge in environmental research and conservation.

The books are available in Arabic and English, titled “The Lives of Birds” and “Species Accounts.”

Together, these volumes provide valuable information about the various bird species that inhabit Saudi Arabia.

The first book provides a broad overview of different bird families in Saudi Arabia. 

It introduces readers to groups of birds, such as colorful passerines, or songbirds, like warblers and sparrows and impressive raptors like eagles and hawks. 

Each chapter is written in a way that is easy to understand and interesting for both beginners and experienced birdwatchers. 

The book describes essential topics such as mating rituals, feeding habits, and migration. 

For example, it highlights how some birds use Saudi Arabia as a vital stop during their long journeys each year, shedding light on the country’s significance for global bird migration.

The conservation status of birds is also a key focus in this volume. The book discusses different challenges, such as habitat loss and climate change, that threaten bird populations and encourages readers to take action to protect these species. 

Additionally, the volume offers practical birdwatching tips, such as the best places and times to observe different species and what gear to bring along.

The second book focuses on specific bird species. This volume is perfect for serious birdwatchers and students of avian sciences, featuring detailed descriptions of each bird. 

Each entry includes information about the bird’s appearance, sounds, and where it can be found.

For instance, the section on the Common Redstart (Phoenicurus phoenicurus) discusses its colors and seasonal behaviors. 

The book also covers the Sooty Gull (Larus hemprichii), explaining its coastal habitats and feeding habits. 

The entry on the Arabian Partridge (Alectoris melanocephala) provides insights into how this bird interacts with others and its unique calls.

This volume also includes maps and descriptions that help readers visualize where different birds live in Saudi Arabia. 

The conservation information included for each species highlights the need to protect these birds and their habitats.

“The Birds of Saudi Arabia” is more than just a reference book; it celebrates the Kingdom’s amazing bird life and encourages conservation efforts. 

With both volumes, readers can learn about birds in a clear and engaging way, making it suitable for casual birdwatchers, seasoned ornithologists, and anyone interested in nature.

By facilitating access to this vital resource, Aramco not only helps to highlight the ecological wealth of Saudi Arabia but also engages a wider audience in the discussion of biodiversity and the importance of protecting fragile ecosystems.

This initiative underscores the vital connection between corporate responsibility and the preservation of our ecosystem. 


What We Are Reading Today: Nationalism: A World History by Eric Storm

What We Are Reading Today: Nationalism: A World History by Eric Storm
Updated 23 February 2025
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What We Are Reading Today: Nationalism: A World History by Eric Storm

What We Are Reading Today: Nationalism: A World History by Eric Storm

The current rise of nationalism across the globe is a reminder that we are not, after all, living in a borderless world of virtual connectivity.

In “Nationalism,” historian Eric Storm sheds light on contemporary nationalist movements by exploring the global evolution of nationalism, beginning with the rise of the nation-state in the 18th century through the revival of nationalist ideas in the present day.


What We Are Reading Today: Buried Treasures

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Updated 22 February 2025
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What We Are Reading Today: Buried Treasures

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  • In “Buried Treasures,” Zipes describes his special passion for uncovering political fairy tales of the 19th and 20th centuries

Author: JACK ZIPES

Jack Zipes has spent decades as a “scholarly scavenger,” discovering forgotten fairy tales in libraries, flea markets, used bookstores, and internet searches, and he has introduced countless readers to these remarkable works and their authors.

In “Buried Treasures,” Zipes describes his special passion for uncovering political fairy tales of the 19th and 20th centuries, offers fascinating profiles of more than a dozen of their writers and illustrators, and shows why they deserve greater attention and appreciation.

 

 


What We Are Reading Today: Republics of Knowledge

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Updated 21 February 2025
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What We Are Reading Today: Republics of Knowledge

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  • Miller identifies how public exchange of ideas affected policymaking, the emergence of a collective identity, and more

Author: Nicola Miller

The rise of nation-states is a hallmark of the modern age, yet we are still untangling how the phenomenon unfolded across the globe.

Here, Nicola Miller offers new insights into the process of nation-making through an account of 19th-century Latin America, where, she argues, the identity of nascent republics was molded through previously underappreciated means: the creation and sharing of knowledge.

Drawing evidence from Argentina, Chile, and Peru, Republics of Knowledge traces the histories of these countries from the early 1800s, as they gained independence, to their centennial celebrations in the 20th century. Miller identifies how public exchange of ideas affected policymaking, the emergence of a collective identity, and more.

 


What We Are Reading Today: ‘Climate Dynamics’ by Kerry H. Cook

What We Are Reading Today: ‘Climate Dynamics’ by Kerry H. Cook
Updated 20 February 2025
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What We Are Reading Today: ‘Climate Dynamics’ by Kerry H. Cook

What We Are Reading Today: ‘Climate Dynamics’ by Kerry H. Cook

“Climate Dynamics” provides an essential foundation in the physical understanding of Earth’s climate system.

Assuming no previous introduction to the climate system, the book is designed for all science, math, and engineering students at the advanced undergraduate and beginning graduate levels.

This second edition includes updated and expanded information on hydrology, the cryosphere, observed contemporary climate change, and climate prediction.

 In addition, the illustrations are expanded and now in full color.


What We Are Reading Today: ‘California Amphibians and Reptiles’

What We Are Reading Today: ‘California Amphibians and Reptiles’
Updated 18 February 2025
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What We Are Reading Today: ‘California Amphibians and Reptiles’

What We Are Reading Today: ‘California Amphibians and Reptiles’

Authors: Robert Hansen & Jackson D. Shedd

California is home to more than 200 species of reptiles and amphibians that can be found in an extraordinary array of habitats, from coastal temperate rainforests with giant redwoods to southeastern deserts offering dazzling wildflower displays each spring.

“California Amphibians and Reptiles” covers every species and subspecies in this biodiverse region of the United States, with outstanding color photography and in-depth species accounts that draw on the latest findings on taxonomy and distribution.