The long-anticipated update of the Wildlife Management Institute's classic waterfowl reference guide, Ducks, Geese, and Swans of North America, is now available for pre-order and will be shipped this fall. The full color, two-edition set features fully revised and updated information on the continent's 46 species of waterfowl and includes a CD with reference information and additional maps. An excerpt of the book is available for review.

Originally authored in 1942 by F. H. Kortright and later revised by Frank Bellrose, this latest edition was meticulously updated by renowned waterfowl biologist Guy Baldassarre who passed away in 2012. The set provides in-depth information on identification, distribution, migration, population status, breeding biology, and conservation and management strategies. Each species account also includes full color, comparative illustrations of adults and juveniles as well as detailed illustrations of wings.

"Creating a brand-new version of such a timeless and previously revised classic is a risky venture indeed, but nobody could be better suited for this monumental task than Guy Baldassarre. He has created a stunning new classic, at once magnificent in its visual appeal and truly comprehensive in its scientific breadth and depth," said John W. Fitzpatrick, Director of the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology. "Hats off to Guy for dedicating himself to this project with such obvious passion, patience, and skill. This book absolutely belongs on the shelf or coffee table of anyone who has ever marveled at waterfowl, whether through their binoculars or from inside the duck blind."

Ducks, Geese, and Swans of North America is priced at $69.95, however Johns Hopkins University Press is offering a 30 percent discount (discounted price is $48.97 plus tax and shipping) when you buy directly from their site; use the promotional code HNAF. JHU Press offers even deeper discounts on purchases of 50 or more copies. Contact Brendan Coyne at (410) 516-6951, for more information. (jas)