Whales, dolphins, and porpoises of the western North Atlantic : $b a guide to their identification

Designed for anyone who spends time on the water, this field guide offers clear, photograph‑rich illustrations that make spotting a humpback or a common dolphin much less mysterious. It groups the species by the visual cues most useful during brief encounters, pairing pictures with concise notes on size, shape, coloration, and behavior. Ranges are mapped against prevailing currents and seasonal patterns, helping readers understand why a particular cetacean might appear off New England in summer but be rare in winter.

The companion sections on stranded animals give practical tips for documenting and reporting finds, turning accidental beach sightings into valuable scientific data. Compiled by experts who refined an earlier Pacific guide, the book balances technical accuracy with plain language, making it accessible to fishermen, boaters, and amateur naturalists alike. With space for notes and a call for user feedback, it invites readers to become part of an ongoing citizen‑science network that tracks the movements of these ocean giants.