Originally published in 1971, this book recounts Skutch's 35 years of living and studying ornithology in the Pacific hills of Costa Rica. Warm, nostalgic and extremely knowledgeable, Skutch was one of the greats in tropical ornithology. He thoughtfully includes an index by species -- along with a bird checklist, eight-page curriculum vitae and list of his awards. Rather rich to read in one sitting, we turn to this book for his portraits of individual bird species. For those who become addicted to his graceful, gentlemanly prose and detailed knowledge of the tropics, this is just one of his dozen popular books.  (CAM09, $24.95)