Gulf Stream Chronicles

A Naturalist Explores Life in an Ocean River

In Gulf Stream Chronicles, the late David S. Lee describes the great variety of animal life living in and near the gulf-­stream waters off the coast of North Carolina. His essays examine species like the leatherback turtle, pilot whale, shad, and sunfish, mixing Lee’s personal experiences observing them in the wild with information about their habits, their migration patterns, and how human populations in the area have historically impacted them. For example, the section on sperm whales addresses the history of whaling in the waters near Hatteras Island, the drastically different lives of male and female whales, and the animal’s role in the regional food chain. A museum curator and educator, Lee wrote with a style that blends academic thoroughness with firsthand anecdotes compiled over hundreds of visits to the Gulf Stream. The result is an informative work about an intricate ecosystem, written with an obvious love for the region and a naturalist’s eye for what makes it unique.

Reviewed by Jeff Fleischer

Disclosure: This article is not an endorsement, but a review. The publisher of this book provided free copies of the book to have their book reviewed by a professional reviewer. No fee was paid by the publisher for this review. Foreword Reviews only recommends books that we love. Foreword Magazine, Inc. is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

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