*Lutz, Peter L., and John A. Musick. 1997. The Biology of Sea Turtles. CRC Press: FL

This is one of the most comprehensive, recent treatments of the biology of sea turtles. It is most aimed at advanced students and researchers in the field but interested students and instructors will find it highly useful as a scientific reference on these endangered animals.

*Parmelee, David Freeland. 1992. Antarctic Birds: Ecological and Behavioral Approaches. University of Minnesota Press: MN

This book is a beautifully illustrated and splendidly photographed guide to birds of the Antarctic.

*Schreiber, E. A., and Joanna Burger. 2002. Biology of Marine Birds. CRC Press: FL

This is probably the most comprehensive and up-to-date volume on marine birds available. It is filled with photos, tables, and illustrations which makes it an excellent desk reference. As the Preface indicates, satellite tracking has provided new insights into the lives of marine birds at sea and expanded considerably scientific knowledge of these amazing animals.

*Tickell, W. L. N. Albatrosses. 2000. Yale University Press: CT

The albatross is probably the most underappreciated of all marine birds, popularly thought of as a “barrier” to success (“he has an albatross around his neck.”). Notwithstanding, this magnificent bird travels the ocean over enormous distances and has a life span of multiple decades. Sadly, it is being killed in great numbers as its breeding habitat (remote islands) disappears due to sea level rise or human development, and, as it falls victim to drift nets. This timely volume provides the most comprehensive treatment on albatross available. Notably, it includes a great deal of scientific and literary information on albatrosses, so that anyone with an interest in this grand bird will find this book useful.

*Penguins Under Siege: The Untold Story of South Africa’s Blackfoot Penguins. 2005. PBS (DVD)

*Schreiber, E. A., and Joanna Burger. 2002. Biology of Marine Birds. CRC Press: FL

This is probably the most comprehensive and up-to-date volume on marine birds available. It is filled with photos, tables, and illustrations which makes it an excellent desk reference. As the Preface indicates, satellite tracking has provided new insights into the lives of marine birds at sea and expanded considerably scientific knowledge of these amazing animals.

*Soper, Tony. 1989. Oceans of Birds. David & Charles Publishers: London.

Part science, part commentary, part cruise-ship field guide, this quirky book on sea birds is a delight, nonetheless. Few books cover sea birds exclusively and this book does a great job at covering the birds that might be seen in different ocean basins. The focus on adaptations accompanied by excellent illustrations makes this book a useful reference for students and instructors who wish to learn more about this topic.