Book Review: ‘The Birds of Saudi Arabia’ by Abdullah Alsuhaibany

Book Review: ‘The Birds of Saudi Arabia’ by Abdullah Alsuhaibany
The collection is published by Aramco, showcasing their dedication to advancing knowledge in environmental research and conservation. (Supplied)
Short Url
Updated 05 December 2024
Follow

Book Review: ‘The Birds of Saudi Arabia’ by Abdullah Alsuhaibany

Book Review: ‘The Birds of Saudi Arabia’ by Abdullah Alsuhaibany

“The Birds of Saudi Arabia” offers a comprehensive exploration of the diverse avian species in the Kingdom, showcasing the expertise of its authors.

For bird enthusiasts, nature lovers, and researchers, the two-volume set is an exciting compendium that explores the diverse bird life found in the Kingdom, written by Abdullah Alsuhaibany, secretary-general of the Saudi Environmental Security Coordinating Council, and Chris Boland, director of Arabian Biodiversity Consultancy. 

The collection is published by Aramco, showcasing their dedication to advancing knowledge in environmental research and conservation.

The books are available in Arabic and English, titled “The Lives of Birds” and “Species Accounts.”

Together, these volumes provide valuable information about the various bird species that inhabit Saudi Arabia.

The first book provides a broad overview of different bird families in Saudi Arabia. 

It introduces readers to groups of birds, such as colorful passerines, or songbirds, like warblers and sparrows and impressive raptors like eagles and hawks. 

Each chapter is written in a way that is easy to understand and interesting for both beginners and experienced birdwatchers. 

The book describes essential topics such as mating rituals, feeding habits, and migration. 

For example, it highlights how some birds use Saudi Arabia as a vital stop during their long journeys each year, shedding light on the country’s significance for global bird migration.

The conservation status of birds is also a key focus in this volume. The book discusses different challenges, such as habitat loss and climate change, that threaten bird populations and encourages readers to take action to protect these species. 

Additionally, the volume offers practical birdwatching tips, such as the best places and times to observe different species and what gear to bring along.

The second book focuses on specific bird species. This volume is perfect for serious birdwatchers and students of avian sciences, featuring detailed descriptions of each bird. 

Each entry includes information about the bird’s appearance, sounds, and where it can be found.

For instance, the section on the Common Redstart (Phoenicurus phoenicurus) discusses its colors and seasonal behaviors. 

The book also covers the Sooty Gull (Larus hemprichii), explaining its coastal habitats and feeding habits. 

The entry on the Arabian Partridge (Alectoris melanocephala) provides insights into how this bird interacts with others and its unique calls.

This volume also includes maps and descriptions that help readers visualize where different birds live in Saudi Arabia. 

The conservation information included for each species highlights the need to protect these birds and their habitats.

“The Birds of Saudi Arabia” is more than just a reference book; it celebrates the Kingdom’s amazing bird life and encourages conservation efforts. 

With both volumes, readers can learn about birds in a clear and engaging way, making it suitable for casual birdwatchers, seasoned ornithologists, and anyone interested in nature.

By facilitating access to this vital resource, Aramco not only helps to highlight the ecological wealth of Saudi Arabia but also engages a wider audience in the discussion of biodiversity and the importance of protecting fragile ecosystems.

This initiative underscores the vital connection between corporate responsibility and the preservation of our ecosystem. 


What We Are Reading Today: ‘The Difference’ by Scott E. Page

What We Are Reading Today: ‘The Difference’ by Scott E. Page
Updated 20 January 2025
Follow

What We Are Reading Today: ‘The Difference’ by Scott E. Page

What We Are Reading Today: ‘The Difference’ by Scott E. Page

In this landmark book, Scott Page redefines the way we understand ourselves in relation to one another. 

“The Difference” is about how we think in groups—and how our collective wisdom exceeds the sum of its parts. 

Why can teams of people find better solutions than brilliant individuals working alone? And why are the best group decisions and predictions those that draw upon the very qualities that make each of us unique? The answers lie in diversity—not what we look like outside, but what we look like within, our distinct tools and abilities.


