Tracks in the Sky

The majestic mountains and sweeping valleys of western North America have long inspired writers, painters, and photographers. But the pristine wetlands - marshes, deltas, and tideland - historically have been considered wastelands standing in the way of progress. As such they were drained, filled, and dammed to make room for development. Tracks in the Sky is the long-awaited testament to the beauty and importance of the wetlands of the West. Photographer Tupper Ansel Blake and naturalist-writer Peter Steinhart present in provocative text and glorious full-color photography the spectacular panorama of the Pacific flyway. They examine the entire life system, but it is the almost overwhelming presence of the brilliantly plumed waterfowl that dominate this breathtaking book. Tuper Blake has traveled from the Arctic tundra to the briny marshes of Central America following these great migratory flocks. He has caught them in all their graceful, elusive grandeur.