Book Review

Dragonflies Through Binoculars:
A Field Guide to Dragonflies of North America
by Sidney W. Dunkel

There is no excuse now for putting off learning the Odonata with the publication of this, the first field guide to the 307 North American species of dragonflies. (No need for naturalist's angst, only 60 species or so are found in Colorado, with about half that number commonly found in Boulder County.)  All but 14 of the 307 species are illustrated by one or more color photographs. Not to worry--the 14 species not illustrated are similar or virtually identical to those species that are illustrated.  Many species have not previously had published photographs.

The field guide is designed to allow identification without capture.  In addition to the excellent color photographs, and the text for each species includes range maps, diagnostic identification  features, similar species, habitat, season, and general comments.  The introduction includes discussion of dragonfly biology, habitats, conservation, and photography.  In all ways, the publication is similar to the best field guides available for birds and butterflies.

Dragonflies Through Binoculars is available at the Wild Bird Center at 1641 28th St. in Boulder (303-442-1322).  You may also want to check out Butterflies Through Binoculars: A Field Guide to Butterflies of Western North America; Jeffrey Glassberg; $29.95 Oxford University Press.

B.C.N.A.
P.O. Box 493
Boulder, CO 80306