A Guide to Nature on Cape Cod and the Islands

by Greg O'Brien

This book is a Who’s Who of Cape and Island nature writers. A Guide to Nature on Cape Cod and the Islands explores the behavior and life cycles of the plant and animal species that are common to each, and describes what to look for and where to find it. Written by some of New England’s foremost naturalists and scientists, each chapter covers one type of wildlife family and is accompanied by an informative question and answer section. Included are essays by, among others, John Hay on the secrets of nature, Robert Finch on woodlands, Richard LeBlond on wetlands, John Portnoy on ponds, Robert Barlow on the peculiarities of Cape and Islands weather, the late Donald Zinn on the power of the sea, and the late Erma Fisk on birds of the region. An indispensable handbook for everyone in the family, A Guide to Nature on Cape Cod and the Islands provides a greater understanding of the natural world around us.

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

Reviews

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Found this volume in my favorite used book emporium on the Cape. Even though my edition was written 30 years ago, the information and insights are still relevant and enlightening. It is also really interesting to compare the present to the past! Much has changed, but much has also remained relatively the same. I learned a lot from this guide, which is very readable and well organized. This was a combined effort of many naturalists and nature writers, but seemed seamless in its presentation. Thorough descriptions of the Cape's natural history and various landscapes, with helpful Q&As at the end of each chapter.