Nature and Photography Books
From dragonflies to fungi, from the Channel Islands to the vast Alaska Wilderness, there's sure to be a nature or photography book from Bored Feet Press to stimulate your interest and help you explore the wonders of nature.
Browse the titles and brief descriptions by scrolling down through the list. To view detailed descriptions, click on the title of any of the books.
Field Guide to Manzanitas
California, North America, and Mexico
Michael Kauffmann, Tom Parker and Michael Vasey; Photographs by Jeff Bisbee 
This ground-breaking field guide covers the species and subspecies of Arctostaphylos native to western North America. The book features color photos, accurate, detailed range maps, and descriptions of each species.
Conifers of the Pacific Slope
A Field Guide to the Conifers of California, Oregon and Washington
Michael Kauffmann 
This book provides in depth information about the 65 conifer species that occur in the three Pacific Coast states and beyond, color photos, accurate and updated range maps for each species, plus an elaborate key to aid with identification.
Articulate Earth
Adventures in Ecocriticism
David Rains Wallace 
This collection of 23 provocative essays spans the past 30 years of Wallace's career. Through meticulous research and hands on experience, he explores American culture's relationship with nature.
Wildflowers of the San Francisco Bay Area
A Guide to Common Native Species
Text & Photos by Steven Hartman 
Covers 102 of the most frequently seen species. Arranged by color, each listing includes common and scientific name, size and description of flower, plant, leaf, and months of bloom.
Wildflowers of the Trinity Alps
Including Marble Mountain Wilderness, Russian Wilderness, & Trinity Divide
Ken DeCamp, Julie Kierstead Nelson, & Julie Knorr 
Features plants found within northwest California's Klamath Mountains. Organized by flower color, it covers 505 species, subspecies, and varieties of wildflowers. With detailed species descriptions and destinations to find flowers throughout the year.
Sibley's Backyard Birds of Southern California
Written & Illustrated by David Allen Sibley 
Covers 73 backyard bird species, including descriptions, size, range, seasonal occurrence, and multiple illustrations.
Sibley’s Common Trees of California
Written & Illustrated by David Allen Sibley 
Covers 47 of the most common native and introduced tree species, including descriptions, size, range, and illustrations of bark, leaves, blossoms, and fruits and berries.
California Plants
A Guide to Our Iconic Flora
Matt Ritter 
This guide for exploring California’s great diversity of plants includes species descriptions, color photos and range maps,natural history stories, tree ID flow charts, wildflower color guide, and more.
In the Company of Redwoods
An Interactive Guide to Learning 50 Redwood Community Plants through Hand Tinting
Text and Photography by David Casterson 
Biologist Casterson presents fifty redwood community plants found in the redwood’s range. The text for each plant describes its characteristics and other botanical facts about it. Each plant has a grey toned photo of that plant’s foliage and flower, tintable with colored pencils.
Sibley’s Backyard Birds of the Pacific Northwest
Written & Illustrated by David Allen Sibley 
Covers 69 backyard bird species, including descriptions, size, range, seasonal occurrence, and multiple illustrations.
Sibley’s Backyard Birds of Northern California
Written & Illustrated by David Allen Sibley 
Covers 69 backyard bird species, including descriptions, size, range, seasonal occurrence, and multiple illustrations.
Mammals of Central and Northern California
Tracks Scats and Signs; A Guide to Identification in the Wild
Text & Photos by James C. Halfpenny 
Covers the 37 most common mammals, their tracks, scat, other signs. 121 small color photos in all. Glossary, Rules of Speed and Body Position, explanation of Primary Gaits and Measurements.
Night Sky Guide
Dr. Rick Feinberg 
Includes four seasonal night sky charts, showing all major constellations, asterisms, nebula, and other objects visible with the naked eye. Includes “pointers” to orient the beginner skygazer.
Sibley’s Hummingbirds of North America
Written & Illustrated by David Allen Sibley 
Includes all 18 species of hummingbirds found in North America, with captions, detailed range maps, both in-flight and perched illustrations with call-outs.
Sibley’s Birds of the California Coast
Written & Illustrated by David Allen Sibley 
Covers 56 waterbirds: shorebirds, gulls, terns, wading birds, ducks, geese, swans, loons, and more.
