Our History
Buteo Books was founded in 1971 by Joyce and Byron Harrell in Vermillion,
South Dakota. List number one, on a single sheet of paper, offered some
50 birds books for sale. In 1991 the business was purchased by Allen Hale
and moved to Shipman, Virginia. Today we offer and stock the largest selection
of ornithology books in North America; over 2,000 titles in print, including
field guides, finding guides, and scientific textbooks. We offer hundreds of
rare and out-of-print books every year, from bargain books to rare works from
previous centuries. New, used, or out-of-print; Buteo Books is the
place to locate that hard-to-find title.
Recent Developments
Several years ago we purchased the extant inventory of the publications
of the American Museum of Natural History through 1959: Memoirs, Bulletins,
and American Museum Novitates. Additionally, publications in ornithology
for subsequent years are available. Buteo Books is the authorized
agent for publications of the American Ornithologists' Union including
the AOU Check-list and Ornithological Monographs. Buteo Books now owns
the complete stock of single species accounts in the Birds of North America
series, and a few complete sets are still available.
Our Staff
We pride ourselves on our customer service. Our small but knowledgeable
staff is happy to offer advice, experience, and recommendations. We're
here to make sure that you get the book you need. If we don't have it in
stock, we can probably find it for you.
Our Commitment
Buteo Books is a family-owned and operated business based on the firm
belief that independent booksellers are a vital component of our social
and cultural landscape. We share a love and appreciation of birds
with our customers and are committed to preserving biological diversity
and supporting conservation efforts throughout the world. We re-use packing
materials and paper, recycle every day, and do NOT send out catalogs indiscriminately.
Our mailing list is not shared and we do not wish to send catalogs to people
who do not want them.
Our Location
Buteo Books occupies an extension of the residence of Allen Hale and
Barbara Fiske in rural Nelson County, Virginia between the James River
and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Our warehouse is a few miles down the road
and we welcome visitors at either location by appointment. Hawks and owls, not to
mention Hooded and Worm-eating Warblers, nest in our woods and we feel
fortunate to live in such a beautiful, tranquil place.
Our store is open by appointment only, so please call in advance for directions and to make sure someone is here. |
