With estimates by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that over 60 million Americans are birdwatchers-it's the fastest growing outdoor hobby-books on birds have a ready audience. Allan Zullo's newest book, Amazing but True Bird Tales, documents nearly 200 outrageous shenanigans and surprising feats performed by our feathered friends. For example, the mockingbird who snuck into a conservatory evading the staff for two weeks while he dined on over $1,000 worth of rare butterflies. Or the very social chicken who received a lifetime achievement award from the ASPCA for her work with senior citizens and traumatized children. And the humorous account of the fractious parrot who constantly mimicked the sound of a circular saw. Drawn from factual accounts from the Audubon Society, news accounts from the United States and the United Kingdom, and numerous Web sites, each story further convinces us that these birds aren't birdbrains at all. Zullo's true tales will be irresistible to any birder whether it's the up-before-dawn-binoculars-in-hand fanatic to the person who occasionally throws out their morning toast to enjoy watching the birds gobble it up.

Astonishing Bird Stories and Facts describes 130 of the most unusual and bizarre bird tales, claimed to be true. It covers avian heroes, talking champions, smart birds, famous birds, birds with unusual skills, birds with bizarre interests, funny birds, bird behaviour which led to tragedies, bird friendship with other animals, man and bird friendship and birds in war. It also includes descriptions of the strangest bird species and avian record breakers.

The aim of this book is to introduce to birds through entertainment and education. Having fun with birds in these twelve humorous, catchy and 'crazy' short stories will hopefully cement an impression in the mind of each child that will remain with them as they develop and grow. I have observed that reading to small children is most important and that it can sow a seed for the future. When children are older and can read for themselves they can then enjoy the 'crazy' stories and discover some interesting facts about a 'real' bird that is related to the fictitious one. This introduction to birds will hopefully encourage children and parents alike to seek and discover more about the large range of birds species that Australia and this planet of ours, have to offer. Since relocating from Coleraine in Western Victoria to Mackay in North Central Queensland in 1996, I soon discovered a diverse range of habitats including bushland, wetland, rainforest and beaches, all within an eighty-kilometer radius of the town. Of the many bird species that I've observed here, I selected twelve to feature in this book.

Describes the exploits of more than 150 courageous and canny dogs.

Whether it's the hacker who caught his own ricocheted drive, the pro who stripped down to his shorts to play a shot, or the caddie who lost a golf bag during a round, one thing is certain: Golf is a funny game." -From the introduction From bogies and birdies to par shots and eagles, Zullo offers outrageously funny golf tales certain to entertain golf's millions of enthusiasts. More Golf Is a Funny Game From Arnie's infamous run-in with the ninth tee at Rancho Park Golf Course to the amateur hacker who was hit in the head by his own ricocheting golf ball, Allan Zullo presents more than 100 sidesplitting anecdotes of life on the green for linksmen and women in dire need of a laugh and a lower handicap. Recounting mulligans and master strokes from the days hickory shafts ruled the fairways to the 2006 PGA, Champions, and LPGA Tours, this comical compendium is executed with the precision of a flawless bunker shot into the cup.

Parents and teachers can use this book to engage children with the world outside by opening their eyes to fascinating common bird species. Once upon a time, common bird species all had well-known stories associated with them. Legends and folklore about birds abound in almost every culture. It's likely their ability to fly, their beauty and grace, their distinctive and puzzling calls, and the fact that they live all around us is what makes them popular subjects for fables. This book presents a sampling of traditional bird tales retold in a fresh way that makes them especially relevant and memorable for today's children. Each story is complemented by a "Feathered Fact File," a "Backyard Bird Watching Tip" for kids, a classroom/home school activity suggestion, and a story sharing suggestion for parents and teachers. The teaching activities are designed with flexibility so that they may be used to either introduce new concepts of science and math or reinforce familiar concepts in a hands-on fashion. Reading selections are written at third to fourth grade reading levels, but are designed to engage both younger listeners and older readers.

The Busy Blue Jay: True Bird Stories from My Notebooks by Olive Thorne Miller. A story about a blue jay named Jakie. This chapters focuses on his mischevious behavior. Harriet Mann Miller was a naturalist, ornithologist and children's writer. She was the wife of Watts Todd Miller and sometimes wrote under the pseudonym Olive Thorne Miller.