By: Paul Schattenberg, 210-467-6575, paschattenberg@ag.tamu.edu                                                                                                                                                     Contact: Terry Easterly, 979-458-0452, teasterly@tamu.edu

COLLEGE STATION – Do you have a nature-loving or outdoorsy Dad? If so, the online Texas AgriLife Extension Service Bookstore may be the place to go this year for a unique Father’s Day gift.

The bookstore, http://agrilifebookstore.org, has a variety of interesting and informative publications for the father who’s a farmer or rancher, sportsman, naturalist or outdoor enthusiast. The toll-free number for the bookstore is 888-900-2577.

AgriLife Bookstore publications are referenced by title and identification number. They may be paid for by credit card, check or money order — and most arrive within five days of order placement.

Publications for the “naturalist” father include:

–Exotic Animal Field Guide (SP-342): Exotic animals are abundant in Texas, and this guide gives descriptions, photos and information on more than 80 hoofed exotics – from axis deer to zebras – including where to find them. (286 pp.) By: Elizabeth Cary Mungall.

– Venomous Terrestrial Animals of Texas (B-6118): Pocket guide to 24 species of venomous insects, spiders and snakes found in Texas. Includes information on animal biology as well as bite or sting first aid. (32 pp., 24 color photos) By: John Jackman.

–The Hummingbird Wheel (SP-376): This 10-inch identification wheel features 16 of the 18 hummingbird species that have been documented in Texas. For each bird, the wheel lists its habitat type, traditional range in North America, and distinguishing features of both males and females. By: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

– Hummingbirds of Texas (SP-346): Features all hummingbird species found in Texas and the southwestern U.S. Includes information on bird migration and making a hummingbird garden. (110 pp.) By: Clifford Shackleford, Madge M. Lindsay, C. Mark Klym.

– Texas Wildflowers (L-5384): Colorful identification wheel featuring 16 of the most common wildflowers in Texas with photos of blooms and as seedlings. Includes interesting plant facts and planting tips. (32 photos) By: Agricultural Communications.

– Rare Plants of Texas (SP-337): Photos, line drawings and maps on more than 225 endangered, imperiled or declining plant species. Includes information on habitat, flowering time and current plant status. (640 pp.) By: Jackie M. Poole, William R. Carr, Dana M. Price, Jason R. Singlehurst.

– Trees, Shrubs and Vines of the Texas Hill Country (SP-336): Field guide identifies more than 125 species of plants in the Texas Hill Country, including information about their leaves, flowers, fruit and bark. (246 pp.) By: Jan Wrede.

–Butterflies of Texas (L-5308): This interactive wheel offers pictures of 16 of the most common butterflies in Texas, in both adult and caterpillar forms. Also featured are the butterflies’ wingspans and scientific names, as well as interesting facts about butterflies, a list of plants that attract them, and a drawing of the life cycle (3 pp., 31 photos, 2 figures, 3 tables).

Publications for the sportsman/outdoorsman include:

– Freshwater Fishes of Texas (SP-340): Descriptions, habitat information, photos and maps relating to more than 150 species of native and introduced freshwater fish. (220 pp.) By: Chad Thomas, Timothy H. Bonner, Bobby G. Whiteside.

– Fishes of the Gulf of Mexico (SP-341): Description of more than 500 gulf fish species and information on where each is found. Contains 225 color photos, identification key and sections on ecology and conservation. (424 pp.) By: H. Dickson Hoese, Richard H. Moore.

– Texas Coral Reefs (SP-347): There are more than 30 coral reefs off the Texas Coast teeming with life, including jackknife fish, hermit crabs and rays. This publication takes the reader on a tour of this underwater wonderland. By: Jesse Cancelmo.

– Wildlife and Game Cookbook (SP-204): Cookbook for adventuresome cooks on preparing different types of game and wildlife. Includes recipes for marinades, sauces and rubs. By: Texas Cooperative Wildlife Collection.

Publications for the farmer or rancher include:

– Reference Guide for Texas Ranchers (B-6101): Practical information on subjects ranging from livestock husbandry, grazing management, and weed and brush control to seeding rangeland, feed composition, and sprayer calibrations for herbicide application. (34 pp., 8charts, 18 tables) By: Allan McGinty.

– Grazing Land Stewardship (B-6221): Covers livestock nutrition, forage quality, water and fences, land inventories, grazing strategies, record keeping, and managing livestock and wildlife habitat (148 pp.; photos, charts, tables) By: C. Wayne Hanselka, Mark Moseley.

–Rainwater Harvesting: System Planning (B-6240): This guide addresses rainwater catchment systems of less than 50,000 square feet that can store less than 100,000 gallons. It covers all aspects of planning, installing, operating and maintaining such systems, as well as the distribution of water for landscapes, pets, wildlife, livestock and in-home use. (206 pp.) By: Justin Mechell, Billy Kniffen, Bruce J. Lesikar.

– Brush and Weeds of Texas Grasslands (B-6208): Field guide for landowners and rangeland managers for identifying brush and weed species of greatest concern in their area. Includes descriptions, maps and photos. By: Charles R. Hart.

– Wildlife and Fish Management Calendar for Texas and the Southeast (B-6197): Full-color calendar for year-round management of wildlife and fish resources. Includes information on deer, doves, water fowl, feral hog, bass and catfish. (40 pp.) By: Billy Higginbotham.

–Know Your Grasses (B-182): This publication has native and introduced grasses of Texas arranged alphabetically by common name, with scientific names given for clarity and reference. Each grass is beautifully illustrated and carefully described, with information about the areas of the state in which it can be found. (100 pages, 100 illustrations, 1 map) By: Barron S. Rector.

The AgriLife Bookstore site also has a wide variety of free publications, many of which are available in English and Spanish. Some of the general topics addressed in these publications include agriculture, business, disaster and emergency preparation and recovery, the environment, family, horticulture, food, home, consumer sciences, insects and pests.

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