Michael Runtz, a revered Canadian naturalist, photographer and author, has dedicated his life to nature. With a lifelong passion for birdwatching, he’s conducted vital surveys on diverse species, from Peregrine Falcons to King Rails. His bestselling books Dam Builders: The Natural History of Beavers and their Ponds, Algonquin Wild and An Explorer’s Guide to Algonquin Park mirror his deep connection to wildlife. As the host of the television show “Wild in Nature,” he brought the outdoors into countless homes. Based in Ontario, Runtz continues his role as a prominent naturalist and advocate for the environment.
"Michael Runtz is highly a respected Canadian naturalist who has had a lifelong passion for writing and photographing the natural world. He has educated us all through his books and teachings. I think most of us have a copy of his best-selling book An Explorer's Guide to Algonquin Park on our shelves. Michael's latest book--Observing Nature by Canoe and Kayak--lists a name and information for all those species paddlers gawk at over the gunwale and wonder what it is and what it does... It's all in this compact, visually rich guide. The content is based on Michael's extensive knowledge of Northeastern Ontario's waterways. More than 350 species are overviewed, with flora and fauna all depicted in full-coloured photographs. Some species are common like moose and deer, but there are plenty of lesser-known plants and animals, such as sedges and freshwater sponges that paddlers have spotted on their travels and always wondered what the heck they are.--Kevin Callan ""Explorer Magazine"" (5/27/2024 12:00:00 AM) The portable field guide is an enthralling, lavishly photographed chronicle of 350 species of flora and fauna you can see while paddling.--Nathalie Atkinson ""Everything Zoomer"" (5/22/2024 12:00:00 AM)"