Wildflowers of the Sierra Nevada
A Guide to Common Native Species
Text & Photos by Steven Hartman 
Covers 107 of the most prevalent Sierra species. Arranged by color, each listing includes common and scientific name, size and description of flower, plant, leaf, and months of bloom.
Geology of the Lassen Country
The Geologic Story of Lassen Volcanic National Park & Vicinity
R. Forrest Hopson & Michael A. Clynne 
Describes the intriguing geology and geologic evolution of Lassen Volcanic National Park and surrounding areas, providing an up-to-date source of geologic information specific to Lassen Country.
Shaping the Sonoma-Mendocino Coast
Exploring the Coastal Geology of Northern California
Thomas E. Cochrane 
Geologist Cochrane provides a detailed yet approachable overview of how and why the Sonoma-Mendocino Coast appears as it does today––with all its fascinating oddities. An 85-mile road log provides precise instructions for a self-drive geological tour from Bodega Bay to Elk
Humboldt Rocks
How They Got Here, What They Are, How to Find Them
Meryl King, Illustrated by Lance Anderson 
This book presents the amazing geology of Humboldt County in clear and informative language. It begins deep in the Gorda Trench, where sulfurous steam vents support giant tube worms, then moves on to describe an earthquake before describing the rocks that underlie all this action.
Dragonflies of the Greater Southwest
Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah
by Kathy Biggs
Photographs by Pierre Deviche, Jim Johnson, Greg Lasley, Ron Oriti 
This definitive guide describes 125 species. Includes habitat, distribution, flight periods, and behaviors for each species. Coverage includes dragonflies, skimmers, emeralds, darners, clubtails, and mixed families.
Sibley’s Owls of North America
Written & Illustrated by David Allen Sibley 
All 19 species of owls found in North America. Includes detailed range maps, both in-flight and perched illustrations with call-outs.
Land Mammals of the Southwest
Written & Illustrated by Fiona A. Reid 
Covers 53 mammals found in the region, with descriptions and images. Illustrations and text are by Fiona Reid, an accomplished naturalist.
Land Mammals of the Rockies & the Pacific Northwest
Written & Illustrated by Fiona A. Reid 
Guide covers 56 mammals, both large and small, found in the Rocky Mountains and the Pacific Northwest. It includes bats, moles, rabbits, as well as the large mammals of the region.
Freshwater Fishes of Central and Northern California
A Guide to Game Fishes
Text by Craig Springer, Illustrations by Joseph R. Tomelieri 
Covers the 64 game fish in Central and Northern California, with info on size, habitat, and distinguishing features.
Healing with Medicinal Plants of the West
Cultural and Scientific Basis for their Use
James Adams, Michelle Wong, Enrique Villaseñor 
This informative guide covers the traditional healing uses and modern pharmacological data on 115 native plants found in California and the West. While western plants have been used in healing for thousands of years, this book carefully explains the uses of each plant for healing and the spiritual dimension of that healing process. The Fourth Edition is written by two Chumash healers and a professor of pharmacology. This book is like no other, presenting the spiritual dimension of healing as a necessary part of the healing process.
Conifer Country
A Natural History and Hiking Guide to 35 Conifers of the Klamath Mountain Region
Michael Kauffmann 
This superb book is an innovative natural history and hiking guide that uses conifers as a lens to explore the astounding plant diversity in the Klamath Mountains. Author/publisher Michael Kauffmann introduces readers to the magic of this little known botanical wonderland.
Sibley’s Common Trees of the Southwest
Written & Illustrated by David Allen Sibley 
48 common native and cultivated trees covered, with descriptions, size, range, illustrations of bark, leaves, blossoms, fruits and berries.
Sibley’s Backyard Birds of the Desert Southwest
Written & Illustrated by David Allen Sibley 
Covers 72 bird species, including description, size, range, seasonal occurrence, and multiple illustrations.
Sibley’s Birds of the Pacific Northwest Coast
Written & Illustrated by David Allen Sibley 
Covers 53 waterbirds: shorebirds, gulls, terns, wading birds, ducks, geese, swans, loons, and more. Each entry includes descriptive caption, size, range, seasonal occurrence, and illustrations.
Sibley’s Common Trees of the Rocky Mountain Region
Written & Illustrated by David Allen Sibley 
Covers 47 common native and cultivated trees, with descriptions, size, range, illustrations of bark, leaves, blossoms, fruits and berries.
