Go West for parrots! - Rosemary Low

For those interested in tropical birds and other wildlife, South America is a paradise. From its cities to the shrinking wild and unspoilt forests, mountains, lakes and pramo regions, it is teeming with fascinating creatures. Rosemary Lows journeys to the neotropics, starting in 1975 and spanning 33 years, are described in this absorbing book. The emphasis is firmly on the birds and other fauna, with a sprinkling of people, culture and adventures along the way.

Rosemary Low has studied the parrots of this region since her first book The Parrots of South America was published in 1972. She has lectured widely overseas and in the UK, on the subject, with the emphasis on conservation.

"Rosemary Low brings together her experiences of journeys to the Neotropics beginning with a trip to the Caribbean in 1975. Over the next 33 years her trips involved explorations in a large number of South American countries. The emphasis is firmly on the parrots but includes other birds, fauna, habitats, places, people, cultures and adventures. Knowing of her parrot passion, interest in geography and travelling, I thought it would be an absorbing book, and how right I was! Rosemary kept detailed travel diaries on most of her trips, and this, along with being able to refer to her many published articles, gives accounts of even her earliest trips a satisfying immediacy. An interesting and informative book. Highly recommended for bird-lovers, especially parrot enthusiasts." -- Graeme Hyde, Cage & Aviary Birds, 4 March 2010

"This book will appeal to a wide audience, not only aviculturists and twitchers, but to those who enjoy tales of exploration and wish to know a little of the environment of the countries visited. Rosemary vividly sets the scene, recalling all sensory experiences so that the reader can imagine themselves with her. Her sheer enthusiasm for the jungle forests, flora and fauna is infectious and makes you want to read on further. She writes: The lure of parrots in the wild draws me back to the tropics over and over again. It provides me with a satisfaction that is unlike any others and strengthens my desire to aid their conservation. Each chapter includes a map highlighting the areas mentioned, photographs of several of the birds described and an ecological update, the inauguration of a Conservation Area or recent figures relating to the increase/decrease of a particular species. This is a book I have particularly enjoyed reading and one I can wholeheartedly recommend to others who enjoy tales of birds, people and unknown localities. Buy now for an engrossing read." -- Eunice Spilman, Amazona Society magazine, February 2010

"A definite must-read for parrot lovers, perspective travellers, and those arm chair travellers who would like to escape and travel vicariously through the authors descriptive accounts of her South American birding adventures. You can feel Rosemarys excitement and fascination as she shares some of her most treasured moments of travel. As a parrot lover myself, this book truly fulfilled my craving/desire to read and learn more about parrots. However, this book opened my eyes to admire and value a wider variety of birds. For example, its hard not to share the authors enthusiasm as she recounts the performance of a male Golden-collared Manakin displaying his courtship dance to gain the attention of a potential mate. Or the emotional impact the author felt observing the breathtaking beauty of eight to ten Cock of the Rocks dancing at a lek in Ecuador. Rosemary was ahead of the times as far as eco tourism birding. A lot has changed in 30 years. She writes: Todays birders dont know how lucky they are! This book describes the advances and accomplishments of conservation projects that have helped parrots live longer, better lives in the wild. From land purchases and creating Natural Park reserves to protect habitat and safeguard the parrots; to reintroductions of Scarlet Macaws in Costa Rica by Amigos de los Aves; the reintroduction of Blue and Gold Macaws by Bernadette Plair in Trinidad. This book was enlightening and fun! Like I was reading my own diary notes of trips I have taken with my husband Mark. Many to the same locations, so I can honestly say this highly regarded author of more than 20 books conveyed an accurate description of the places and projects she visited." -- Marie Stafford, Parrots International on-line magazine: 1, 2010