Field Guide to the Natural World of New York City

"This little gem fills you in on everything finned, furred, feathered, or leafed, and how to find it, in all five boroughs."—House and Garden

"Provides historic facts, photographs and maps to give a snapshot of the city's natural resources and to remind hard-charging New Yorkers of the unchanging parts of their environment."—Sally Goldenberg, Staten Island Advance

"A complete guide for the urban naturalist."—Greg Rienzi, Gazette

"Describes how to find and explore some of the greener parts of the concrete jungle."—Walter Dawkins, The Record

"This book should be in every New Yorker's library as both reference and inspiration for low-carbon-impact journeys to places of unexpected beauty and tranquility."—Crawford-Doyle Booksellers Newsletter

"You may well wonder why I am reviewing a book about New York city when we preach 'local, local, local' throughout these pages. I'll tell you, because this beautifully illustrated handbook is a wonderful example of exploring the bucolic city . . . All illustrated with gorgeous watercolors by Klingler. We should have one of these. But in the meantime, you will find many of the same species in our fair cities., so why not pick up a copy for inspiration?"—Minneapolis Observer Quarterly

"A guidebook to nature in the Big Apple would range from slim to empty, one might think. Try again. Painted turtles, American eels, dwarf centipedes, Eastern spotted newts, black-crowned night herons and Manhattan schist rocks are among the highlights of Leslie Day's Field Guide to the Natural World of New York City."—Robin Lloyd, www.livescience.com

"Leslie Day ('a child of Manhattan') reveals hidden depths of this urban behemoth. . . A wonderful guide to the green side of the Big Apple."—PDSmith, Guardian

"This guide is useful for students and anyone interested in locating and identifying the flora and fauna of New York City."—Denise A. Garofalo, American Reference Books Annual

"Wonderfuly written and well organized . . . In short, this useful book is, quite simply, beautiful."—Living the Scientific Life

"This is a unique an excellent beginner's guide . . . Highly recommended."—International Hawkwatcher

"Useful for students and anyone interested in locating and identifying the flora and fauna of New York City."—Denise Garofalo, ARBA Online

"The scientific detail is appropriate for all levels, and additional readings are referenced in a selected bibliography. Highly recommended."—Choice

"I have lived in New York City for all my professional life, even as most of the research I do for my books takes me to exotic locations such as Antarctica, Alaska, Patagonia, and the Great Barrier Reef. However, as Leslie Day's wonderful book informs us, the five boroughs of New York can be as interesting and exotic as that of any place on Earth. You don't need a fancy research vessel—just a field guide, a sturdy pair of shoes, a Metrocard, and a desire to see the life teeming in our midst. Welcome to the Big Apple (Malus sylvestris gigas)."—Richard Ellis, author, artist, and research associate at the American Museum of Natural History

"Leslie Day has written an indispensable guide both to the natural history of New York and to the multitude of nature that continues to thrive in the city all around us. Both the writing and illustrations are really first rate. With this book in hand, the city will never look the same."—Kevin Baker, author of Paradise Alley, Dreamland, and Strivers Row

"This book highlights the environmental treasures of New York City. Every New Yorker ought to follow Leslie Day's lead and spend time in these precious natural areas. Research shows that people who do are happier, smarter, and better socialized. This is a self-help book that really works!"—Glenn Phillips, Executive Director, New York City Audubon

"Visitors to New York City, and even longtime residents, are astounded by the natural world that can be found in our City parks. From the deep woods of Van Cortland Park in the Bronx, to the wetlands of Staten Island's South Shore, there are mysteries waiting to be solved with the assistance of Leslie Day's illustrated guide. Come spend a day in the country—in the city!"—Adrian Benepe, Commissioner, New York City Department of Parks & Recreation