The Beachcomber's Guide to Seashore Life of California

Dr. Patrick W. Colgan is Director of Research and Natural Lands at the
Royal Botanical Gardens.

From this B.C. naturalist comes a richly illustrated comprehensive field
guide to the coast of the Golden State. The introduction covers the
origin of tides, the resulting intertidal habitats and zones, harvesting
shellfish (and the danger of red tides), and conservation topics. The
rest of the book focuses on species that inhabit the area. Each entry on
a species (there are one or two per page) includes English and Latin
names, size, description (especially, and most usefully, distinguishing
features), habitat, range, and any cautions. Except for tidepool fish,
vertebrates are omitted. The best beachcombing sites are outlined, and
references are provided. Color photographs exceptional in their clarity
appear on every page. This excellent guide should be in the pack of
every California coastal naturalist.