By: Hanna Nakano
A lifetime of exploration and education culminates in local author Aaron N. K. Haiman’s debut publication Birds of the California Delta.
The book, published by Heyday Books, is due out March 2025.
Haiman is a lifelong birder and Delta local who holds degrees in environmental science and avian science from UC Berkeley and UC Davis, respectively. He uses the pages of his book to showcase avian diversity found where the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers meet.
Birds of the California Delta was written for new and experienced birdwatchers. Throughout the work, Haiman demonstrates how birding can connect us not only with wildlife—but also with one another.
“One of the things I wanted to make sure was in this book is the theme that birding is for everyone,” Haiman told The Dirt. “I have gotten a lot out of birding, and I want everyone who has an interest to have the same opportunity for the type of rewarding involvement that I have had. I hope that by reading this book—and also when meeting birders in the field—everyone, everybody, and every body feels welcomed and included in the birding community and experience.”
Paired with vividly realized full-color portraits that give detailed looks at identification marks and distinctive behavior, this guide to 25 Delta birds helps readers learn more about their avian neighbors.
“I tried to make each species entry different and engaging. Some are serious, some are funny. Some deal with big environmental issues, some deal with bird evolution,” Haiman explained. “And with some of them, I tried to delve into the joy of experiencing these birds.”
Birds of the California Delta is illustrated by Martha Espinoza. Espinoza is from Costa Rica and collaborates with publishers around the world, providing illustrations of mammals and birds that capture the essence and behavior of the creatures in their natural environment.
Writing this book was full of moments of amazement and thrill for Haiman.
“One was when I got the fully signed contract back from the publisher agreeing to the two-and-a-half-year long plan for moving forward with the book,” Haiman said. “Another exciting process has been each time I see a new illustration from Martha Espinoza. All her work is beautiful, and I have been somewhat overwhelmed that she said yes when I asked her to work on this book with me!”
The Delta faces many threats and challenges, from drained wetlands to subsiding ground levels to releasing greenhouse gasses to invasive species. But, Haiman says these issues have solutions, and many people from many areas of expertise and walks of life are working on making those solutions into reality.
Haiman lives in West Sacramento, where he guides bird walks, mentors high school students in ecology and sustainability, leads a youth bird-a-thon team, and gives presentations on birds and habitat restoration.
Follow author Aaron N. K. Haiman on Instagram at @abirdingnaturalist.
