Close to Birds

75 gorgeous close-up avian photographs make this exquisite coffee table book the perfect gift for bird lovers

An unusual blend of charming heartfelt personal essays and in-depth scientific information bring the reader uniquely into the inner lives of birds

Intertwining with our everyday lives like no other wild creature, birds inspire our curiosity and appeal to our sense of wonder and whimsy. These stunning and intimate photographs capture the beauty and detail of each bird's form, as well as their unique character and personality. Taken while working with researchers at observatories and wildlife refuges, the images offer rare close-up detail sure to delight any bird lover.

The accompanying short essays share often-hidden elements from birds' lives, with both charming personal stories and detailed scientific research. Discover why robins sing so early in the morning and learn the science behind the almost magical iridescence of mallard feathers. This enchanting collection shares the irresistible joy and marvel of birds, from the golden eagle to the purple sandpiper.

ROINE MAGNUSSON is a photographer who has contributed work to National Geographic and has published several award-winning photography books in Sweden. He seeks unconventional ways of approaching every picture he takes and is happy to carry many pounds of camera equipment into the forest to get the image he wants.

MATS and ÅSA OTTOSSON are freelance journalists, authors, and lecturers with a deep love for nature. They have written more than 20 books, collaborating with Roine Magnusson on the award-winning book Cows: A Love Story. Mats writes Bonnier's popular annual bird almanac, Bird Diary, and is one of the hosts for the show Morning with Nature at Swedish Public Radio.

KIRA JOSEFSSON is a writer, editor, and literary translator working between English and Swedish. She was awarded a PEN/Heim Translation Fund Grant for her work on Pooneh Rohi's The Arab, an excerpt of which was published by Granta. She lives in New York, where she serves as Translation Productions Editor for Anomaly and on the editorial board for Gl&aauml;nta.