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)
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Updated 05 December 2024
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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: ‘Experiments of the Mind’ by Emily Martin

What We Are Reading Today: ‘Experiments of the Mind’ by Emily Martin
Updated 11 February 2025
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What We Are Reading Today: ‘Experiments of the Mind’ by Emily Martin

What We Are Reading Today: ‘Experiments of the Mind’ by Emily Martin

Experimental cognitive psychology research is a hidden force in our online lives. We engage with it, often unknowingly, whenever we download a health app, complete a Facebook quiz, or rate our latest purchase.

How did experimental psychology come to play an outsized role in these developments?

“Experiments of the Mind” considers this question through a look at cognitive psychology laboratories. 


What We Are Reading Today: ‘The Truth About Everything’

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Updated 10 February 2025
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What We Are Reading Today: ‘The Truth About Everything’

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  • Wiest wants to remind people of the importance of authenticity and self-acceptance in today’s often superficial, fast-paced world

Published in 2013, “The Truth About Everything” is a collection of personal experiences by Brianna Wiest which attempts to provide an understanding of love, loss and self-discovery.

One of the strengths of the publication is the author’s writing style. Wiest adopts a tone that provides a reflection of her views without lecturing.

Her straightforward language makes her insights digestible, offering the chance to connect with her, while encouraging personal introspection and growth.

Another fascinating aspect of the book is Wiest’s attempts to motivate readers to acknowledge their deepest feelings and imperfections. She considers this attitude critical to establishing genuine connections and achieve eventual healing.

Wiest wants to remind people of the importance of authenticity and self-acceptance in today’s often superficial, fast-paced world.

Judging from the online reviews, some readers prefer the structure of the book, with its short chapters and quotes.

Other reviewers were more critical and stated that some ideas were repeated or not grouped thematically.

Wiest challenges readers to re-examine what they thought to be true, and urges them to embark on their own spiritual journeys so that they can find their own truths to share with the world.

 


What We Are Reading Today: ‘Life’s Devices’ by Steven Vogel

What We Are Reading Today: ‘Life’s Devices’ by Steven Vogel
Updated 10 February 2025
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What We Are Reading Today: ‘Life’s Devices’ by Steven Vogel

What We Are Reading Today: ‘Life’s Devices’ by Steven Vogel

Life on Earth is subject to the pull of gravity, the properties of air and water, and the behavior of diffusing molecules, yet such physical factors are constraints that drive evolution and offer untold opportunities to creatures of all sizes.

In this lively introduction to the science of biomechanics, Steven Vogel invites you to wonder about the design of the plants and animals around us.

You will learn why a fish swims more rapidly than a duck can paddle, and why healthy trees more commonly uproot than break, among others. 


What We Are Reading Today: ‘The Mystery of the Mind’

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Updated 09 February 2025
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What We Are Reading Today: ‘The Mystery of the Mind’

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Author: Wilder Penfield

Can the mind be explained by what we know about the brain? Is a person’s being determined by their body alone or by their mind and body as separate elements?
With a foreword by Charles W. Hendel, an introduction by William Feindel, and reflections by Sir Charles Symonds, “The Mystery of the Mind” is Penfield’s compelling personal account of his experiences as a neurosurgeon and scientist observing the inner workings of the brain in conscious
patients.

 


What We Are Reading Today: The Age of Choice

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Updated 08 February 2025
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What We Are Reading Today: The Age of Choice

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Author: Sophia Rosenfeld

Choice touches virtually every aspect of our lives, from what to buy and where to live to whom to love, what profession to practice, and even what to believe. But the option to choose in such matters was not something we always possessed or even aspired to. It turns out that not only are we not very good at realizing our personal desires, we are also overwhelmed with too many possibilities and anxious about what best to select. There are social costs too. ‘The Age of Choice’ tells the long history of the invention of choice as the defining feature of modern freedom.