Medicine for Mountaineering & Other Wilderness Activities, 4th ed. by James Wilkerson (Editor). This authoritative volume, now in its 4th edition, is the one I turn to the most for answers when I have questions about backcountry medical issues. Curious how to set a compound fracture? Interested in the best way to treat a heel blister? Want to know the most effective way to treat your drinking water, or whether you should even bother? This book provides answers to this and myriad other issues.

On a historical note, I acquired the 2nd edition of Medicine For Mountaineering shortly after it was published in 1975. Comparing the 2nd and 4th editions provides an interesting window into how backcountry medicine has advanced. For example, understanding of hypo- and hyperthermia have expanded greatly, with corresponding advances in treatment protocols. Water treatment is another area that has expanded considerably.

This book is too bulky to carry in your backpack, but I consider it a must have element of my home library.

A Year in the Maine Woods was my first introduction to Bernd Heinrich. Indeed, I picked this title because of the title. The romantic in me longs to spend a year -- or more -- deep in the Maine woods. I knew nothing of the author. That changed quickly. Heinrich has the observant eye one would expect of a wildlife biologist. Yet, Heinrich is also attuned to the human element. This book has something for the naturalist (well, yes, Heinrich routinely scours Maine's back roads for road kill ... for consumption by self and his ravens) and for the romantic longing to experience a year in the Maine woods. This book enthralled me so that I next explored the improbably named ...

The Trees in My Forest. Have you ever wondered why desiduous trees loose their leaves each fall? No? Well, neither had I. This delightful narrative explores countless aspects of trees about which you have likely never pondered, but will find enthralling none-the-less.

• Racing the Antelope : What Animals Can Teach Us About Running and Life. Heinrich's latest book. Due out in May 2000.
• Ravens in Winter. A classic treatment of, well, raven's in winter.
• In a Patch of Fireweed. An engaging book about nature and the author's life.
• Bumble Bee Economics. Heinrich's efforts to understand how bumble bee communities operate. Written in a more scholarly fashion than his other trade books. .
• One Man's Owl. I just received a copy (18 Dec 2000). After I've had a chance to digest the book, I'll post comments.
• Mind of the Raven: Investigations and Adventures with Wolf-Birds. Another collection of stories about Heinrich's explorations into raven behavior.

Living on the Wind : Across the Wind With Migratory Birds by Scott Weidensaul. Have you ever wondered where your backyard birds go when they disappear in the Fall? In the spring, while watching renewed birdlife, do you wonder what they experienced over the intervening months? You may be shocked to learn that the unassuming bird at your backyard feeder may have recently traveled 7000 miles. Weidensaul's passion for birds drives this enthralling account of the bird migratory patterns. His narrative takes us to the numbrous corners of the globe he has visited in pursuit of understanding where birds go when they migrate and the route they take to get there. Some birds choose a route that requires multiple days of non-stop flight over water. Some birds' migratory routes take them from one elevation to another, depending on the season. Perils facing migratory birds also attract Weidensaul's pen. Rainforest destruction is familiar to us thanks to the popular press. Less familiar are the perils posed by the fractering of intact wood- and wetlands in North America. Fracturing that not only decreases available breeding habitat, but also increases nest predation by racoons and other nest parasites. The cowbird, which is rapidly expanding its range, is a songbird nest parasite putting increasing pressue on songbird populations.

A fascinating read. Highly Recommended.