Fishes of the Southern California Coast
Written & Illustrated by Val Kells 
Covers 60 species—both common and rare—found in inshore, nearshore, and offshore waters off the coast of California
Land Mammals of California
Written & Illustrated by Fiona A. Reid 
Covers 56 mammals, both large and small, found in the state, including bats, moles, rabbits, as well as the large signature mammals such as elk, bears, foxes, and deer.
Cannabis
A Guide to Common & Exotic Strains
Text & Photos by Randi Boice & Sean Moore 
Covers 80 varieties of marijuana, 12 Indica, 4 Sativa, and 64 Hybrids. Each variety indicates THC content, CBD content, Lineage, aroma and/or flavor signature. Impressive color photos show mature buds.
Great Salt Lake
Regional Book of Facts and Exploration
Featuring Area History, Geology, Ecology and Culture
Alan Millard 
This book covers the history, ecology, geology, and culture of the Great Salt Lake Region. Includes volcanic activity, native cultures, pioneers including the Donner Party, the Pony Express, the Golden Spike, salt extraction, shipping, resorts, Bonneville Speedway, more.
Common Bees of Western North America
Olivia Messinger Carril & Joseph S Wilson 
Handy guide illustrating the amazing diversity of bee species in the West. Includes descriptions and illustrations.
The Granite Avatars of Patagonia
Text and Photographs by Tom Reed 
This exceptional book documents three seasons of adventure in the Patagonian Andes. A unique book that successfully and powerfully evokes some of the world's most spectacular and awe-inspiring sights.
Chasing the Rain
My Treasure Hunt for the World's Most Beautiful Mushrooms
Taylor F. Lockwood 
Taylor Lockwood travels the world in search of the world's most beautiful mushrooms. Through pictures, it relates the diversity of life-forms found in this very large, but still relatively little-known kingdom.
Mushrooms of California
A Guide to Common Edible & Poisonous Species
Text & Photos by J. Duane Sept 
Covers 54 common mushrooms, 41 edible and 13 poisonous or not edible. Six illustrations and text explain mushroom identification and cautions.
Sibley’s Backyard Birds of the Rocky Mountain States
Written & Illustrated by David Allen Sibley 
Covers 72 backyard bird species, including descriptions, size, range, seasonal occurrence, and multiple illustrations.
Sibley’s Common Trees of the Pacific Northwest
Written & Illustrated by David Allen Sibley 
Covers 48 of the most common native and introduced tree species, including descriptions, size, range, and illustrations of bark, leaves, blossoms, and fruits and berries.
Sharks, Skates, Rays, & Chimaera of the Pacific Coast
Written & Illustrated by Val Kells 
Covers 39 species of sharks—both common and rare—found both inshore and offshore, plus 24 species of electric rays, stingrays, skates, and guitarfishes.
Trees of the San Francisco Bay Area
A Guide to Native Species
Jack Gedney 
Folding Guide covers 45 native trees Each tree is described and has one to three color photos to aid ID. It is highly useful for most of Northern California.
Exploring the Berryessa Region
A Geology, Nature, and History Tour
Bob Schneider, Eldridge and Judy Moores, Marc Hoshovsky, and Peter Schiffman 
Tells the story of a landscape, just west of Sacramento and north of SF, born through plate tectonic forces. The region holds geologic wonders including subduction zones, thrust faults, and mud volcanoes. Recreation opportunities aplenty.
American Dippers
Singers in the Mountain Streams
Mary F. Willson & Katherine M. Hocker 
This fascinating and concise book invites readers into the world of these fascinating aquatic songbirds. How do dippers keep warm in the frigid water? What do they eat? What do their nests look like? This natural history of one of North America's most charming songbirds answers these questions, and many more.
A Terrible Beauty
The Wilderness of American Literature
Jonah Raskin 
In this first work of cultural criticism to look back at writing in the United States from the perspective of the contemporary environmental crisis, Raskin offers insights for students, teachers and lovers of literature.
Sea Turtles of the Pacific Coast
Written & Illustrated by Blair & Dawn Witherington 
Describes in detail the five sea turtles that inhabit the Pacific: Loggerhead, Leatherback, Hawksbill, Green, and Olive Ridley.
