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Nature Oceans & Seas

The Beachcomber's Guide to Seashore Life in the Pacific Northwest

by (author) J. Duane Sept

Publisher
Harbour Publishing Co. Ltd.
Initial publish date
Jan 1999
Category
Oceans & Seas, Marine Life, Ecology
Recommended Age
9
Recommended Grade
1856502-1853896
  • Paperback / softback

    ISBN
    9781550174533
    Publish Date
    Mar 2009
    List Price
    $26.95
  • Paperback / softback

    ISBN
    9781550172041
    Publish Date
    Jan 1999
    List Price
    $24.95

Classroom Resources

Where to buy it

Out of print

This edition is not currently available in bookstores. Check your local library or search for used copies at Abebooks.

Description

What's that purple stuff you and the kids always see at the edge of the water when you go to the beach? Is it okay to touch those gooey little creatures you always find in tidepools? And where's the best place along the coast to see bat stars?
This book can tell you.
The 274 most common animals and plants to be seen along the saltwater shores of the Pacific Northwest are described here-the ones that stay put and that cover great distances; the ones that hide and that love a party; the ones that look like rocks or feathers or blobs of jelly. Illustrating each entry is a full-colour photo of the species in its natural habitat, so that even the novice can identify it confidently - without disturbing it.
There are special sections on great Pacific Northwest viewing sites for intertidal life, ways to understand tides and choose the best times to look for beach wildlife, intertidal habitats ranging from sandy beaches to aging wharves to rocky, wave-swept shores, and ecologically friendly observation methods.
Packed with expert information but wonderfully accessible to any interested layperson, this book is perfect for a family or a school group, a Saturday beachwalker or a naturalists' club. The species described here include sponges, clams, snails, crabs, sea stars, sea anemones, jellies, fishes, seaweeds and others. This informative guide was written to be both accurate and easy to understand. Details for each plant or animal include; description, habitat, range, additional notes and more.
Many intertidal sites found in the Pacific Northwest are also featured in this guide. Additional information found here include tidal actions, intertidal habitats, and environmentally friendly beachcombing.

About the author

J. Duane Sept is a biologist, freelance writer and professional photographer. His biological work has included research on various wildlife species and service as a park naturalist. His award-winning photographs have been published internationally, in displays and in books, magazines and other publications, for clients that include BBC Wildlife, Parks Canada, Natural Canada, National Wildlife Federation and World Wildlife Fund.

Today Duane brings wealth of information to the public as an author, in much the same way he has inspired thousands of visitors to Canada's parks. His published books include The Beachcomber's Guide to Seashore Life in the Pacific Northwest (Harbour Publishing), Common Birds of British Columbia (Calypso Publishing) and Wild Berries of the Northwest: Alaska, Western Canada and the Northwestern United States (Calypso Publishing).

J. Duane Sept's profile page

Librarian Reviews

Beachcomber’s Guide to Seashore Life in the Pacific Northwest: Revised Edition

In this book Sept accompanies the descriptions of 274 common plants and animals with detailed colour photographs so beginner beachcombers can identify any of the species readily. The book is divided into sections of animals, plants and fungi. What makes this seashore book different is the introduction, which includes information about understanding tides, intertidal habitats, harvesting shellfish and protecting our marine resources.

Sept also includes a section on where to locate intertidal sites. Sept is an award-winning photographer, biologist and writer who has written numerous books among them Common Birds of British Columbia.

Source: The Association of Book Publishers of BC. BC Books for BC Schools. 2009-2010.