Avian Architecture

Recently an article caught my eye which I felt was worth sharing. Enjoy reading! :)

Birds are the most consistently inventive builders, and their nests set the bar for functional design in nature.

Avian Architecture describes how birds design, engineer, and build their nests, deconstructing all types of nests found around the world using architectural blueprints and detailed descriptions of the construction processes and engineering techniques birds use. This spectacularly illustrated book features 300 full-color images and more than 35 case studies that profile key species worldwide. Each chapter covers a different type of nest, from tunnel nests and mound nests to floating nests, hanging nests, woven nests, and even multiple-nest avian cities. Other kinds of avian construction--such as bowers and harvest wells--are also featured.

Avian Architecture includes intricate step-by-step sequences, visual spreads on nest-building materials and methods, and insightful commentary by a leading expert.

• Illustrates how birds around the world design, engineer, and build their nests
• Features architectural blueprints, step-by-step sequences, visual spreads on nest-building materials and methods, and expert commentary
• Includes 300 full-color images
• Covers more than 100 bird species worldwide

Peter Goodfellow is a retired English teacher and lifelong birdwatcher. His books include Birds as Buildersand A Naturalist's Guide to the Birds of Britain and Northern Europe.

Reviews:

"I live in a nice clapboard house and work in a gleaming steel-and-glass skyscraper, but after reading Avian Architecture I feel cheated. I'll never get to enjoy the comforts of the nest of a long-tailed tit."--Henry Fountain,New York Times

"[Goodfellow] sharpens the focus to explore nests only from the perspective of their architecture--their form, function, construction materials, how they are made, and by whom. . . . We love finding nests but rarely pay attention to how they are built. Avian Architecture will magnify your sense of wonder. The book is chockablock full of detail presented in a very accessible way."--Wayne Mones, Audubon.org

"[Avian Architecture] is a compelling read. I couldn't put it down. Goodfellow organizes nests into general types: scrapes, holes, platforms, cups, woven nests and so on. He describes each nest type in great detail and illustrates the process with detailed artwork and photos."--Scott Shalaway, West Virginia Gazette

"This has got to be one of the coolest bird books I've ever come across. . . . Avian Architecture may unravel some of the mystery behind how birds make their nests, but Peter Goodfellow thoroughly reveals a complexity in nest building that makes birds all the more astounding. . . . Trust me, you're [going to] want this!"--Robert Mortenson, Birding Is Fun

"In a word, this book is 'magnificent'. Its 160 pages are loaded with the kind of photos and artwork that we've come to expect from Princeton University Press--exceptional. . . . This book delivers 100% of what the title promises--the design, engineering, and building of birds' nests."--eBirdseed.com

"Avian Architecture is a beautiful book with lots of pictures and illustrations of the many styles of nests birds build. In addition, there are interesting insights into birds around the world."--A Charm of Finches

God must be crazy !!!

Day before yesterday I was talking to my Dad about "God".
Not on the spiritual front but simply the creative side of it.
The topic was simply WHY and HOW God manages to entangle himself in creating so many different species, characters, environments and universes which we didn't even know about.
With every discovery there is an awe and makes the question even more difficult to answer.

Behind most of the discoveries and invention people sacrifice their whole life to achieve a single solution but what is that power which drives God to produce and continue producing wonders. why the hell is he keep doing so? Isn't he get bored, or haven't he lost his patience anytime in between?From where he got so many different ideas? Has he done some brainstorming before the design and prototyped before the final release of the product?
Is he seriously crazy or is it something else which is beyond the conscious of human brain?

My Dad answered, "God surely must have gone mad if he would have thought like you.
He simply must have seen the dreams and things followed the flow".

I found myself standing still thinking about what if we are actually living in the dream worlds of the God !

This blog is about appreciation, gratefulness, admiration and acknowledgment to nature.
Let us get inspired a little !