Common Butterflies of California
Text & Images by Rick Cech 
Covers 64 Species, both common and exotic: swallowtails, buckeyes, sulphur, hairstreaks and more. With species found in woodlands, fields & scrub, wetlands & swamps and inhabited areas.
Fishes of Northern & Central California Coast
Written & Illustrated by Val Kells 
Covers 59 species—both common and rare—found inshore, nearshore, and offshore waters off the coast of California from San Luis Obispo north to the Oregon border.
Birds of Central & Northern Cailfornia
A Guide to Common and Notable Species
Photos & Text by Greg R. Homel 
Covers 109 species. Covers many types of birds, habitats, seasons, and field identification.
Tidepools of the California Coast
Text & Illustrations by 
Val Kells 
Illustrations and descriptions of the plants, invertebrates, fishes, and birds found in tidepools from the Oregon border south to Santa Barbara.
Fishes of the Pacific Northwest Coast
Written & Illustrated by Val Kells 
Covers 56 species— both common and rare—found inshore, nearshore, and offshore waters off the coast of California from the California/Oregon border up to and including British Columbia.
Sibley’s Seabirds of the Pacific Coast
Written & Illustrated by David Allen Sibley 
Covers 53 species, both common and rare, found along the Pacific Coast of North America. Includes migratory and year-round residents, loons, auklets, cormorants, shearwaters, storm-petrels, gulls, terns, and more.
Freshwater Fishes of the Pacific Northwest
Text by Robert G. Werner 
Covers 54 species commonly found in lakes, streams, and rivers: game fish, panfish, and bait species. With edibility index and preferred bait.
Trees of the Pacific Northwest: Alaska, British Columbia, Idaho, Washington, & Oregon: A Guide to Common Native Species
J. Duane Sept 
Learn about 40 of the most common native species found in the Pacific Northwest. By using photographs along with short, detailed descriptions you will learn about these trees.
Sibley’s Ducks, Geese, & Swans of Western North America
Written & Illustrated by David Allen Sibley 
Covers 46 waterbirds: dabbling ducks, diving ducks, geese, plus swan and other domestic waterfowl.
Common Butterflies of the Pacific Northwest
Text & Images by Rick Cech 
Covers 62 Species, both common and exotic: swallowtails, buckeyes, sulphur, hairstreaks and more. With species found in woodlands, fields & scrub, wetlands & swamps and inhabited areas.
Wild Birds of California
David Lukas 
California is a great place for wild birds and the people who enjoy watching them! Over 600 bird species inhabit, migrate, or visit here. This lavishly photographed volume features usual and unusual birds in their wildland homes throughout California.
Mushrooms of the Pacific Northwest
Alaska, British Columbia, Idaho, Washington, & Oregon: A Guide to Common Edible & Poisonous Species
Text & Photos by J. Duane Sept 
Covers 55 common mushrooms, 43 edible and 12 poisonous or not edible. Six illustrations and text explain mushroom identification and cautions.
Fishes of Puget Sound
Written & Illustrated by Val Kells 
Covers 60 species—both common and rare—found from nearshore to the deep waters of Puget Sound.
Common Butterflies of the Southwest
Text & Images by Rick Cech 
Covers 62 Species, both common and exotic: swallowtails, buckeyes, sulphur, hairstreaks and more. With species found in woodlands, fields & scrub, wetlands & swamps and inhabited areas.
Common Butterflies of the Rocky Mountain Region
Text & Images by Rick Cech 
Covers 60 Species, both common and exotic: swallowtails, buckeyes, sulphur, hairstreaks and more. With species found in woodlands, fields & scrub, wetlands & swamps and inhabited areas.
Sibley’s Birds of the Alaskan Coast
Written & Illustrated by David Allen Sibley 
Covers 53 waterbirds commonly found in the region. Both migratory birds and year-round residents.
Sibley’s Woodpeckers of North America
Written & Illustrated by David Allen Sibley 
Covers all 22 species, both common and rare, found in North America. Plus woodpecker behavior, anatomy and drumming, detailed range maps.
Freshwater Fishes of California
Text by Robert G. Werner 
Covers 53 species commonly found in lakes, streams, and rivers: game fish, panfish, and bait species. With edibility index and preferred bait.