What We Are Reading Today: ‘Monetary Economics and Policy’

Photo/Supplied
Photo/Supplied
Updated 19 January 2025
Follow

What We Are Reading Today: ‘Monetary Economics and Policy’

Photo/Supplied

Author: PIERPAOLO BENIGNO

Over the past two decades, monetary policy has been deployed in unprecedented ways, as central banks attempted to mitigate the adverse consequences of the 2007–2008 financial crisis, the COVID-19 global lockdown, and recent inflationary surges.

In “Monetary Economics and Policy,” Pierpaolo Benigno offers a new way to understand the potency and effectiveness of monetary policy, presenting a unified modeling framework to analyze policy challenges posed by both paper and digital currency systems.


What We Are Reading Today: ‘Habitats of North America’

Photo/Supplied
Photo/Supplied
Updated 18 January 2025
Follow

What We Are Reading Today: ‘Habitats of North America’

Photo/Supplied

Authors: PHIL CHAON AND IAIN CAMPBELL

Whether you’re a birder, naturalist, outdoor enthusiast, or ecologist, knowing the surrounding habitat is essential to getting the most out of your experiences in the field.

This compact, easy-to-use guide provides an unparalleled treatment of the wonderfully diverse habitats of North America. Incisive and up-to-date descriptions cover the unique features of each habitat, from geology and climate to soil and hydrology.

Requiring no scientific background, “Habitats of North America” offers quick and reliable information for anyone who wants a deeper understanding and appreciation of the habitats around them.

 

 


What We Are Reading Today: ‘On the Freedom of the Will’

Photo/Supplied
Photo/Supplied
Updated 17 January 2025
Follow

What We Are Reading Today: ‘On the Freedom of the Will’

Photo/Supplied
  • Schopenhauer distinguishes between different types of freedom, including physical, intellectual and moral

Author: Arthur Schopenhauer

Arthur Schopenhauer’s “On the Freedom of the Will” is a landmark philosophical work that explores one of humanity’s most debated questions: Do we have free will?

Published in 1839 as part of a prize competition held by the Royal Norwegian Society of Sciences, this essay won first prize for the author and remains one of his most influential works.

In it, Schopenhauer rigorously examines the concept of free will, combining insights from metaphysics, psychology and science.

He argues for a deterministic view of human action, asserting that while humans may feel free in their decisions, their choices are ultimately determined by external circumstances and internal motivations beyond their control.

Schopenhauer distinguishes between different types of freedom, including physical, intellectual and moral.

While he concedes that humans have physical freedom (freedom from external coercion), he rejects the notion of metaphysical freedom — the idea individuals can act independently of causality.

One of the essay’s key contributions is Schopenhauer’s clear articulation of the relationship between will and action. He asserts that our actions are a direct expression of our unchanging character, which itself is shaped by factors outside our control.

This perspective challenges traditional notions of moral responsibility, as it questions whether individuals can be truly “free” in a moral sense.

The essay also explores the implications of determinism for ethics and human behavior.

Schopenhauer’s arguments are deeply rooted in his broader philosophical system, particularly his concept of the “will” as the driving force behind all existence.

He blends philosophical reasoning with practical examples, making his work both intellectually rigorous and accessible to readers.

Schopenhauer’s writing style is notable for its clarity and precision, though it carries his characteristic pessimism and sharp critiques of opposing views. His dismissal of metaphysical freedom as an illusion is provocative and has sparked debate among philosophers for centuries.

“On the Freedom of the Will” is a profound, thought-provoking work that challenges readers to reconsider their assumptions about free will, causality and moral responsibility.

Schopenhauer’s arguments remain relevant today, influencing contemporary discussions in philosophy, neuroscience, and psychology.

 


What We Are Reading Today: Burkina Faso

Photo/Supplied
Photo/Supplied
Updated 17 January 2025
Follow

What We Are Reading Today: Burkina Faso

Photo/Supplied
  • The citizens’ struggle in this regard stands as one of the few instances of a popular democratic uprising succeeding in sub-Saharan Africa

Author: Ernest Harsch

In 2014, huge protests across Burkina Faso succeeded in overthrowing the long-entrenched regime of their authoritarian ruler, Blaise Compaore. Defying all expectations, this popular movement defeated an attempted coup by the old regime.

The citizens’ struggle in this regard stands as one of the few instances of a popular democratic uprising succeeding in sub-Saharan Africa.

In this book, Ernest Harsch provides a compelling history of this little-understood country, according to a review on goodreads.com.