The "Birds-Of-Paradise" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Watching the YouTube video that my neighbor Tom emailed to me.  It is a video that describes the research and recording that went into the book titled "Birds-Of-Paradise: Revealing the World's Most Extraordinary Birds" which presents all 39 species of  birds-of-paradise.  Legendary naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace once observed, "The bird-of-paradise really deserves its name and must be ranked as one of the most beautiful and most wonderful of living things."  In the photo essay that was recently published, Tim Laman and Edwin Scholes explain why, presenting gorgeous full-color photographs of all 39 species that highlight their unique and extraordinary plumage and mating behavior.  The photos in the book were taken in the depths of the remote New Guinea rainforest and provide a rich feast for birders, naturalists, and any one who is captivated by the power and majesty of the natural world.  I must admit that as I watched the video, the images and sounds are more than just beautiful, they reveal how evolution works.  The book, "Birds-Of-Paradise: Revealing the World's Most Extraordinary Birds" was co-published and was presented to the public this past October through the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and National Geographic.  I will have to make an effort to try and find a copy of the book.  Late this month the website, "Birds-of-Paradise" will launch more than 50 videos offering detailed looks into the birds, the natural processes that gave shape to them, and the people that made it happen.  Should be interesting viewing if you enjoy nature and our fine feathered friends.  The following trailer that Tom sent to me captures the astounding beauty of the birds and the sense of determination and discovery of the two scientists who dreamed up the project and saw it through.  You must watch it!!  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.