Common Palms and Palm-like Plants of California & the Southwest
Written by Alan W. Marrow; illustrated by Robert O'Brien 
Covers 36 species of palm trees and Palm-like plants, both native and exotic, found throughout the region.
Fishes of the Alaskan Coast
Written & Illustrated by Val Kells 
Covers 60 fishes found both inshore and offshore: sharks, rockfishes, salmons, and more. Illustrations, descriptions, sizes, and conservation status.
California Rocks
A Guide to Gems, Minerals, and Crystals
David Trexler 
Covers sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rocks, plus many categories of minerals.
Pomegranate Roads
A Soviet Botanist's Exile from Eden
Gregory M. Levin, translated by Margaret Hopstein 
A Man who fell in love with pomegranates and risked his life to protect their biodiversity tells his adventurous story in Pomegranate Roads. Ignoring threats, the scientist trekked across Central Asia and the Trans-Caucasus to collect 1,117 varieties of the fruit.
Wildflowers of the Plateau and Canyon Country
Postcard Book
Photography Larry Ulrich 
A companion souvenir to Wildflowers of the Plateau and Canyon Country. Twenty spectacular images from the book, plus a short introductory essay.
Geologic Trips
San Francisco and the Bay Area
Ted Konigsmark
Written for the non-geologist, this user-friendly book leads readers on fascinating field trips to Bay Area landmarks.
Geologic Trips
Sierra Nevada
Ted Konigsmark 
If you have ever wondered how the rocks and scenery of the Sierra Nevada were formed, take this geologic guide with you on your next trip. Written for the non-geologist, this detailed guide describes 116 of the geologic attractions of the Sierra
Reefs and Rain Forests
The Natural Heritage of Malaysian Borneo
Text and Photographs by Murray S. Kaufman 
This gorgeous book presents a graceful and poignant essay about, and spectacular color photographs of, the two most important and endangered ecosystems on Earth.
Southeast Alaska's Natural World
Amphibians, Birds, Fish, Insects, Mammals, Plants, Other Natural Things
Robert H. Armstrong & Marge Hermans 
Discover the fascinating secrets of the unique natural world found in Southeast Alaska. This beautiful book by two residents and naturalists explores both spectacular and subtle and hidden creatures that inhabit this natural world.
Life around Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau, Alaska
Robert Armstrong and Marge Hermans 
This wildlife guide covers animals and plants found around Mendenhall Glacier. Excellent color photos and text discuss flora, fauna, and more.
Beavers by the Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau, Alaska
Mary Willson and Robert Armstrong 
This colorful book provides an excellent general survey of beavers. Illustrated with excellent color photos of beavers in their natural habitats.
Nature Journal with John Muir
Edited by Bonnie J. Gisel 
This writing and sketching journal offers the words and thoughts of John Muir as inspiration for naturalists, artists, poets, and anyone who puts pen or pencil to paper.
Fishes of the Salish Sea
Written & Illustrated by Val Kells 
Shows 60 native and exotic species commonly found in nearshore and deep waters of this sea in northwest Washington and southwest British Columbia.
Sibley’s Raptors of Western North America
Written & Illustrated by David Allen Sibley 
Covers 28 raptors: hawks, falcons, eagles, vultures, and kites. Each entry includes descriptive caption, size, range map, seasonal occurrence, and multiple illustrations.
Land Mammals of Alaska
Written & Illustrated by Fiona A. Reid 
Covers 52 species, both common and rare, found throughout the state. With descriptions, sizes, and behaviors.
Living with the Changing California Coast
Gary Griggs, Kiki Patsch & Lauret Savoy 
This authoritative and easy-to-use book, a geological profile of the California coast, describes the landforms and processes that shape the coastline and beaches, documents how erosion has affected development, and discusses the options available for dealing with coastal hazards and geologic instability.
Freshwater Fishes of the Rocky Mountain Region
Text by Robert G. Werner 
Covers 52 species commonly found in lakes, streams, and rivers: game fish, panfish, and bait species. With edibility index and preferred bait.
Marine Mammals of Alaska
Written & Illustrated by Pieter Folkens 
Covers whales, otters, pinnipeds, and more. Includes map with underwater features and whale-watching centers.
Moved by a Mountain
Inspiration from an Alpine View in Alaska
Photographs and text by Tom Reed
Foreword by Thomas Campbell 
This gorgeous and moving book features black and white photos of surrounding mountains and glaciers taken from the author’s cabin. Reed’s text describes finding the land and explores the question, “How and why are humans inspired by mountain views?”
Marine Mammals of the Northern & Central California Coast
Written & Illustrated by Pieter Folks 
Descriptions of Humpback, Fin, Gray, Blue, and Minke Whales. Other nearshore species included: Sea Lions, Sea Otter, Dolphins, and the Harbor Seal.
Mono Lake:
Mirror of Imagination
Dennis Flaherty
Introductory Essay by Mark A. Schlenz 
This fine photographic essay portrays in colorful grandeur eastern California 's unique inland sea, now protected as a National Scenic Area, and the gorgeous Sierra landscape that overlooks it.
The Mindful Hiker
On The Trail To Find The Path
Stephen Altschuler 
Altschuler believes that solitude in nature is the way to confront the tests of life by observing how even the smallest forms of life survive. The author leads readers on a walk along the trails of Point Reyes National Seashore, guiding the reader toward
Photographing Nature in Alaska
Robert H. Armstrong 
Bob Armstrong has been photographing nature in Alaska for 50 years, both professionally and for his own enjoyment. In this book he shares a broad variety of techniques he has used, strategies for capturing great nature images, hints for different types of photographs, and ways to use your resulting photos.
In Denali
A Photographic Essay of Denali National Park & Preserve, Alaska
Text & Photographs by Kim Heacox 
Gorgeous book explores the grand landscapes, wildlife, plant life and history of Alaska's vast Denali National Park and Preserve, an area of six million acres.
The Outdoor Classroom:
Integrating Education and Adventure
James R. Jelmberg, Greg S. Goodman, Mary Breunig and Jon McLaren 
This book is an inspirational instruction guide for teachers and other educators and naturalists. It breaks new ground by linking academic studies with adventure learning.
The Mendenhall Wetlands
A Globally Recognized Important Bird Area
Robert Armstrong, Richard Carstensen, Mary Willson & Marge Hermans Osborn 
This wildlife guide covers birds found around Mendenhall Glacier near Juneau, Alaska. Mendenhall Wetlands is widely recognized as one of the key stopover points for migratory waterfowl and shorebirds in coastal Alaska.
Marine Mammals of the Pacific Northwest Coast
Written & Illustrated by Pieter Folks 
Descriptions of Humpback, Fin, Gray, Killer, Blue, and Minke Whales. Other nearshore species included: Sea Lions, Sea Otter, and the Harbor Seal.
Wildflowers of the Santa Barbara Foothills
David Powdrell & Hugh Margerum 
This attractive book opens the door to the mysterious world of backyard botany and natural history with its captivating color photographs and fascinating research of the wildflowers of the Santa Barbara area.
Dragonflies of Alaska, Second Edition
John Hudson & Robert H. Armstrong 
This handy book shows how to identify all 35 dragonfly species found in Alaska. With beautiful close-up color photos plus detailed line drawings, the book explores many of the fascinating aspects of dragonfly behavior.
Marine Mammals of the Southern California Coast
Written & Illustrated by Pieter Folkens 
Descriptions of Humpback, Fin, Gray, Blue, and Minke Whales. Other nearshore species included: Sea Lions, Dolphins, Porpoises, Sea Otter, and the Harbor Seal.
Mono Lake:
Postcard Book
Dennis Flaherty 
Twenty great images by Dennis Flaherty of this mysterious inland sea, plus a short introductory essay.
Wildflowers of the Pacific Northwest
Twenty Postcards
Larry Ulrich 
A companion souvenir to the larger book.Twenty stunning images plus a short introductory essay.
Little Trees, Big Sky
Portrait of a Northern Wilderness
Photography Tim Hauf
Text by Conger Beasley Jr. 
Tim Hauf made many trips into this daunting wilderness, capturing powerful images that evoke North America's far northern reaches
Vineyard Simple
How to Build and Maintain Your Own Small Vineyard
Tom Powers 
Finally a book that makes home vineyard planting and wine grape growing accessible to anyone with even a little spare land. Tom Powers has created a how-to book filled with valuable information for the novice viticulturist.